3D Model — Orbit & Inspect
Anatomy of a Flat Webbing Sling
Flat Webbing
Woven polyester webbing — flat profile conforms to load shape. Available in single-ply or double-ply (folded) for higher capacity.
Reinforced Eyes
Formed at each end for connection to hooks or shackles. Types: flat eye, twisted eye, or metal eye (aluminium or steel lined).
Stitched Seams
Load-bearing stitching pattern joins the eye loops to the body. Stitch pattern and colour are critical — damaged stitching = reject.
ID Tag
Sewn-in label showing: WLL, material, length, manufacturer, standard reference, and serial/batch number. Missing tag = do not use.
Protective Sleeve
Optional wear sleeve fitted over the body or eyes to protect against abrasion and edge cuts. Essential when slinging rough or sharp-edged loads.
Colour Coding by WLL (AS 1353.1)
Flat webbing slings are colour coded by WLL — the same system as round slings. The colour is woven into the webbing itself.
Always verify the colour against the ID tag WLL. If the tag is missing or illegible, do not use the sling regardless of colour.
Sling Types
| Type | Description | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Ply | Single layer of flat webbing | Standard |
| Double-Ply | Webbing folded double — twice the material | Higher WLL for same width |
| Endless (Loop) | Continuous loop with no eyes — versatile | Depends on width/ply |
Eye Types:
- Flat eye — standard formed eye, lies flat. Most common for general lifting.
- Twisted eye — eye rotated 90° so it stands upright. Better fit on crane hooks.
- Metal eye — aluminium or steel liner in the eye for heavy-duty connections and reduced wear.
WLL by Hitch Method
The hitch method changes the effective WLL of the sling. These factors apply to all flat webbing slings:
| Hitch | Factor | Example (2t sling) |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical (straight) | 1.0× | 2.0 t |
| Choker hitch | 0.8× | 1.6 t |
| Basket hitch | 2.0× | 4.0 t |
Angle Factor (Multi-Leg / Basket)
Same angle derating applies as all slings: 60°=0.87, 90°=0.71, 120°=0.50
Advantages Over Wire Rope
Why Choose Flat Webbing
- Won’t scratch finished surfaces — ideal for painted, polished, or coated loads
- Lightweight — much easier to handle and position than wire rope or chain
- Conforms to load shape — distributes pressure over a wider area, reducing point loading
- No wire prick injuries — broken wires in FSWR can penetrate gloves and skin
- Cheaper — lower cost per unit than equivalent wire rope or chain slings
- Easy visual inspection — damage is immediately obvious on the surface
Limitations
Know the Weaknesses
- Temperature limit: Polyester max 100°C, Nylon max 80°C — heat destroys fibres
- UV degradation: prolonged sun exposure weakens synthetic fibres — store out of direct sunlight
- Chemical damage: acids, alkalis, and solvents attack polyester and nylon — check compatibility
- Cannot be repaired: unlike chain, damaged web slings cannot be reconditioned — they must be destroyed and replaced
- Cut edges fray: any cut or nick in the webbing will propagate under load — reject immediately
- Sharp edges: will cut through webbing under load — always use edge protectors on sharp or rough loads
| Material | Max Temp | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | 100°C | Good acid resistance, poor alkali resistance |
| Nylon | 80°C | Good alkali resistance, poor acid resistance |
Inspection & Rejection Criteria
Inspect flat webbing slings before every use. Run the full length through your hands checking both sides.
Reject Immediately If
- Cuts, tears, or holes in the webbing — any size
- Abrasion wear — exposed or fuzzy fibres on the surface
- Heat damage — melted, glazed, or hardened areas
- Chemical staining or discolouration — indicates chemical attack
- Stretched or deformed — webbing that has lost its shape or width
- Knots — never tie knots in webbing slings (reduces capacity drastically)
- Damaged eyes — torn, stretched, or separated eye loops
- Missing or illegible tag — no identification = no use
- Damaged stitching — broken, cut, or abraded load-bearing stitches
Good Condition Indicators
- Webbing smooth and uniform with no fuzzy or exposed fibres
- Colour bright and even — no fading, staining, or discolouration
- Eyes properly formed and undamaged
- All stitching intact and tight
- ID tag legible with WLL and standard reference
- Protective sleeves (if fitted) intact and in position
Storage & Handling
- Store in a cool, dry, dark area — away from direct sunlight (UV degradation)
- Hang on racks or pegs — never on the ground where they can absorb moisture or be contaminated
- Keep away from chemicals, oils, acids, and solvents
- Do not drag over sharp or abrasive surfaces
- Do not tie knots — permanent damage and severe WLL reduction
- Always use edge protectors when slinging loads with sharp edges or rough surfaces
- Do not store near heat sources (welding, grinding, exhaust vents)
- Tag and quarantine defective slings immediately — cut defective slings in half to prevent reuse