Sling Protection

Sling Protection by Lift-It Mfg. Call us at 909-469-2251. When only the best is good enough!

The number one cause of dropped loads is inadequate, missing and/or improperly used sling protection. Any sling can be damaged, abraded or cut as tension and compression develops between the sling, connection points and/or the load. Slings must ALWAYS be protected from cutting and damage by edges, corners, protrusions, and abrasive surfaces in contact with the sling with materials of sufficient strength, thickness and construction to prevent damage and catastrophic sling failure. The type of sling protection used must be based on the load and/or contact edge as well as the sling type, see the specifications for each type of engineered sling protection for more details.

Robust engineered sling protection that when properly used may protect slings from cutting and sling protection types that protect against abrasion only, such as wear pads, web or Cordura® sleeves are available. Once you know the type of protection needed, i.e. abrasion vs. cutting, the next step is to determine the style of sling protection device required. Keep in mind that “cut proof” sling protection does not exist. If edge exposure exists all slings should have protection - whether they're made from nylon, polyester, plasma, wire rope or chain. ASME and be incorporation of reference OSHA requires "Slings in contact with edges, corners, protrusions, or abrasive surfaces shall be protected with a material of sufficient strength, thickness, and construction to prevent damage." - ASME B30.9 (2021) 9-5.10.4(d)

Sling Cut Protection

The styles of engineered sling cut protection available either prevent the sling from contacting the edge (Magnetic Corner Protectors from Liftguard™) & CornerMax® Pad) or put a cut resistant barrier between the sling and the load edge (Cornermax® Sleeve) which is woven using high-tech Spectra® or Dyneema® UHMWPE fiber. The shape of the load must also be considered, see the specifications for each type of engineered sling protection for more details.

Sling Abrasion Protection

Different types of materials offer varying degrees of sling abrasion protection (sleeves & quick sleeves) and should be evaluated based on the coarseness of the surface to be contacted, i.e., concrete pipe, rough fiberglass, weathered steel pipe, etc. Abrasion protection will not protect against cutting!