There are many inventions or pieces of equipment that dramatically changed the world, and the ways in which our lives operate within it. Cars, smartphones and the internet are just a few. These are popular, well-known innovations that we are more than likely to come into contact with on a daily basis.
However, there are also many pieces of equipment that have done a great deal to change our lives, but without perhaps the same fame offered to others! One such item, webbing slings, has become one of the most widely used and versatile pieces of equipment in the world as can be seen by clicking the infographic below.
What are webbing slings and why are they so versatile?
Webbing slings are are often described as long, flat straps. They can be woven from several materials, but the most common of these is polyester. At either end of the sling they feature a looped eye hole.
Due to the nature of the material that they are manufactured from, they are extremely light and flexible in nature. This means that they are easy to transport, light to handle, and can be wrapped around objects or loads which may have an odd shape.
One reason that webbing slings have noticed such a wide degree of usage is because they can be manufactured to multiple lengths and widths, and with various lifting weights in mind.
Although they are flexible and lightweight in nature, it’s important to note that they are still incredibly strong. In fact, some webbing slings can lift up to 10 tonnes, sometimes more. The average automobile only weighs around three tonnes, so it’s easy to see how useful these webbing slings can be!
You can easily distinguish between the lifting weights of webbing slings by looking for their colour code, which is as follows:
- Purple = 1 tonne load
- Green = 2 tonnes load
- Yellow = 3 tonnes load
- Grey = 4 tonnes load
- Red = 5 tonnes load
- Brown = 6 tonnes load
- Blue = 8 tonnes load
- Orange = 10 tonnes load
- 10+ tonnes – not part of the colour coding chart but orange is used
Why is it important to note all of this? As we’ve explained above, here we have a piece of equipment that is lightweight, flexible, incredibly strong, and easily distinguished by a simply colour coding system. All of these benefits mean that webbing slings have been designed for multiple uses and applications. We’ve examined just some of these below.
The uses for webbing slings
So where are webbing slings used? We mentioned how some pieces of equipment, such as webbing slings, may not have the same fame as other items such as smartphones, but they are by no means less useful.
In fact, webbing slings are one of the most commonly used pieces of gear in dozens of industries around the world; industries that have a huge impact on our everyday lives. Webbing slings have two primary uses, one for lifting and lowering tasks, and the other for pulling and towing tasks.
This sees them having usages such as on construction sites in order to help complete a huge range of projects, from the houses we live in to the buildings that we work in. They are used to lift and lower the many heavy objects that you see on these sites.
They are used in millions of manufacturing plants around the world for lifting and lowering tasks, such as on the production lines. Here, they help to create many of the other popular pieces of equipment that we use, such as the cars or smartphones already discussed.
You’ll also find this versatile piece of equipment playing a role in places such as shipyards where they lift boats for storing, docking or repairs. Given the lightweight nature of the webbing sling, the equipment won’t damage or scratch the boat in any way.
Aside from this, they are used in other industries such as warehousing, automotive, aerospace, transport and the marine sector.
Alongside these very practical and useful applications, webbing slings also help with a range of other tasks too. Their incredibly strong nature makes them crucial for lifesaving situations. They are used for safety harnesses and rescue ropes for mountain climbers, as well as being utilised by firefighters a way of dragging civilians out of harm’s way safely in what is known as a webbing sling drag.
They can also be used to create a slackline between two trees for those who just want a bit of fun. And, when you want to relax afterwards, they can also be used to create hammocks too! As can be seen, there are almost a limitless number of uses for webbing slings, and they truly have become one of the most useful pieces of equipment in the world.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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