3 Benefits of Using Synthetic Rigging Slings
While wire, rope and chain rigging slings are effective, you can also use slings made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. What are the advantages of using synthetic slings in your rigging jobs?
1. More Versatility
If you use a rigging sling with the right lifting capacity, then it can technically do its lifting job. However, not all slings are suitable for all loads.
For example, you might find it hard to fit a chain or wire sling around an unusually-shaped load. These slings don't always have the flexibility to bend around irregular shapes all that well.
Plus, if your load is fragile or easily damaged, then harder slings might not give the load the protection you need. They might scratch or damage the load. They might cause some crush damage.
Synthetic slings work well on many different loads. They are more versatile.
These slings typically wrap themselves around a load — their materials are much more flexible — so, they give better support to even irregular shapes. They spread the load weight more effectively. While strong, these slings are also made from softer materials, so they shouldn't damage fragile materials.
2. Lightweight Portability
Wire and metal rigging slings can be heavy and hard to store. You won't necessarily find it easy to move them around a site because of their weight and lack of flexibility. They can take up a fair amount of room when you aren't using them.
Synthetic rigging slings are a lot lighter. You can simply bundle up a sling and carry it from location to location without too much trouble. Plus, the fabric on these slings lends itself to folding and coiling. So, your slings will take up less room when you have to store them.
3. Easier Visual Checking
You should check any rigging sling before you use it. This is a vital job; however, it can add to your lift times.
For example, if you use a chain sling, then you have to check the chain. You need to make sure that no link has any damage that might compromise the sling's ability to lift a load safely. You need to make sure that the chain itself doesn't have any corrosion or rust damage.
Checking a synthetic sling is a lot easier and faster. You simply lay the sling out and check that the material and its fittings are intact and free from damage.
To find out more about synthetic slings, contact rigging suppliers.