5 Proven Answers to ‘What is an Advantage of Wire Rope Slings?’: A 2025 Buyer’s Guide

November 13, 2025

Abstract

An examination of wire rope slings reveals their foundational role in modern material handling and rigging operations across diverse industries. The principal advantage of wire rope slings lies in their superior strength-to-weight ratio, a characteristic derived from the composite construction of high-tensile steel wires. This design affords significant lifting capacity with a comparatively low sling weight, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. Further analysis indicates high durability, with notable resistance to abrasion, cutting, and extreme temperatures, which contributes to a longer service life. Economically, their longevity and potential for repair present a favorable total cost of ownership compared to alternatives. A significant benefit is their inspectability; signs of degradation such as broken wires or corrosion are often visually apparent, allowing for preemptive removal from service and mitigating the risk of catastrophic failure. This inherent transparency in their condition supports rigorous safety protocols. Their versatility in various configurations and hitches makes them adaptable to a wide spectrum of lifting challenges, solidifying their status as a preferred tool in construction, maritime, and manufacturing sectors.

Key Takeaways

Achieve greater lifting capacity with less material weight due to a superior strength-to-weight ratio.
Operate effectively in harsh conditions thanks to high resistance against abrasion and heat.
Lower long-term expenses through the durability and extended service life of steel slings.
Enhance job site safety by easily identifying wear and damage through visual inspection.
A key advantage of wire rope slings is their adaptability to numerous lifting configurations.
Select from various core types and end fittings to match specific operational demands.

Introduction: The Unseen Workhorse of Modern Industry
1. Unmatched Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Lifting More with Less
2. Superior Durability and Resistance: Built for Harsh Environments
3. Cost-Effectiveness: A Long-Term Investment in Lifting
4. Inspectability and Safety: A Transparent Approach to Failure Prevention
5. Versatility Across Applications and Configurations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Introduction: The Unseen Workhorse of Modern Industry

In the grand theater of construction, shipping, and manufacturing, the most prominent actors are often the towering cranes and heavy machinery. Yet, the performance of these giants depends entirely on their connection to the load—a connection most frequently made by a wire rope sling. These assemblies of steel wire, though seemingly simple, are engineered artifacts embodying principles of material science and mechanical engineering. They are the unsung sinews of industry, translating raw power into controlled, productive work. Understanding their function and benefits is not merely a technical exercise; it is a direct engagement with the principles of safety, efficiency, and economic prudence that underpin all successful heavy-lifting operations (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 2024).

From Ancient Ropes to Modern Steel: A Brief History

The concept of using a flexible line to lift or pull heavy objects is as old as civilization itself. Early humans used plaited vines and animal hides. The Egyptians employed ropes of papyrus reeds and palm fibers to construct the pyramids. For millennia, natural fibers were the only option. The industrial revolution, with its demand for lifting ever-heavier components for bridges, engines, and buildings, pushed natural fiber ropes past their limits.

The invention of modern wire rope is credited to the German mining engineer Wilhelm Albert in the 1830s. He recognized that a rope constructed of twisted iron wires would be far stronger and more durable than the hemp ropes used in mine hoists. His innovation transformed not just mining but every industry that relied on lifting. The evolution from iron to high-carbon steel, along with advancements in manufacturing, has produced the wire rope slings we see today—precision tools capable of handling immense loads with a predictable and high degree of safety.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Wire Rope Sling

To appreciate the advantages of a wire rope sling, one must first understand its construction. It is not a monolithic piece of steel. Instead, it is a complex machine with multiple moving parts. Imagine it as a team where each member contributes to a collective strength far greater than any individual's.

Wires: The fundamental component is a single steel wire. Dozens of these wires are helically laid (twisted) around a central core wire to form a single strand.
Strands: Multiple strands (typically six) are then helically laid around a central core. This second layer of twisting is often in the opposite direction of the wire twist, a configuration known as a regular lay, which improves handling and crush resistance.
Core: The core is the heart of the wire rope, supporting the strands and helping them maintain their position. It can be a Fiber Core (FC), often made of polypropylene for flexibility, or an Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC) for greater strength and crush resistance.
Sling Assembly: The wire rope is then cut to length and fabricated into a sling by forming eyes or loops at the ends, which are secured with pressed metal sleeves or by splicing the rope back into itself. Various hardware, such as hooks or shackles, can be added to these eyes.

This intricate, hierarchical design is what gives a wire rope sling its unique combination of strength and flexibility.

Why the Choice of Sling Matters: A Question of Safety and Efficiency

Selecting the right lifting sling is not a trivial decision. The consequences of a poor choice can range from project delays and budget overruns to catastrophic failures resulting in property damage, injury, or death. The primary contenders in the world of heavy lifting are wire rope slings, alloy chain slings, and synthetic slings (made from polyester or high-performance fibers).

Each type has its place. Synthetic slings are lightweight and protect delicate surfaces. Chain slings excel in high-heat applications and can be adjusted in length. However, for a broad range of general and heavy-duty lifting tasks, the discussion often returns to a central question: what is an advantage of wire rope slings that makes them so ubiquitous? The answer is not a single attribute but a compelling combination of strength, resilience, cost-effectiveness, and inspectability that provides a balanced and reliable solution for riggers worldwide.

1. Unmatched Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Lifting More with Less

The first and perhaps most celebrated advantage of a wire rope sling is its exceptional strength relative to its mass. This property is not accidental; it is the direct result of its material composition and geometric construction. For a project manager or a field rigger, this high strength-to-weight ratio translates into tangible benefits: easier handling, smaller and lighter rigging assemblies, and the ability to lift heavier loads with the same size crane.

The Science of Steel: How Individual Wires Create Immense Strength

The power of a wire rope sling begins with the steel itself. The wires are typically made from high-carbon steel, which undergoes a drawing process. In this process, a larger diameter rod is pulled through a series of progressively smaller dies. This cold-working process realigns the grain structure of the steel, dramatically increasing its tensile strength—its ability to resist being pulled apart.

However, a single thick wire would be stiff and prone to breaking when bent. This is where the genius of the rope design comes into play. By twisting dozens of these small, high-strength wires into a strand, and then twisting the strands into a rope, the load is distributed among all the wires. When the rope bends, the individual wires can move slightly relative to one another, giving the entire assembly its flexibility. This helical design ensures that tensile, bending, and torsional stresses are shared efficiently across the entire structure, allowing a rope with a diameter of just one inch to safely lift many tons.

A Comparative Analysis: Wire Rope vs. Chain and Synthetic Slings

To contextualize this advantage, a direct comparison is illuminating. Let us consider the task of lifting a 10-ton (20,000 lbs) load with a single vertical sling. The table below offers a general comparison of the approximate specifications for each sling type required for this task. Note that exact values can vary by manufacturer and specific design.

Sling Type	Required Size (Approx.)	Sling Weight (Approx. for 20 ft length)	Key Considerations
Wire Rope Sling (IWRC)	1-1/8 inch diameter	65 lbs (29.5 kg)	Excellent balance of strength and weight.
Alloy Chain Sling (Grade 100)	1/2 inch diameter	110 lbs (50 kg)	Heavier but offers superior durability in abrasive and high-heat environments.
Synthetic Web Sling (Polyester)	6 inch width (2-ply)	25 lbs (11.3 kg)	Lightest but most susceptible to cuts, abrasion, and UV/chemical damage.

As the table demonstrates, the wire rope sling offers a compelling middle ground. It is significantly lighter than the alloy chain sling required for the same capacity, making it easier for riggers to carry, position, and attach. While the synthetic sling is lighter still, the wire rope provides a much higher level of durability and damage resistance, a trade-off that is often necessary in rugged industrial environments.

Practical Implications: Reducing Rigging Weight and Enhancing Portability

What does a lighter sling mean on a job site? It means a single rigger might be able to handle a sling that would otherwise require two people or a piece of auxiliary equipment. It means that when calculating the total load for a crane, the weight of the rigging itself consumes a smaller portion of the crane's total capacity, potentially allowing for a heavier payload or the use of a smaller, less expensive crane. In remote locations or on high-rise construction, where every piece of equipment must be hoisted into position, the reduced weight of wire rope slings becomes a significant logistical advantage, saving time and energy. This efficiency is a direct answer to the query, "what is an advantage of wire rope slings?"—it is the capacity to do more work with less dead weight.

2. Superior Durability and Resistance: Built for Harsh Environments

If strength-to-weight ratio is the primary performance metric, durability is the measure of a sling's endurance and its ability to provide value over time. Industrial environments are rarely gentle. Slings are dragged across concrete, pulled around sharp corners, and exposed to everything from freezing rain to welding sparks. In these conditions, the inherent toughness of steel gives wire rope slings a distinct advantage.

Resisting Abrasion and Cutting: The Steel Advantage

Synthetic slings, for all their benefits, have a well-known vulnerability: they are easily damaged by sharp edges and rough surfaces. A small cut or tear can compromise the strength of the entire sling, often leading to its immediate retirement. While protective sleeves can mitigate this risk, it remains a primary concern.

Wire rope, being made of steel, is inherently resistant to cutting and abrasion. The outer wires of the rope form a protective barrier for the inner wires and core. While dragging a wire rope sling across a rough surface is never recommended practice, it is far less likely to cause strength-reducing damage than with a synthetic sling. This toughness makes wire rope an excellent choice for use in scrapyards, machine shops, and construction sites where loads often have unfinished or sharp edges. The ability to withstand incidental contact with abrasive surfaces without immediate failure is a crucial element of its robust nature.

Performance in Extreme Temperatures: From Freezing to Fiery

Temperature extremes can significantly impact the performance and safety of lifting slings. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester lose strength and become brittle at low temperatures. At high temperatures, they can elongate, melt, and fail at loads far below their rated capacity. The safe operating range for most standard synthetic slings is typically between -40°F and 200°F (-40°C to 93°C).

Standard wire rope slings, on the other hand, maintain their rated capacity over a much broader temperature range. They can generally be used in temperatures up to 400°F (204°C) with no reduction in strength. Even in sub-zero conditions, the properties of steel are far more stable than those of synthetic polymers. For applications involving foundries, steel mills, or outdoor work in extreme climates, the thermal stability of wire rope is a non-negotiable safety feature. This resilience in diverse thermal environments is a testament to its material integrity.

Corrosion Resistance: Options for Marine and Chemical Applications

The primary vulnerability of standard carbon steel is rust, or corrosion. In marine environments or chemical plants, this can be a significant concern. However, the versatility of wire rope manufacturing provides solutions. For these applications, wire rope slings can be specified in materials other than standard steel.

Galvanized Wire Rope: This is the most common solution. The steel wires are coated with a layer of zinc, which acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding first to protect the steel underneath. Galvanized slings are the standard for marine, shipping, and offshore oil and gas rigging.
Stainless Steel Wire Rope: For maximum corrosion resistance, such as in food processing or certain chemical environments, slings can be made from stainless steel. Stainless steel slings are more expensive but offer superior protection against rust and chemical attack, ensuring a long service life even in the most corrosive atmospheres. This adaptability allows users to select from a range of customized steel wire rope slings that are perfectly matched to the environmental challenges of the job.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: A Long-Term Investment in Lifting

While the initial purchase price of a lifting sling is a factor, a more insightful economic analysis considers the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the sling's entire service life. When viewed through this lens, the durability and longevity of wire rope slings often make them the most cost-effective choice for many applications. They represent an investment in a durable good rather than a consumable item.

Analyzing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The TCO of a sling includes its initial purchase price, the costs associated with inspection and maintenance, and its expected service life. Let's revisit our sling types.

A synthetic web sling might have the lowest initial purchase price. However, due to its susceptibility to cuts, abrasion, and UV degradation, it may have a much shorter service life on a rugged job site. It might need to be replaced two or three times in the same period that a single wire rope sling remains in service.

An alloy chain sling typically has the highest initial cost. Its extreme durability gives it a very long potential service life, but its high weight adds indirect costs related to labor and efficiency.

The wire rope sling often hits a "sweet spot." Its initial cost is generally moderate, between that of synthetic and chain. Its superior durability compared to synthetic slings means it lasts longer, reducing replacement frequency. Its lower weight compared to chain improves on-the-job efficiency. Over a project's lifecycle, the wire rope sling frequently emerges as the option with the lowest TCO.

Longevity and Repairability: Extending the Service Life

The service life of a wire rope sling is not fixed; it is determined by the conditions of its use and the diligence of its inspection (Mazurek, 2023). Because it is made of steel, it can withstand a degree of punishment that would destroy other sling types. Minor nicks and surface abrasion do not necessarily warrant its immediate removal from service, unlike a cut in a synthetic sling.

Furthermore, in some limited cases, certain types of damage to a sling's end fittings or hardware can be professionally repaired by the manufacturer, whereas damage to the body of a synthetic or wire rope sling itself is typically non-repairable. The primary factor extending its life is its resistance to the "death by a thousand cuts" that can plague less durable sling types in demanding environments. This inherent longevity is a direct contributor to its cost-effectiveness.

Impact on Project Budgets: A Case Study in Construction

Consider a large-scale commercial construction project scheduled to last 18 months. The rigging contractor must outfit their crews with a full complement of lifting slings.

Scenario A (Synthetic Slings): The contractor opts for less expensive synthetic slings to minimize upfront costs. Within the first six months, several slings are retired from service due to cuts from rebar and contact with rough concrete surfaces. The project experiences minor delays as workers must constantly source replacement slings. By the end of the project, the initial sling inventory has been replaced 1.5 times over.
Scenario B (Wire Rope Slings): The contractor invests in a full set of wire rope slings. The initial outlay is higher. Over the 18-month project, the slings show signs of use—some surface abrasion and minor kinks—but routine inspections confirm that the vast majority remain in safe, serviceable condition. Only a small number of slings used in the most severe applications need to be replaced.

In this case, the higher initial investment in wire rope slings results in lower overall project costs, reduced downtime, and a more predictable equipment budget. This practical example powerfully demonstrates the long-term economic advantage of wire rope slings.

4. Inspectability and Safety: A Transparent Approach to Failure Prevention

Perhaps the most compelling safety advantage of a wire rope sling is the way it communicates its condition. Unlike other lifting devices that can harbor hidden damage, a wire rope sling tends to show clear, visible signs of degradation long before it reaches a point of failure. This characteristic allows trained inspectors to act as detectives, "reading" the story of the sling's service life and retiring it before it becomes a hazard.

"Damage Tells a Story": How to Read a Wire Rope Sling

A wire rope sling rarely fails without warning. Its decline is a gradual process that leaves a trail of evidence for a diligent inspector to find. The key signs of damage include:

Broken Wires: The most obvious sign of wear. The standards from bodies like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provide specific criteria for the number of broken wires in different sections of the rope that warrant its removal (ASME, 2021).
Kinking, Crushing, or Bird Caging: These are distortions of the rope's structure. A "kink" is a sharp bend that has permanently damaged the wires. "Crushing" is the flattening of the rope body, and "bird caging" is a sudden untwisting of the strands, often caused by shock loading. All are cause for immediate removal.
Wear and Abrasion: A worn rope will have flattened areas on the outer wires. Excessive wear reduces the rope's strength.
Corrosion: Rust pits the wires and reduces their metallic cross-section, weakening the rope. Severe corrosion is a clear red flag.
Heat Damage: Discoloration of the wires (often a blue or straw color) indicates the rope has been exposed to excessive heat, which can alter the temper of the steel and reduce its strength.

This ability to visually assess the sling's health is a profound safety feature. It empowers riggers and safety managers to make informed, data-driven decisions about a sling's fitness for service.

The Critical Role of Regular Inspections per ASME Standards

To leverage this inspectability, a rigorous inspection program is not just recommended; it is required by law and industry standards in many regions. The ASME B30.9 standard is a widely recognized guide for slings, outlining inspection requirements. It defines several types of inspections (hhilifting.com):

Initial Inspection: Performed before a new, altered, or repaired sling is placed into service.
Frequent Inspection: A visual inspection performed by the user or a designated person each day or before each use. This is a quick check for major damage.
Periodic Inspection: A more thorough, hands-on inspection performed by a qualified person. The frequency depends on the service but is at least annual. This inspection involves measuring the rope diameter, checking for broken wires, and documenting the sling's condition.

Adherence to these inspection protocols transforms the wire rope sling from a simple tool into part of a dynamic safety system. The sling provides the evidence, and the inspector provides the judgment.

Comparing Failure Modes: Gradual Degradation vs. Sudden Failure

The mode of failure is another area where sling types differ, with significant implications for safety. The table below contrasts the typical failure progression.

Sling Type	Typical Failure Progression	Warning Signs	Failure Event
Wire Rope Sling	Gradual degradation from fatigue, wear, or corrosion.	Increasing number of broken wires, necking down, visible corrosion, structural distortion.	Often preceded by audible popping of breaking wires. Failure is rarely instantaneous without extreme overload.
Alloy Chain Sling	Gradual stretching (elongation) under overload, or crack propagation from nicks/gouges.	Measurable increase in link length, visible nicks, or cracks (requires close inspection).	Can be sudden if a crack propagates, but overload is typically indicated by stretching first.
Synthetic Sling	Often damaged by a single event (cutting, chemical exposure, melting).	Visible cuts, burns, melted or charred areas, chemical degradation (discoloration, stiffness).	Can be sudden and catastrophic, especially from cutting or shock loading. Little warning.

The clear advantage of wire rope slings, as highlighted here, is that their most common failure modes involve a slow, observable process. A rigger might hear individual wires snapping under a heavy lift, providing a terrifying but valuable final warning to clear the area. The gradual nature of its degradation is a stark contrast to the potential for a synthetic sling to be severed in an instant with little or no warning. This "fail-soft" characteristic is a powerful argument for its use in any lift where human safety is the highest priority.

5. Versatility Across Applications and Configurations

A final, powerful advantage of wire rope slings is their sheer versatility. They are not a one-size-fits-all tool but a system that can be configured in a multitude of ways to suit the specific geometry, weight, and nature of the load being lifted. This adaptability makes them a go-to solution for riggers who face a different challenge with every lift.

A Sling for Every Lift: Common Types and End Fittings

Wire rope slings come in a wide variety of prefabricated styles, each designed for different purposes. The most common are single-part slings made from a single length of rope.

Single Leg Eye-and-Eye: The simplest form, with a Flemish eye splice at each end. Ideal for straight vertical lifts or as part of a multi-leg bridle.
Multi-Leg Bridle Slings: Assemblies of two, three, or four sling legs attached to a single master link at the top. These are used to distribute a load over multiple pick points, providing balance and stability.
Endless or Grommet Slings: A single strand of rope is wound continuously to form a circle, creating a sling with no pressed or spliced termination points. These are very flexible and can be used in all hitch types.
Braided Slings: Made by braiding multiple individual wire ropes together (e.g., 6-part or 8-part braided). This construction creates a sling that is incredibly strong, highly flexible, and resistant to kinking. They are often used for very heavy, high-capacity lifts.

The eyes of these slings can be left "soft" or fitted with thimbles to protect the rope from wear. They can be equipped with a huge range of hardware, including hooks, shackles, and oblong links, making it possible to create highly specialized lifting solutions for complex jobs.

Adapting to the Load: Different Hitch Types

Beyond the sling's construction, its versatility is demonstrated in how it can be rigged. The three basic hitches allow a rigger to connect to a load in different ways, affecting both the security of the connection and the capacity of the sling.

Vertical Hitch: A straight connection between the crane hook and a single attachment point on the load. The sling supports the full weight of the load.
Choker Hitch: The sling is wrapped around the load and passed back through its own eye, creating a "noose" that tightens as it lifts. A choker hitch is excellent for handling bundles of material like pipe or lumber. However, the sharp bend where the sling chokes reduces its capacity, typically to about 75% of a vertical hitch.
Basket Hitch: The sling is passed under the load, and both eyes are attached to the crane hook. This cradle-like configuration distributes the load. A true vertical basket hitch has double the capacity of a single vertical leg. The capacity is reduced as the angle between the sling legs and the horizontal decreases.

The ability to use a single sling in these three different ways gives riggers immense flexibility on the job site, allowing them to adapt their technique to the task at hand. This adaptability is a core reason why a set of wire rope slings is a foundational part of any rigging box.

Industry Spotlight: From Maritime Rigging to Theatrical Staging

The versatility of wire rope slings is evident in their widespread use across a seemingly endless list of industries.

Construction: Lifting structural steel, precast concrete panels, and building materials.
Maritime and Offshore: Mooring lines, crane ropes on vessels and oil rigs, and lifting cargo. Galvanized rope is essential here.
General Manufacturing: Moving heavy dies in and out of presses, positioning machinery, and handling raw materials.
Mining: Hoisting equipment and personnel in mine shafts ().
Theatrical and Arena Rigging: Suspending lighting trusses, speakers, and scenery. Often, these slings are coated in black vinyl for low visibility.
Towing and Recovery: Used as winch lines and recovery straps for vehicles and heavy equipment.

Each of these industries presents unique challenges, yet wire rope slings, through their various materials, constructions, and configurations, provide reliable and effective solutions for all of them. This broad applicability solidifies its status as one of the most useful and adaptable tools in the world of material handling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I choose the right wire rope sling for my application?

Choosing the right sling requires considering the load weight, the presence of sharp corners, the operating environment (temperature, chemicals, moisture), and the type of hitch you plan to use. Always ensure the sling's working load limit (WLL) is sufficient for the lift, accounting for the hitch type and sling angle, which can reduce capacity.

What is the difference between IWRC and fiber core?

IWRC stands for Independent Wire Rope Core, which means the core of the sling is a smaller wire rope. This provides high strength and excellent crush resistance. FC stands for Fiber Core, typically polypropylene, which makes the sling more flexible and slightly lighter but offers less strength and support than an IWRC. IWRC is preferred for most industrial overhead lifting.

Can a damaged wire rope sling be repaired?

Generally, damage to the body of the wire rope sling itself (such as broken wires, kinks, or crushing) cannot be repaired, and the sling must be removed from service. In some specific cases, damaged end fittings or hardware (like a hook latch) may be repaired or replaced by a qualified person or the manufacturer, but the rope itself must be undamaged.

How often should wire rope slings be inspected?

According to ASME B30.9 standards, a visual inspection should be performed by the user before each use or each shift (frequent inspection). A thorough, documented inspection by a qualified person must be conducted periodically, at least annually, and more often depending on the severity of service.

What does the design factor (e.g., 5:1) mean for a wire rope sling?

The design factor is a safety ratio. A 5:1 design factor, which is standard for most wire rope slings used for general lifting, means the sling's minimum breaking strength is five times higher than its rated working load limit (WLL). For example, a sling rated for 2 tons (WLL) must have a breaking strength of at least 10 tons. This factor accounts for shock loading, wear, and unforeseen conditions.

How does temperature affect a wire rope sling's capacity?

Standard steel wire rope slings maintain 100% of their WLL in temperatures up to 400°F (204°C). Above this temperature, the strength begins to decrease. For high-heat applications, you must consult manufacturer recommendations for capacity reduction. At very low temperatures, care should be taken to avoid shock loading, as steel can become less ductile.

Conclusion

The examination of the properties of wire rope slings leads to a clear and coherent understanding of their enduring prominence in the field of rigging. The question, "what is an advantage of wire rope slings?" does not have a singular answer but rather a confluence of five pivotal strengths. Their design achieves an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, enabling greater efficiency and ease of handling. This is complemented by a material toughness that provides formidable resistance to the abrasion, cutting, and temperature extremes common to industrial environments.

From an economic perspective, this durability translates into a longer service life and a lower total cost of ownership, presenting a prudent long-term investment. Most profoundly, from a safety standpoint, the wire rope sling offers a unique transparency; its gradual mode of failure provides visible, tangible warnings of its degradation, allowing for its removal from service before a crisis can occur. Finally, its immense versatility in form and application makes it an adaptable tool for an almost limitless range of lifting challenges. It is this balanced synthesis of strength, durability, economy, safety, and versatility that establishes the wire rope sling not just as a piece of equipment, but as a foundational component of modern, safe, and efficient material handling.

References

American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (2021). ASME B30.9-2021: Slings. ASME.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2024, May 10). Materials handling – Fibre rope slings. CCOHS.

Hercules SLR. (2020, February 15). The complete anatomy of wire rope slings. https://www.hhilifting.com/en/news/post/complete-anatomy-of-wire-rope-slings

Mazurek, P. (2023). A comprehensive review of steel wire rope degradation mechanisms and recent damage detection methods. Sustainability, 15(6), 5441. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065441

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. (2015). Slings: Chain, web, and wire rope. MCFRS.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. (2024, April 2). 3.02 Slings, rigging hardware, and wire rope. Reclamation Safety and Health Standards. ,%20Rigging%20Hardware,%20and%20Wire%20Rope.pdf

WireCo. (2016). Wire rope sling user's manual.