Which Sling Hitch: Vertical, Choker, or Basket?
A sling hitch is the type of method of slinging used to attach one item of rigging to another. There are three main types of sling hitch – vertical, basket, and choker – and here we will run through each type and discuss the purposes. Types of Sling Hitches Vertical Sling Hitches use vertical synthetic, wire rope or chain lifting slings to secure items together. The advantage of using this type of hitch it that it offers high strength and stability. It also allows for the greatest range of movement when hoisting items off the ground or from other elevated surfaces. Additionally, due to the low-profile design, vertical sling hitches can be utilized efficiently in more confined space situations, where...
Different Types of Lifting Slings: Choose The Right One!
Fulfilling a successful lift, and when we say successful we mean safe and efficient, is all in the planning. Have you weighed your item? How many attachment points do you need? What’s the clearance height? How high is the lift? What type of environment is the lift taking place? How to choose the right lifting sling These are just a few of the questions that you must ask yourself before undertaking any type of lifting or rigging task. But here’s your first challenge… what type of sling do you need? It might seem like an easy answer, but we understand that sometimes there’s just too much choice, which leaves doubt in our minds. The different types of lifting slings...
Keep Safe: Understanding Sling Tag Requirements
Lifting Slings are among the most commonly used rigging equipment in construction and industrial settings. However, these items are also potentially dangerous if not properly inspected, tested and tagged, which is why it’s essential to ensure that each sling has a valid I.D. tag attached indicating all the necessary information for safe operation. In this blog post, we will explore what information must be included on a chain sling tag, as well as providing tips for safely using them. Read on to learn more about how you can stay safe when using chain slings! What Information Must Be Included on a Lifting Sling Tag? A sling tag is a steel or plastic tag (ours are steel!) attached to a sling that includes important...
How to Measure a Lifting Sling
Measuring a lifting sling is an essential part of buying and using them safely. If you don’t get the right size, it can be dangerous and cause serious issues for your rigs. Luckily, it’s easy to measure the sling correctly with just a few simple steps. To determine the length of your sling, you will need a tape measure or ruler. Begin by laying out the sling flat on a level surface and extending it fully to its maximum length if possible. Then, measure from the bearing point of the oblong master link to the bearing point of the hooks (the underside of the top arch of the masterlink where the crane hook will sit to the bite of the hook...
How to Safely Recover a Vehicle Using a Vehicle Recovery Chain
Are you in need of help recovering a vehicle? (You should probably call a professional recovery company rather then doing it yourself) but lets say you are a professional and you're just looking for a few tips, so you're in the right place. A recovery using a chain sling is one of the most effective and safe methods that you can use (and it will fit nicely in your rigging box!). This guide will provide a step-by-step overview of how to safely perform a vehicle recovery using a set of chains, do consider however that every recovery is different and there for improvisations are often made based on the application, however the fundamentals usually remain the same. Firstly, it is...
3 Reasons to STOP using Wire Rope Slings!
Despite their wide adaptation and availability, Wire Rope Slings do have several drawbacks that need to be considered when using them: 1. Wire rope absorbs water quickly and this can decrease its strength significantly - so it is recommended that they are used in dry conditions only. 2. Hauling these beats around is a big deal in itself, they can be sharp and rigid often making them difficult to manipulate to store or carry. Our chains are smooth, easy to handle and compact when storing (although we always recommend hanging your chains after use where possible). 3. Wire Rope Slings cannot be adjusted or shortened in length, once crimped they are often sized for life. With an Adjustable Chain Sling...
What can I use to lift a shipping container?
What is an ISO Shipping Container? ISO shipping containers are a standardized type of device used for international sea and land transport purposes. Usually made from corrugated steel and measuring either 20 or 40 feet in length, the ISO container is one of the most versatile systems for the transportation of goods used today. These containers can easily be loaded on ships, railway cars, and trucks, making them an incredibly efficient means of distribution. Plus, they provide a safe environment during transit to ensure proper protection for valuable items like food or electronics that could be damaged otherwise. With their immense utility, it's no wonder why they are often preferred container options in many industries. Shipping containers have been transforming...
5 Reasons to Use Chain Over Wire Rope
Fully adjustable for lifeOffering significant adjustability, chains are far more versatile than wire ropes when it comes to making small or even large changes to your setup. With a wire rope you'll need to send your sling back to the shop for re-working (that's if what you need can even be done!), there's a heavy cost in transportation due to the size and rigidity of a wire rope assembly, whilst with chains modifications and minor adjustments can be made with ease. Each leg can be adjusted (ensure you choose an ADJUSTABLE SLING and not a fixed length assembly if you plan to make adjustments to the leg lengths) to your desired position- perfect for applications where the center of gravity...
Why Choose Grade 100 Chain from SlingSmarter™?
Making the wrong decision is easy when you have so many poor quality imports and un-tested products, but making the right decision is even easier, and in this article, we'll show you just how great our Grade 100 Chain Systems really are! Grade 80 and Grade 100 Chains and Components host one main difference and that's capacity:size ratio. What this means is that when you select a higher grade chain (G100) you'll be able to lift more with the same sized equivalent G80 chain. Example: take a 1/2" Grade 80 two leg chain- it lifts 17,00lbs, whilst a 1/2" Grade 100 two leg chain lifts 21,200lbs -almost a 25% increase! The massive benefit provides a 25% weight reduction meaning that riggers are...