Both chain slings and wire rope slings can be used safely and efficiently to lift, move and position loads – but which one is best for your lifting task?
To choose the right type of lifting sling you must consider the environment it’s being used in and the load it is lifting. Keep reading this handy guide to find out the difference between wire rope slings and chain slings, so that you can choose the safest sling for your industrial material handling applications.
What Is a Wire Rope Sling?
Wire rope slings are an ultra-durable lifting device made from individual strands of steel wire laid out in a helical pattern around a fibre or steel core. This structure provides a combination of strength and flexibility, making wire rope slings a popular lifting solution in construction, automotive and general manufacturing industries where there is a wide variety of heavy loads and particularly rugged conditions.
The more wires in the rope, the more flexible the sling becomes, and the less wires there are, the better the abrasion resistance.
What Is a Chain Sling?
Chain slings are another super strong lifting device, designed to lift extremely heavy and bulky loads on a regular basis. Their flexible design provides strength and durability, making this type of sling perfect for environments where repetitive lifts and harsh conditions would usually damage or destroy a wire rope sling.
Chain slings are usually available in single, two leg, three leg and four leg configurations.
How Do They Compare: Wire Rope Sling vs Chain Sling
Wire rope slings are a more economical option compared to chain slings, especially if you consider how lightweight they are and the amount of load they can carry. However, wire rope slings can be more susceptible to damage from kinking and crushing, and workers should avoid bending them over sharp edges.
If any damage occurs to a chain sling, they are completely repairable as both entire link segments and individual chain links can be replaced. Wire rope slings, on the other hand, are not repairable, and if they become damaged, they should be destroyed or disposed of immediately.
Although wire rope slings are durable, they are also susceptible to internal and external corrosion and should never be used in extreme temperatures. Chain slings are preferred in high-temperature and extreme applications as they can better withstand exposure to chemicals and UV rays.
The construction of wire rope slings also makes inspection difficult, especially in and around the core, whereas chain slings are easy to inspect. The main downside to chain slings is that they are very heavy and can also be more expensive than wire ropes or synthetic slings.
So, Which Should I Choose?
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting the proper lifting sling for the job at hand. As long as you take into consideration the weight capacity you need alongside any special qualities your task requires, you should have no problem deciding between using a wire rope sling vs a chain sling.
If you’re still unsure what type of lifting sling you require, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at SafetyLiftinGear and a member of our team will be happy to help!
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