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Identify & Fix Damage to Lifting Slings

Written by Zip's | Apr 14, 2023 1:00:00 PM

Sling Inspection and Retirement Checklist

Any synthetic rope that has been in use any period of time will show normal wear and tear. Some characteristics of a used rope will not reduce strength while others will. Below, we have identified conditions of damaged slings that should be inspected on a regular basis of its service life.

If upon a periodic inspection you find any of these conditions, you must consider the following before deciding to repair or retire it:
  • The length of the rope
  • The length of time it has been in service
  • The type of work it does
  • Where the damage is
  • The extent of the damage
In general, it is recommended to:
  • Repair the rope if the observed damage is in localized areas and the application permits
  • The rope should be removed from service if the damage is over extended areas

Regular Wear

Track Progression

What to look for:

  • Slight fuzzy look
  • Slight color fading
  • Other characteristics appear normal
  • Brittle or stiff areas

Causes:

  • Initial Use
  • Abrasion

Compression

Correctable

What to look for:

  • Visible sheen
  • Stiffer than rest of rope but loses stiffness with repeated bending

Causes:

  • Setting of fiber around object (hooks, etc.)

Corrective measures:

  • Bend rope back and forth to remove compression

Pulled Strand

Correctable

What to look for:

  • Pulled strand protruding from the rest of the rope
  • No damage present

Causes:

  • Snagging on vehicle or equipment

Corrective measures:

  • Work back into rope by "milking" back and forth
  • Ensure strand is back in place before attempting to use

Chemical Degradation

Retire Sling

What to look for:

  • Fused/bonded fibers
  • Discoloration
  • Brittle fibers

Causes:

  • Chemical contamination

Heat Degradation

Retire Sling

What to look for:

  • Fused/melted fibers
  • Very stiff
  • Can’t be brought back by bending like compressed fibers

Causes:

  • Exposure to high heat

Inconsistent Diameter

Retire Sling

What to look for:

  • Tight flat areas
  • Looks as if strand or strands have been pulled tight
  • Bumps or dips

Causes:

  • Broken or pulled internal strand(s)
  • Shock loading

Volume Reduction

Retire Sling

What to look for:

  • Reduction in size of strands/rope diameter

Causes:

  • Abrasion
  • Sharp objects
  • Cyclic tension wear (fatigue)