| Rope Diameter | Vertical Hitch (lbs) | Choker Hitch (lbs) | Basket Hitch (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 1,300 | 980 | 2,600 |
| 3/8" | 2,800 | 2,100 | 5,600 |
| 1/2" | 4,800 | 3,600 | 9,600 |
| 5/8" | 7,400 | 5,600 | 14,800 |
| 3/4" | 10,500 | 7,900 | 21,000 |
| 1" | 18,000 | 13,500 | 36,000 |
| 1-1/4" | 27,600 | 20,700 | 55,200 |
About Wire Rope Sling
Wire rope slings, also known as cable slings or steel rope slings, are the backbone of heavy-duty rigging. Designed from high-grade steel wire rope with mechanically swaged or hand-spliced fittings, these slings provide the strength and durability required for the most demanding environments. Unlike synthetic alternatives, wire rope lifting slings perform exceptionally well in high-heat conditions, resist extreme abrasion, and handle sharp-edged loads with superior resilience.
Wire Rope Slings for Industrial Lifting
Holloway stocks wire rope slings in every standard configuration, from single-part eye-and-eye slings to complex multi-leg bridle assemblies. All wire rope and slings available from Holloway are fully ASME B30.9 certified and proof-tested to twice their rated working load limit (WLL) to ensure jobsite safety.
Whether you are sourcing a single replacement or outfitting a major jobsite, Holloway maintains a deep inventory of heavy-duty wire rope solutions ready for same-day shipping from our Houston warehouse. Custom lengths, diameters, and specialized fittings are available upon request to meet your project's specific rigging requirements.
- All wire rope and slings available from Holloway are fully ASME B30.9 certified
- Holloway maintains a deep inventory of heavy-duty wire rope solutions ready for same-day shipping.
Types of Wire Rope Slings
Selecting the right configuration is critical for load control and sling longevity. Holloway carries a comprehensive range of wire rope sling types:
Single-Part Body Slings
The single-part wire rope sling is the industry standard for economical, straightforward rigging. These consist of a single length of wire rope with a mechanically pressed eye or hand-spliced eye at each end. We stock these with both plain eyes and thimble-reinforced eyes to minimize wear at the connection points.
Best for:
- Vertical, choker, and basket hitches on standard industrial loads
Braided Wire Rope Slings
Braided wire rope slings are fabricated by braiding multiple wire ropes (typically 6-part or 8-part) into a single, unified body. This construction offers significantly higher flexibility than single-part slings and is highly resistant to kinking, crushing, and fatigue.
Best for:
- Demanding cyclic applications and loads requiring a flexible "wrap" around the object.
Cable-Laid Wire Rope Slings
Cable-laid wire rope slings utilize multiple wire rope strands laid together in a helical pattern. This design provides maximum flexibility and fatigue resistance, making them easier to handle in high-capacity rigging.
Best for:
- Crane pendants and heavy-duty lifts requiring extreme flexibility.
Wire Rope Sling Bridles
Bridle slings utilize two, three, or four wire rope "legs" connected to a single master link. These wire rope sling 4-leg and multi-leg assemblies are essential for balanced, controlled lifting of irregular or symmetric loads.
- 2-Leg Bridles: Ideal for balanced rectangular loads.
- 3-Leg Bridles: Designed for triangular or irregular loads
- 4-Leg Bridles: Provides maximum stability for heavy, symmetric equipment.
Wire Rope Grommets
Grommets are endless loops of wire rope formed without a splice. They offer 360-degree load-bearing capability and are frequently used in specialized, high-capacity applications where traditional eye-slings are impractical.
- 2-Leg Bridles: Ideal for balanced rectangular loads.
- 3-Leg Bridles: Designed for triangular or irregular loads
- 4-Leg Bridles: Provides maximum stability for heavy, symmetric equipment.
Wire Rope Core Types: IWRC vs. Fiber Core
The core provides the internal support for the wire rope strands.
| Feature | IWRC (Independent Wire Rope Core) | Fiber Core |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Highest Rated Capacity | ~10% Lower Capacity |
| Crush Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 400°F | Up to 180°F |
| Best For | Heavy-duty, high-heat | Lighter duty, flexibility |
Holloway primarily stocks IWRC construction to ensure our customers receive the maximum strength and durability for industrial applications.
Wire Rope Sling Applications by Industry
Marine
Industrial
Mining
Offshore (Oil & Gas)
Military
Theatrical Rigging
Construction
Outdoor Recreational
Utility
Heavy Lifting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of a wire rope sling?
Wire rope sling capacity depends on the diameter, core type, and hitch. For example, a 1/2" single-part IWRC sling handles 4,800 lbs in a vertical lift. Multi-part braided slings can achieve significantly higher capacities. Always consult the capacity tag on the sling.
Can wire rope slings be used in a choker hitch?
Yes. In a wire rope sling choker configuration, the capacity is typically reduced to 75% of the vertical hitch rating.
How do you inspect a wire rope sling?
Per ASME B30.9, slings must be visually inspected before every use. Wire rope sling inspection criteria include looking for broken wires (10 random or 5 in one strand), kinking, crushing, bird-caging, or corrosion. Slings with these defects must be removed from service immediately.
What temperatures can wire rope slings withstand?
Slings with an Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC) can be used in temperatures up to 400°F. Fiber core slings are limited to 180°F.
What is the difference between wire rope slings and chain slings?
Wire rope is generally lighter and more flexible, making it easier to handle. However, chain slings are better for extreme heat (above 400°F) and are more resistant to cutting from sharp edges.
What is the design factor for wire rope slings?
The standard design factor is 5:1, meaning the minimum breaking strength of the sling is five times its rated working load limit (WLL).