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 where the load attachment will sit). This measurement will give you the length of your sling in feet or meters.

If you have a multi-leg lifting sling and you notice one (or several) legs are longer then others this is a key indicator that the sling you are measuring has been stretched and overloaded at some point during its life. Any sling showing signs of overload should be repaired and retested before returning to service.

It’s important to measure slings correctly in order to get the right size for your lifting needs. Doing this will ensure that lifting operations can be done safely and efficiently, reducing any risk of accidents or injury. Be sure to check with SlingSmarter™ if you have questions about selecting the right lifting sling for your needs. Happy hoisting!