Both web slings and wire rope slings are commonly used in construction and manufacturing industries where heavy lifting is required – but which one is best for your heavy lifting task?
Keep reading this handy guide to learn the difference between web slings and wire rope slings, so that you can choose the best and safest sling for your material handling applications.
What Is a Web Sling?
Constructed from woven polyester fibres, web slings are known for their strength, flexibility and durability when it comes to material lifting. Their flat surface area provides even pressure distribution, making web slings ideal for lifting irregularly shaped loads or loads with sharp edges and delicate surfaces.
What Is a Wire Rope Sling?
Wire rope slings have a similar design to web slings as they consist of a flexible and durable strap with loops at each end for attachment to lifting equipment and loads. However, wire rope slings are made from individual strands of steel wire twisted around a fibre or steel core instead of polyester.
This makes wire rope slings well suited to repetitive lifting tasks in rugged environments like shipyards and on aircrafts.
How Do They Compare: Web Sling vs Wire Rope Sling
Web slings are lightweight, relatively soft and flexible, making them ideal for delicate loads and situations where load protection is crucial. Wire rope slings, on the other hand, offer higher strength and durability but less flexibility, meaning they may not conform as easily to complex load shapes and their metal construction can sometimes cause damage to more delicate loads.
In general, web slings have a lower load capacity compared to wire rope slings and are more susceptible to damage from sharp edges, UV exposure and chemicals. Wire rope slings, however, can be more difficult to handle and can rust and corrode if not properly maintained.
So, Which Should I Choose?
There are a few different factors to consider when choosing between a web sling and a wire rope sling. For example:
Load Sensitivity
If your load could be easily damaged or is an irregular shape, a web sling is often the better choice.
Environmental Conditions
If you will be working in a harsh environment with high temperatures, chemicals and other hazards, wire rope slings are the preferred choice.
Budget
Wire rope slings tend to be more expensive up front, so if you need a budget-friendly lifting solution, web slings many be your best bet.
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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