Synthetic slings have certain advantages over steel or wire chokers.
What are the advantages, you ask? Synthetic slings:
- Cinch tightly around the load, giving extra security during lifts.
- Do not rust.
- Experience minimal twisting and spinning during lifting.
- Are lighter in weight to permit ease of rigging.
- Provide low risk of crew members being struck and injured by a free-swinging sling.
- Stretch under load to absorb heavy shocks (where sling stretch must be minimized, use a larger-capacity or polyester sling).
- Are adjustable in length.
Of course, it can’t all be good – here are some of the disadvantages of using synthetic slings:
- They are easily cut and have poor abrasion resistance when compared to chain and wire-rope slings. Protective devices provided by sling manufacturers can minimize these effects.
- If the loops on a webbed sling are allowed to slip too much, it is possible for them to cut into the cinched eye or loop and cause severe sling damage or breakage.
- Nylon slings are damaged by acids, but resist caustics.
- Polyester slings are damaged by caustics, but resist acids.
- Sunlight, moisture and temperatures above 90°C (194°F) damage both nylon and polyester slings.
