Carabiners, Chain, Rope and Slings

Rated for lifting or just for tying down

Start with what the item is certified to do. Lifting slings, chain and hooks carry a tag with a working load limit, and that figure falls when the sling is used in a choker hitch or with its legs spread at a wide angle. Utility carabiners and spring clips are for light attachment, not for holding a person, unless the listing gives a safety rating for climbing. Garden ties and decorative chain have no load rating and should never be used overhead.

Nylon, polyester, steel or stainless: material by environment

Nylon rope and webbing stretch, which absorbs shock loads but makes it a poor choice where the load must not move. Polyester stretches less and resists sunlight and abrasion better, which suits long outdoor use. Steel chain and cable carry more load for their size, while stainless steel such as 304 resists rust in damp or coastal places, though it is not automatically stronger. Check the diameter, length and end fittings.

End fittings decide how the item connects. An eye-to-eye sling loops over a hook at each end, a turnbuckle with hooks adjusts the tension between two points, and a carabiner closes with a gate that should be locked or screwed shut under load. Mixing parts is where problems start, so confirm that every link in a rig has a rating at least as high as the load.

Questions about Carabiners, Chain, Rope and Slings

What does 2-ply mean on a lifting sling?

Ply is the number of layers of webbing sewn together, so a 2-ply sling is thicker and generally rated higher than a 1-ply sling of the same width. The tag gives separate ratings for vertical, choker and basket use, and those figures, not the ply count, are what you plan the lift around.

What does M8 mean on a turnbuckle?

M8 is the metric thread diameter, 8 mm, and a larger number means a thicker body with a higher rating. Hook-and-hook types attach quickly, but hooks can open or unhook when the line goes slack, so eye-and-eye fittings are safer for permanent rigging.

How should I inspect and keep rope and slings?

Keep them dry, out of sunlight and away from chemicals. Before every use, check for cuts, melted or glazed fibers, broken strands, kinks and corroded links. Retire any sling or chain showing damage, because repairs by knotting or stitching are not safe.