Web Sling Information

Common Types
of Sling Hitches
HitchComments
Vertical Hitch
One end is placed on the hook, while the other end is attached directly to the load. A tagline should be used to prevent load rotation.
Choker Hitch
Sling passes through one
end around the load and
the other end is placed on the hook. Rated capacity is normally 80% of that for a vertical hitch. Load control is a potential problem with only one sling rigged in a choker hitch. Also, the choke point should always be on the sling body—not on the fittings, base of the fitting or tag.
Basket Hitch
The sling cradles the load while both ends are attached overhead. The rated capacity for a basket hitch is twice that for a vertical hitch. As with the choker hitch, more than one sling rigged in a basket hitch (or some other means) may be necessary to help ensure load control.
Increased sling tension as a function of sling-to-load angle
Angle “A” in degrees from horizontalTension Multiplier
901.000
851.004
801.015
751.035
701.064
651.104
601.155
551.221
501.305
451.414
401.555
351.742
302.000




Multiply the load weight (per leg) by the tension factor to determine the increased tension of the sling leg(s)
Reductions in rated capacity as a function of angle of choke
Angle of Choke
(degrees)
Angle of
Choke Reduction Factor
= or ><
1201801.000
1051200.82
901050.71
60900.58
0600.50
The radii values apply to roundslings that are fully tensioned to their rated capacity regardless of the hitch.

When roundslings are tensioned to lower force values, the minimum radius values will reduce accordingly.

Fractional inches are rounded up to the nearest 1/16” (1.58 mm).
Actual Sling Capacity =
Rated Capacity x
Reduction Factor
Arabi Sling roundsling ruler
The radii values apply to roundslings that are fully tensioned to their rated capacity regardless of the hitch.

When roundslings are tensioned to lower force values, the minimum radius values will reduce accordingly.

Fractional inches are rounded up to the nearest 1/16” (1.58 mm).
Web Sling Removal from Service Criteria
  • If sling identification tag is missing or not readable
  • Holes, tears, cuts, snags, or embedded materials.
  • Broken or worn stitches in the load bearing splices.
  • Knots in any part of the sling webbing.
  • Acid or alkali burns
  • Melting, charring or weld spatter on any part of the web sling.
  • Excessive abrasive wear or crushed webbing.
  • Signs of Ultraviolet (UV) light degradation.
  • Distortion, excessive pitting, corrosion or other damage to fitting(s).
  • If provided, exposed red core yarn. However, if damage is present and red yarns are not exposed DO NOT USE the sling.
  • Any conditions which cause doubt as to the strength of the web sling.
Where to Find Additional Information
  • WSTDA-WS-1 – Recommended standard specification for synthetic polyester web slings
  • WSTDA-WS-2 – Recommended operating, care and inspection manual for Nylon & Polyester Synthetic Web Slings
  • ASME B30.9 – Synthetic webbing slings: selection, use and maintenance
  • OSHA Guidance on safe sling use (Guidance on Safe Sling Use (osha.gov))
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.184 – Slings
  • Rigging handbooks
  • Formal training from certified third party or manufacturer
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