Background

Slings made of nylon are by far the most popular and best suited slings for general usage. Nylon is the strongest material available for web sling usage. It has elastic properties that are desirable in many instances. Nylon slings are not affected by grease or oil and have good chemical resistance. Their stretch-rated capacity is approximately seven percent, and their temperature limit is 180°F.

Advantages of nylon web slings

Nylon web slings are manufactured with a minimum safety factor of five to one. Their rated capacities, length, and other information meet current requirements by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

All slings incorporate red core stuffers in the webbing to indicate cuts or abrasions to the sling and a need for replacement (when the red shows, the sling must be removed from service). The sling webbing itself is a safety factor because it has an elasticity which minimizes the effects of shock-loading and gives a firm, slip-resistant, gentle grip on the load.

Nylon web slings possess tremendous strength. Pound for pound of sling weight, they are the strongest lifting slings available.

Nylon web slings are low in initial cost and can offer even greater savings because they cause less damage to materials being handled. Nylon web slings help prevent scratching, marring, crushing, and other damage to polished or fragile materials. They will give more damage-free lifts and light and easy to handle. Their flexibility is unequaled by any other type of lifting sling, and they will conform to almost any load.

Adaptability to various material configurations and lifting situations is a big advantage of nylon web slings. Web slings made of nylon fibers are not affected by rot, mildew, or most common chemicals that they may have contacted during use. They also have excellent abrasion and cutting resistance when used properly.

Safety guidelines

• Slings that are unsafe shall NOT be used.

• Slings shall not be exposed to temperatures in excess of the manufacturer's recommendation.

• Slings shall be long enough to provide the maximum practical angle between the slings and the horizontal. Slings shall NOT be shortened by knots, bolts, or similar methods. Twisting and/or kinking the legs of a sling is prohibited.

• A sling shall not be loaded in excess of its capacity. The load shall be centered in the base of the hook to prevent point loading. Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the load balanced to prevent slippage.

• A sling shall be padded or protected from the sharp edges of its load.

• Do NOT place hands or fingers between the sling and its load.

• Each sling shall be securely hitched to its load. The load shall be free to move before lifting and shall be kept clear of all obstructions. Shock loading shall be avoided.

• All personnel must stand clear of a suspended load.

• Do NOT pull sling from under a load. The full weight of the load can damage the sling and reduce the performance. Avoid abrasive surfaces; do NOT drag slings on flooring or over equipment

• Nylon slings shall NOT be used where acid conditions exist or where caustic conditions exist.

• Nylon web slings should NOT be used at temperatures in excess of 180°F.

• Aluminum fittings shall not be used where caustic conditions exist.

• Damaged slings should be replaced, not repaired.

• If the red core markers of the webbing can be seen, the sling should be removed from service.

• Use common sense; if a sling looks damaged or its rated capacity is not known, do NOT use it.

Uses of nylon webbing. (Nylon web slings are manufactured in various sizes according to their use.)

• Parachutes and accessories
• Tow target reinforcement
• Safety belts
• Bomb hoists and slings
• Tiedown equipment
• Overrun barriers

Type XXVII webbing is intended for use in the manufacture of aeronautical safety equipment.

Type XXVIII webbing is used for the cover of the 2-quart collapsible water canteen.

Type VIIIb and VIIIa webbings are used in load-carrying equipment.

Breaking strength of nylon webbing