| Part Number | Vertical WLL in M Ton | Choker Hitch WLL in M Ton | Vertical Basket WLL in M Ton | Min Length | Rope Dia. | Approx. Sling Dia | Approx. Weight per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HH-9-EPC | 5,770 | 2,450 | 10,300 | 2' | 3/8" | 1/2" | 0.09 |
| HH-11-EPC | 6,930 | 2,940 | 12,400 | 2' | 7/16" | 9/16" | 0.11 |
| HH-12-EPC | 10,300 | 4,380 | 18,500 | 2' | 1/2" | 11/16" | 0.16 |
| HH-16-EPC | 16,900 | 7,190 | 30,500 | 2' | 5/8" | 7/8" | 0.27 |
| HH-18-EPC | 22,600 | 9,590 | 40,600 | 2' | 3/4" | 1" | 0.33 |
| HH-22-EPC | 30,500 | 12,900 | 55,000 | 2.5' | 7/8" | 1-3/16" | 0.49 |
| HH-24-EPC | 36,300 | 15,400 | 65,300 | 2.5' | 1" | 1-3/8" | 0.59 |
| HH-28-EPC | 48,500 | 20,500 | 87,300 | 3' | 1-1/8" | 1-1/2" | 0.80 |
| HH-30-EPC | 54,400 | 23,100 | 98,000 | 3' | 1-1/4" | 1-5/8" | 0.91 |
| HH-36-EPC | 72,900 | 30,900 | 131,200 | 3.5' | 1-1/2" | 2" | 1.29 |
| HH-40-EPC | 96,000 | 40,700 | 172,800 | 3.5' | 1-5/8" | 2-3/16" | 1.65 |
| HH-44-EPC | 103,600 | 43,900 | 186,500 | 4' | 1-3/4" | 2-3/8" | 1.95 |
| HH-48-EPC | 117,100 | 49,700 | 210,800 | 4' | 2" | 2-5/8" | 2.28 |
| HH-52-EPC | 141,200 | 59,900 | 254,200 | 4.5' | 2-1/8" | 2-7/8" | 2.73 |
| HH-56-EPC | 158,700 | 67,300 | 285,700 | 4.5' | 2-1/4" | 3" | 3.05 |
| HH-60-EPC | 174,900 | 74,200 | 314,800 | 5' | 2-1/2" | 3-3/8" | 3.70 |
| HH-64-EPC | 196,600 | 83,400 | 354,000 | 5' | 2-5/8" | 3-1/2" | 4.18 |
| HH-68-EPC | 217,800 | 92,400 | 392,000 | 6' | 2-3/4" | 3-5/8" | 4.68 |
| HH-72-EPC | 257,400 | 109,200 | 463,300 | 6.5' | 3" | 4" | 5.35 |
| HH-76-EPC | 280,500 | 119,000 | 504,000 | 6.5' | 3-1/8" | 4-1/8" | 5.88 |
| HH-80-EPC | 310,000 | 131,600 | 558,000 | 6.5' | 3-1/4" | 4-3/8" | 6.53 |
| HH-84-EPC | 365,000 | 155,100 | 658,000 | 7.5' | 3-1/2" | 4-5/8" | 7.45 |
| HH-88-EPC | 412,000 | 175,000 | 742,000 | 7.5' | 3-5/8" | 4-7/8" | 8.10 |
| HH-96-EPC | 501,000 | 212,800 | 902,000 | 8.5' | 4" | 5-3/8" | 9.85 |
High-Modulus Polyethylene Lifting Slings
Holloway Houston’s Hammerhead Slings are high-performance lifting slings made from high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) rope, offering very high strength with significantly less weight than traditional steel rigging. Designed for demanding industrial environments such as offshore operations and heavy construction, they help reduce rigger fatigue, protect sensitive loads, and improve handling efficiency. Each sling is manufactured in-house, strength-tested to Cordage Institute standards, and tagged for ASME B30.9 compliance, with a wide range of capacities and custom fabrication available.
What Is a Hammerhead (HMPE) Sling?
A Hammerhead Sling is Holloway Houston’s brand name for a synthetic rope lifting sling manufactured from HMPE (High-Modulus Polyethylene) fiber, also known as UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). This advanced thermoplastic fiber is widely recognized for offering one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any engineered material. Pound-for-pound, HMPE is up to 15 times stronger than steel, allowing the production of high-capacity rope slings that can be up to 80% lighter than wire rope slings or chain slings with the same rated capacity.
HMPE rope slings also provide extremely low elongation under load, helping deliver controlled and precise lifting performance. At the Working Load Limit (WLL), typical stretch ranges from approximately 0.5% to 0.75%, which reflects normal operating behavior during lifting and supports stable load handling and positioning. These slings must always be used within their rated capacity and should never be intentionally loaded to failure or used for breaking applications.
Key Benefits of Polyester Round Slings
Holloway Lifting Round Slings provide functional advantages that support safe and efficient industrial rigging.
Lightweight Handling
Reduces rigger fatigue and lowers risk of handling-related injuries while improving maneuverability during lifting.
High Strength Performance
Excellent load-to-weight capability, delivering strong lifting capacity without excessive sling weight.
Low Stretch Control
Minimal elongation supports precise load positioning and helps prevent rebound associated with high-stretch materials.
Environmental Resistance
Resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and UV exposure for consistent performance across demanding job sites.
Flexible & Easy to Rig
Highly flexible for handling and positioning, with no kinking, rusting, or broken wires associated with steel slings.
Certified & Serviceable Design
Color-coded capacity for quick identification, spliced construction allows certified repair, tested and tagged in compliance with ASME B30.9 and OSHA standards.
The Advantages of High-Modulus Rope Slings
The shift to high-strength synthetic slings is one of the most significant advancements in modern rigging. Hammerhead Slings offer distinct, measurable advantages over traditional lifting equipment.
Hammerhead Slings vs. Wire Rope Slings
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Safety : The number one advantage. A 10-ton capacity wire rope sling can be a heavy, unwieldy load itself. The equivalent Hammerhead HMPE is light enough for one person to carry and rig, drastically reducing the risk of back strains, crushed fingers, and hand cuts from broken "jaggers."
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Load Protection : HMPE rope is soft and flexible, protecting expensive, painted, or sensitive equipment from the crushing, marring, and scratching damage often caused by steel slings.
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Efficiency : Lighter weight means faster rigging and de-rigging, directly translating to saved time and reduced costs on labor and crane time.
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Maintenance : Hammerhead Slings do not rust, require no lubrication (grease), and are easy to inspect. They are also washable for simple cleaning after use.
Hammerhead Slings vs. Polyester Roundslings
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Durability : While both are synthetic, HMPE offers significantly higher abrasion resistance than polyester. This makes Hammerhead Slings a much better choice for rugged job sites and repeated use.
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Stretch : HMPE's low stretch properties are a major advantage. Polyester slings can stretch significantly (8-10% or more), which can be undesirable or unsafe for lifts requiring high precision or low headroom.
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Capacity : HMPE's superior strength means a much smaller, more compact sling can achieve the same capacity as a bulky polyester roundsling.
Hammerhead Slings vs. Alloy Chain Slings
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Weight : The difference is night and day. A high-capacity chain sling is extremely heavy, often requiring additional equipment just to move the sling itself.
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Handling : Chain is noisy, can pinch, and is difficult to manage. HMPE rope is quiet, flexible, and fast.
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Environment : HMPE floats on water, making it ideal for marine lifting rope slings and offshore lifting slings. It is also non-conductive, offering a safety benefit in certain utility applications.
Design and Materials: The Core of the Hammerhead Sling
The performance of every Hammerhead Sling is a direct result of its superior materials and expert fabrication.
- The Fiber : We use premium High-Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) rope. This fiber is renowned for its long-chain molecular structure, which provides its incredible tensile strength, low stretch, and resistance to wear. It is hydrophobic (does not absorb water), resistant to most chemicals, and maintains its flexibility even in cold weather.
- The Construction : Our HMPE slings are not simple loops of rope. They are expertly fabricated assemblies, typically using a spliced-eye. This method, unlike knotting, retains nearly 100% of the rope's original strength.
- The Cover : While the core HMPE rope is durable, designed with a color-coded, abrasion-resistant cover. This cover protects the load-bearing fibers and serves as the primary means of capacity identification.
Quality and Compliance: Certified for Critical Lifts
Safety is never optional. Every Hammerhead Sling from Holloway Houston is designed and manufactured to meet defined performance and safety standards.
- ASME B30.9 Compliant : All slings are designed, manufactured, and tagged to meet or exceed the requirements of ASME B30.9 "Slings" and all relevant OSHA regulations.
- MBL Testing : The Minimum Break Load (MBL) of the rope and final sling assemblies are determined in accordance with Cordage Institute 1500-02 - Test Method for Fiber Ropes, reliable, repeatable strength data.
- Proof Testing : All hammerhead slings are proof tested to 2× the vertical Working Load Limit (WLL) and supplied with full certification documentation for quality assurance.
- 5:1 Design Factor : All Working Load Limits (WLL) shown in our charts are based on a 5:1 Design Factor, providing a robust safety margin. This DF is based on industry standards for critical lifting.
- Full Traceability : Every sling is permanently tagged with a unique serial number, WLL for standard hitches, and manufacturer identification, allowing for complete traceability back to material certifications and test records.
- Third-Party Inspection & Certification : Available with independent third-party inspection and certification upon request, ensuring compliance with project requirements and added assurance for critical lifts.
Capacity, Angles, and Selection – Technical Data
How to properly rate and use your Hammerhead Sling is important to understand for a safe lift. The capacity of an HMPE sling is significantly affected by its angle of use and the diameter of the surface it bends around (D/d Ratio).
Choker Hitch Warning
Holloway currently does not recommend using HMPE rope slings in a choker hitch at a lifting angle of less than 120°. Testing on rated values for this application is not yet complete. A choker angle of less than 120° creates a very tight bend and can concentrate friction and heat, potentially reducing the sling's strength. The choker capacities listed in our chart are for angles of 120° or greater.
Bending Guidance and D/d Ratio
The D/d ratio, the ratio between the bend size (such as the pin, hook, or load edge) and the sling diameter is the primary factor affecting the actual in-service strength of a synthetic sling.
A sharp, tight bend reduces a sling's capacity. A gentle, large bend preserves it. Recommendation: Holloway suggests using all Hammerhead slings at a 3:1 D/d ratio or greater to maximize the sling's efficiency and lifespan
Reduced Basket Capacity Calculation
A common misconception is that a sling in a basket hitch has double the capacity of a vertical hitch. This is only true if the bend is perfectly gentle (a high D/d) and the legs are perfectly vertical. You must account for both the sling leg angle and the bending efficiency.
You must reduce the rated basket capacity (B) by an efficiency factor (e) based on your D/d ratio to find the true reduced basket capacity (C).
Formula: C = B x e
C= Reduced Basket Capacity.
B = Rated Basket Capacity (already factoring in sling leg angle).
e = Bending efficiency percentage (from the table below).
Use this table to find your efficiency factor
| D:d Ratio | eff % (e) | Capacity Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| 8:1 | 100% | 0% |
| 5:1 | 97.0% | 3.0% |
| 3:1 | 91.0% | 9.0% |
| 2:1 | 88.5% | 11.5% |
| 1:1 | 79.0% | 21.0% |
Example: You have a sling rated for 100,000 lbs in a basket hitch. You are lifting an object using a connection pin that gives you a 2:1 D/d ratio. Your reduced capacity is: C = 100,000 x 88.5(or 0.885) = 88,500lbs. Your lift capacity is reduced by over 11% due to the bend. This chart provides general D/d guidance. Engineered lift ratings are available upon request.
Safety, Care, and Inspection
A key benefit of Hammerhead Slings is that they are repairable and can be recertified. Proper care is important.
- Inspect Before Each Use : Visually inspect the entire sling. Look for: Cuts, nicks, or gouges, Excessive abrasion or "fuzzing" Melted, glazed, or discolored fibres (indicating heat damage), Chemical damage Damaged or illegible tags
- Cleaning : Slings can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
- Storage : Store slings in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight (UV), extreme temperatures, and chemicals.
- Recertification : Contact Holloway Houston to learn about our formal inspection and recertification programs. We can inspect, repair (if feasible), and re-tag your slings, extending their service life and providing your compliance
Hammerhead Slings are designed and fabricated in-house, allowing full control over material selection, fabrication processes, and testing standards. Each sling is proof tested and documented for traceability, with technical support available to help with selection, inspection practices, and compliance requirements.
In-House Design & Fabrication Control
Full in-house design and fabrication control across all Hammerhead Sling production.
Proof Testing & Traceability Documentation
Every sling undergoes proof testing with documented certification and complete traceability records.
Material & Quality Verification
Material selection and quality verification are monitored at each stage of the manufacturing process.
Technical Support & Compliance Guidance
Technical specialists provide guidance for sling selection inspection compliance and operational support.
Custom Solutions and Ordering
Your lift is unique. Your should be sling, too. While the chart above shows standard sizes, Holloway Houston is a full-service fabrication house. We can design custom HMPE cord lifting slings to your exact needs.
Custom lengths to the inch.
Sling-in-shackle or thimble-eye configurations.
Intermediate capacities.
Specialized protective covers for extreme abrasion.
Contact our technical sales team today. We'll review your lift plan, help you calculate your D/d ratio, and design the perfect, fully certified Hammerhead Sling for your application.
Learn more about custom lifting solutions.
Inspection & Care Criteria
Per ASME B30.9 standards, round slings must be inspected before every lift.
Visual Inspection Indicators
- ASME B30.9 – Slings (Current Edition).
- OSHA lifting and rigging regulations for workplace safety and inspection practices.
- ISO 4878 — Textile slings — General safety requirements.
- EN 1492-2 — European standard for textile round slings made from man-made fibers.
Remove from service immediately if:
Red Core Yarns are Visible: This indicates the protective cover has been breached.
Missing Tag: Identification tag is illegible or missing.
Heat Damage: Evidence of melting, charring, or weld splatter.
Knots: The sling has been tied in a knot (this reduces capacity by up to 50%).
Chemical Damage: Fibers appear brittle, stiff, or discolored.
Applications and Use Cases
Marine
Industrial
Mining
Offshore (Oil & Gas)
Military
Theatrical Rigging
Construction
Outdoor Recreational
Utility
Heavy Lifting
SAFETY NOTES
Information provided is for reference only and does not replace engineering evaluation or approved lift plans. Always verify specifications and follow all product instructions and applicable safety standards before use.
Holloway Also Provides
Synthetic Round Slings
Flexible round-body slings for wide load distribution.
Web Slings and Accessories
Polyester and nylon slings with load protection options
This complete range supports lifting teams with multiple sling solutions for varying capacities and applications.
Why Choose Holloway Houston for Hammerhead Slings?
Holloway Houston’s Hammerhead Slings combine advanced material technology with precision fabrication to meet diverse lifting requirements across industries. Each sling is carefully produced in-house, providing consistent strength and dependable handling in heavy lifting conditions.
In-House Fabrication
We control the entire process. Every sling is designed by our certified technicians in our own facility, providing the highest quality and consistency.
High Load Capacity
Manufactured using High Modulus Polyethylene fibers, Hammerhead Slings achieve excellent strength-to-weight ratios suitable for repetitive lifting operations.
Technical Expertise
We don't just sell slings; we provide lifting solutions. Our team understands the technical details, from D/d ratios to ASME compliance.
Full Service & Support
We are your partner for the life of the sling, offering inspection, repair, and recertification services.
Certified Quality
With ISO 9001 certification and a rigorous testing program, we stand behind the safety and performance of every product we sell.
Proven Experience
We have decades of experience serving the most demanding industries, including offshore, heavy construction, and manufacturing.