Nylon Lifting Slings 101

Nylon lifting slings are a staple in the rigging and lifting industry, combining strength with flexibility Figure 8 Lifting Straps.

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What is a Nylon Lifting Sling?

Nylon lifting slings are used in the lifting and rigging industry. They transport everything from drums to building materials. Made from heavy-duty industrial-grade webbing, our slings can hold up in even the most rigorous applications.

Many of our slings are made in the USA and come with a tag that includes the working load limits for various hitches for ease of use.

Nylon slings are popular because they are versatile and can be used in almost any type of lift.

Types of Nylon Lifting Straps

There are multiple variations when it comes to our nylon lifting straps designs. This makes it easy for you to choose the one best-suited to your application.

Once you've identified the most compatible style (explored further below), then you will need to find the right combination of width, length, and plies. For example, a 3- or 4-ply nylon lifting strap offers greater strength at smaller widths but is less flexible than a 1- or 2-ply option.

Type 1 – Triangle Choker Sling

Nylon triangle choker lifting slings have a steel triangle on each eye – one of which includes a slot. The smaller triangle can pass through this slot to create the necessary setup for a choker hitch.

The metal end fittings extend the working lifespan of the sling by reducing wear and tear on the eyes.

Hitch types: Choker, vertical, basket

Type 2 – Triangle Sling

The type 2 triangle slings are incredibly similar to the type 1 sling, except that they cannot be used in choker hitches. Unlike the type 1 nylon lifting sling, neither of the triangle end fittings includes a slot.

Hitch types: Vertical, basket

Type 3 – Flat Eye & Eye

Flat eye and eye slings have eyes with no end fittings. The eye design makes them easier to remove from beneath a load than those with end fittings or a twisted eye. They are very versatile and are one of our most popular slings.

Hitch types: Choker, vertical, basket

Type 4 – Flat Eye & Eye Twist

The construction of the twisted eye and eye sling is almost identical to the type 3 sling, except for the eyes. The loops are twisted, which allows for superior performance in basket and choker hitches.

Hitch types: Choker, vertical, basket

Type 5 – Endless Sling

Endless slings are a loop – the ends of the nylon lifting strap are joined together using a load-bearing splice. The main benefit of this style is that you can adjust the contact points with each lift, reducing the wear and tear on the fabric.

Hitch types: Choker, vertical, basket

Type 6 – Reverse Eye Sling

The type 6 slings are known as a reverse eye sling. Equal to one half the body width of the sling, these eyes stand at 90 degrees to the sling body, a setup that prevents twisting during lifts with a basket or choker hitch. The eyes also reverse, doubling the service life.

This style works better than flat eye slings in a choker hitch and is covered with Cordura® wear pads, a thick, durable fabric that resists abrasion.

Hitch types: Choker, vertical, basket

Type 7 – Flat Eye Sling

Flat eye type 7 slings are the same as the type 6 sling, but with flat eyes.