Rope, Chains and Slings: What’s the Difference? Posted on July 6, 2017June 23, 2021 by Brafton Editorial There are a range of tools available that facilitate heavy lifting and movement of objects in the industrial world. Some of the most commonly used are rope, chains and slings. This article will take a closer look at each, examining how they are used and the scenarios in which they are commonly employed. Keep reading: 1. Rope Rope is used in a number of ways across the industrial sphere. For example, it can be used to lift and lower heavy loads, as well as hoist workers to great heights to work on projects such as structural surveying, construction and building repair. Rope can be made from several kinds of materials, a few of which are wire, man-made fiber and natural fiber. Man-made fiber ropes are particularly effective for industrial work as they require the least maintenance. They are resistant to rotting and perform the same in all weather conditions. They are also fairly resistant to corrosion. The other types of rope, although generally effective, do have some limitations. Wire rope, for example, cannot be stored while wet, and must be cleaned regularly. It’s also important to lubricate wire ropes. Natural fiber ropes are susceptible to rot and mildew, so routine inspection is necessary – ideally every six months or so. 2. Chains Chains are commonly used for lifting for industrial purposes, with the utilization of wire rope also becoming increasingly common. Chains are very effective at absorbing shock and gripping heavy loads. Chains can differ in the strength they are able to provide. For example, alloy steel grade 80 chains can lift up to approximately 20 tonnes before breaking. On the other end of the spectrum, the breaking point for wrought iron chains is around 6.75 tonnes. 3. Slings A sling is a structure used for heavy lifting, which attaches the object being lifted to the equipment performing the lifting. Slings that make use of wire rope are commonly used across a range of industries and are used more as loads get heavier. Chains can also be used in the construction of slings.
