What Are Rigging Slings?

Rigging slings are critical lifting tools designed to secure and hoist loads safely during material handling operations. These slings connect the load to lifting equipment—such as cranes, hoists, or forklifts—ensuring stability and control during movement.

Available in various materials, configurations, and load capacities, rigging slings are engineered for diverse applications, from lightweight cargo to heavy industrial lifts.

Eye-to-Eye Web Slings

Eye-to-eye slings are the most versatile rigging solution, featuring reinforced loops at both ends of heavy-duty polyester webbing. This dual-eye design enables multiple attachment methods including hooks, shackles, and lifting hardware. The configuration delivers superior load stability and even weight distribution, making it ideal for vertical lifts, choker hitches, and basket rigging in construction, manufacturing, and industrial applications.

Eye-to-Eye Web Slings (1")

• ✔ EES101-3 (1" x 3')
• ✔ EES101-6 (1" x 6')
• ✔ EES101-9 (1" x 9')

Load Capacity Specifications:

• ✔ Vertical Hitch: 3,100 lbs
• ✔ Choker Hitch: 2,480 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch: 6,200 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch (0-45°): 4,384 lbs

Eye-to-Eye Web Slings (2")

• ✔ EES102-3 (2" x 3')
• ✔ EES102-6 (2" x 6')
• ✔ EES102-9 (2" x 9')

Load Capacity Specifications:

• ✔ Vertical Hitch: 6,200 lbs
• ✔ Choker Hitch: 4,960 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch: 12,400 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch (0-45°): 8,787 lbs

Twisted Eye Web Slings

Twisted eye slings feature a unique loop design where the webbing twists before forming the eye, creating a self-locking grip perfect for choker applications. The twisted configuration prevents slippage on smooth or rounded loads while maintaining full load-bearing capabilities. These slings excel in pipe handling, cylinder lifting, and industrial rigging where secure attachment is critical.

Twisted Eye Web Slings (1")

• ✔ TES101-3 (1" x 3')
• ✔ TES101-6 (1" x 6')
• ✔ TES101-9 (1" x 9')

Load Capacity Specifications:

• ✔ Vertical Hitch: 1,600 lbs
• ✔ Choker Hitch: 1,280 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch: 3,200 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch (0-45°): 2,262 lbs

Twisted Eye Web Slings (2")

• ✔ TES102-3 (2" x 3')
• ✔ TES102-6 (2" x 6')
• ✔ TES102-9 (2" x 9')

Load Capacity Specifications:

• ✔ Vertical Hitch: 3,100 lbs
• ✔ Choker Hitch: 2,480 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch: 6,200 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch (0-45°): 4,384 lbs

Endless Loop Slings (1")

• ✔ RS106 (1" x 6')
• ✔ RS109 (1" x 9')

Load Capacity Specifications:

• ✔ Vertical Hitch: 2,600 lbs
• ✔ Choker Hitch: 2,100 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch (Parallel): 5,200 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch (0-45°): 3,700 lbs

Endless Loop Slings (2")

• ✔ RS206 (2" x 6')
• ✔ RS209 (2" x 9')

Load Capacity Specifications:

• ✔ Vertical Hitch: 5,300 lbs
• ✔ Choker Hitch: 4,200 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch (Parallel): 10,600 lbs
• ✔ Basket Hitch (0-45°): 7,500 lbs

Selecting the right sling requires careful
consideration of

• ✔ Load weight, shape, and center of gravity
• ✔ Lifting angles and hitch type
• ✔ Environmental conditions (temperature, chemicals, abrasion)
• ✔ Durability and frequency of use

Regular inspections for wear, fraying, or damage are essential to maintain safety and prevent accidents.

Fundamental Sling Characteristics

Web slings demonstrate different load capacities based on configuration:

• ✔ Vertical hitches utilize the full rated capacity
• ✔ Choker configurations reduce capacity to 80% of vertical ratings
• ✔ Basket hitches double effective capacity when properly balanced
• ✔ Angled basket configurations require derating based on angle severity

1. Vertical Hitch
(Straight Lift)

A vertical hitch is the simplest and most direct lifting method, where the sling connects straight from the lifting device to the load in a single line of tension. This configuration utilizes the sling’s full rated capacity since the force is evenly distributed along a single axis.

2. Choker Hitch
(Looped Lift)

A choker hitch wraps around the load and tightens like a noose, creating a secure grip on objects without built-in lifting points. This method reduces the sling’s capacity (typically to 80% of vertical rating) due to increased friction and stress at the choke point.

3. Basket Hitch
(Parallel Lift)

A basket hitch cradles the load from below, with both ends of the sling attached overhead. This distributes weight evenly across two legs, effectively doubling the sling’s capacity compared to a vertical hitch.

4. Angled Basket Hitch
(45° angle)

An angled basket hitch is a variation where the sling legs are not vertical, creating a V-shape beneath the load. The capacity decreases as the angle widens due to increased tension on each leg.