Rated Lifting Solutions for Rigging & Load Handling

What matters most when a load leaves the ground? The sling needs to suit the load, lifting method & connection points before the lift begins. Garrick Herbert Slings provide purpose-built options for industrial lifting & rigging, including round slings, flat webbing slings & chain sling configurations for different load-handling requirements.

Rather than treating every sling as interchangeable, start with the job. A synthetic sling can provide a lightweight, flexible approach around suitable loads, while a chain sling brings different construction & adjustment options to demanding lifting work.

For the wider lifting setup, Heavy Lifting & Rigging Gear brings together complementary equipment for suitable hoisting & rigging applications.

Never select a sling from load weight alone. Sling type, configuration, angle, length, attachment points, load condition & rated capacity all need to suit the lift.

What Are Garrick Herbert Slings?

Lifting slings connect a load to suitable lifting equipment so it can be raised, positioned or handled using an appropriate rigging arrangement.

Different sling constructions behave differently around the load. Garrick Herbert options include synthetic round slings, flat webbing slings & chain sling assemblies for different lifting requirements.

These differences matter. A sling should be selected around the complete lift, not simply because its nominal capacity appears higher than the load weight.

When the sling needs to connect into hooks, shackles or other rated components, Lifting Hooks, Clamps & Shackles provides complementary rigging hardware for suitable applications.

Why Choose The Right Sling For The Lift?

Picture two loads of the same weight. One is a compact machine with established lifting points; the other is a long steel assembly with edges & a very different centre of gravity.

The number on the scales may be identical. The rigging requirements aren't.

Sling selection should account for:

► Load weight
► Load dimensions & shape
► Centre of gravity
► Sling configuration
► Sling angle
► Number of sling legs
► Required length
► Attachment points
► Edge conditions
► Sling condition
► Lifting equipment being used

A sling forms one part of a lifting system. The capacity of a single component doesn't automatically establish the capacity of the complete arrangement.

For vertical lifting using suitable rigging configurations, Chain Blocks provides manual hoisting options for workshop, construction & industrial applications.

Common Applications

Machinery Installation & Maintenance

A machine may only move a few metres, but controlling that movement can require careful planning.

Workshop machinery, pumps, motors & industrial equipment can present offset centres of gravity, restricted attachment points or surfaces requiring protection. Confirm the designated lifting points & equipment requirements before rigging begins.

Where machinery also needs positioning before or after the lift, Material Handling Equipment provides complementary equipment for suitable movement & positioning tasks.

Structural Steel & Fabrication

Long steel sections create a different challenge from compact equipment.

Length, balance & sling spacing become important when preparing suitable fabricated components for lifting. Sharp or abrasive contact points also deserve particular attention before synthetic sling material is placed against the load.

Where fabrication forms part of the wider workflow, How to Choose the Right Welding Machine for Your Fabrication Shop covers equipment considerations for different fabrication requirements.

Shutdown & Plant Maintenance

Shutdown work rarely involves one predictable lift repeated all day.

Motors, guards, pipework, components & replacement equipment can each present different weights, shapes & lifting points. Having several sling configurations available doesn't remove the need to assess each lift individually.

Construction & Site Rigging

Conditions around the load can change from one lift to the next.

Access, surrounding structures, load position & the available lifting points can all influence the rigging arrangement. Inspect lifting equipment before use & keep damaged or questionable gear out of service until it has been appropriately assessed.

Workshop Loading & Equipment Movement

Sometimes the challenge isn't lifting high — it's positioning a heavy component accurately.

Slings can form part of suitable workshop lifting arrangements using compatible hoists or cranes. Hoists, Cranes & Trolleys provides additional equipment for lifting & suspended-load movement across appropriate industrial applications.

Product Selection Guide

Round Sling Or Flat Webbing Sling?

Both are synthetic sling formats, but their construction & contact with the load differ.

A round sling uses load-bearing fibres contained within a protective sleeve, creating a flexible form that can conform around suitable loads.

A flat webbing sling provides broad, flat contact with the load.

Neither type is universally better. The appropriate choice depends on the load, contact surfaces, required capacity & intended lifting configuration.

When Does A Chain Sling Make Sense?

Chain changes the equation.

A multi-leg chain sling can suit appropriate loads with suitable lifting points, while configurations incorporating shortening components provide adjustment within the intended sling arrangement.

Chain sling selection should consider the complete assembly, including legs, hooks, shortening components, connecting hardware, attachment points & working geometry.

For additional chain, wire & related equipment, Chain, Wire & Rope provides a broader range for suitable lifting, tensioning & handling work.

Don't Confuse Sling Length With Vertical Reach

An 8m or 10m sling doesn't necessarily provide the same measurement as usable vertical lifting distance.

The way a sling is connected changes how its length relates to the load. Vertical, choked, basket & multi-leg arrangements can create different working geometry.

Choose sling length after establishing the intended rigging method.

Check Capacity In The Actual Configuration

Here's where a seemingly straightforward sling choice becomes more technical.

Rated capacity matters, but the allowable load can depend on the way the sling is configured. Sling angles & load distribution can alter forces throughout a multi-leg lifting arrangement.

Before lifting:

Know the load → identify lifting points → choose the configuration → check angles → confirm capacities → inspect connections → verify the setup

Don't change the sling arrangement without reassessing the lift.

The Load Is 5 Tonnes – Is A 5T Sling Enough?

Not necessarily.

Matching a 5T load to a sling marked 5T without considering the complete lifting arrangement overlooks important variables.

First ask:

How will the sling be configured?

Vertical, basket, choke & multi-leg arrangements can have different capacity considerations.

Then consider:

Where is the centre of gravity?

An uneven load may not distribute force equally through the rigging.

Finally:

What connects everything together?

Every sling, hook, shackle, hoist & lifting point needs to be suitable for its role.

For the lifting equipment above the rigging arrangement, Lifts & Hoists provides additional options for suitable workshop & industrial applications.

Protect Synthetic Slings From Damaging Contact

A synthetic sling may look substantial, but its surface condition matters.

Sharp edges, rough steel, burrs & abrasive contact points can damage sling material. Never assume a painted or visually smooth edge is automatically suitable for direct sling contact.

Before using a round or flat webbing sling:

► Inspect the complete sling
► Check the load contact area
► Identify edges & abrasive surfaces
► Use suitable protection where required
► Confirm the sling can sit correctly around the load
► Keep the sling away from damaging conditions

Dragging synthetic slings across workshop floors or pulling them from beneath landed loads can also introduce unnecessary wear.

For workshops preparing equipment before heavier periods of work, Spring Jobsite Prep – Getting Your Gear Ready provides broader equipment-readiness guidance.

Inspect Before The Hook Takes The Weight

A sling inspection belongs before the load leaves its resting position, not once the lift is underway.

For synthetic slings, check for visible cuts, abrasion, damaged stitching or covers, heat or chemical damage, distorted fittings & identification that can no longer be read.

Chain assemblies need their own checks. Inspect chain links, hooks, shortening components, connecting hardware & identification for obvious damage, deformation or abnormal wear.

When a sling's condition creates doubt, remove it from use & follow the applicable workplace inspection procedure.

The same preventative approach applies to other frequently used equipment. 7 Signs Your Power Tool Needs a Service Before It Fails on Site covers practical warning signs worth investigating before equipment failure interrupts work.

Expert Tips

Read the sling identification before every lift. Never rely on colour, appearance or memory to establish capacity.

Know the load before selecting the rigging. Weight, dimensions, balance & lifting points all matter.

Find the centre of gravity. A poorly balanced load can behave differently as tension comes onto the slings.

Check every connection. A suitably rated sling doesn't compensate for an unsuitable hook, shackle or lifting point.

Treat sling angle as part of the setup. Multi-leg assemblies don't carry load the same way at every angle.

Protect synthetic material from damaging edges. Round & webbing slings require appropriate protection where contact conditions demand it.

Store lifting gear properly. Clean, organised storage helps protect equipment & makes pre-use inspection easier.