Wire Rope Sling Information

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General Information
Inspection Information

Wire rope slings are used for their strength, durability, and abrasion resistance.

Care and usage The two types of rope used in wire rope slings are fiber-core and independent wire rope core (IWRC). SlingMart fabricates their slings using independent wire rope core which is more resistant to harsh environments and has greater resistance to damage. Before selecting a wire rope sling, you must consider how it is being used and if it can withstand abuse, wear, bending without distortion, and its overall strength. Eyes are formed with industry preferred mechanically spliced Molly Flemish eyes.  Determine a sling based on the weight of the load. If in doubt, use a larger capacity wire rope sling. Do not run a sling around sharp corners without corner guards. Do not attach the sling to fittings with diameters smaller than the sling rope diameter. Keep the sling well lubricated to resist corrosion. Environmental/Chemical Factors IWRC wire rope slings should not be used at temperatures above 400 degrees F or below -40 degrees F. Wire rope slings of all grades should be stored in an area where they will not be damaged by moisture, extreme heat, corrosion, being run-over, or being kinked. Slings should be hung up vertically when not in use. Reduction Factors

Inspection intervals

Initial Inspection -  whenever the sling is initially received.

Frequent Inspection - before each shift or day in normal service.

Periodic Inspection - an inspection done by a qualified and designated person and other than the person who performs the frequent inspections. Periodic inspection intervals should not exceed one year.  Documentation that the most recent periodic inspection was performed shall be maintained.

Removal Criteria

Following are some things to look for when inspection a wire rope sling for damage:

• Broken Wire* and valley breaks, breakage in the valleys between the strands, are sometimes difficult to see but serious enough to take the sling out of service. These breaks are signs of abnormal fatigue.
• Birdcaging is the separation of the strands of the wire rope is called birdcaging, a result of damage resulting from shock loading.  
• Bent Wire is a common indication of side loading or other abuse. Now the moving parts of the machine (sling) cannot move. The rope will wear out prematurely.
• Frayed Wire is common when a sling is overloaded or misused. 

*According to OSHA 1926.1413, in running wire ropes there may be up to 3 broken wires in one strand or up to 6 broken wire in all strands in 1 wire rope lay.