When choosing a synthetic sling, the two most common materials are nylon and polyester. Each material is excellent, but they have different characteristics and should not be used interchangeably. Nylon is known to be strong and economical. It is a lightweight and flexible material, and it should never be used in acid conditions. Polyester, on the other hand, can resist acid and does not stretch. It is commonly used in applications where headroom is limited.
These slings boast different hitch rate capacities. Nylon slings have the largest load in a basket hitch. If used in a vertical hitch, it will have 50% less capacity. Within the choker hitch, you only get 40% of the basket hitch. The same applies when working with verope.
When using a sling, you should never do the following:
- You do not want to crush slings between the load and other surfaces. Always avoid crushing and knotting of slings.
- You must beware of the load surface problem. When the edge of a sling meets wire ropes, cutting and wear are accelerated. You must take steps to protect your sling.
- You must avoid exposing your sling to harmful UV rays for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to the sun will degrade the quality of the sling. Colors often fade when left in the sun.
Nylon Slings
