Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GENERAL INFORMATION
Figure 1.
Figure 4.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Figure 6.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
HAND TUCKED SPLICE Certain end usages may indicate the desirability of spe-
A HAND TUCKED splice is made by passing the wire cial splices such as the Navy Admiralty Splice or logging
rope around a thimble or forming an eye and splicing splice. Splices made by these special methods may also
the dead end (short end) into the live end (long end) attain the efficiencies used in calculating the rated capac-
of the rope. Normally, each dead end strand is given ity tables where the rope quality and number of tucks are
equivalent to that outlined above. Development of such
one forming tuck and three full tucks around the same
strand in the body of the rope. One additional full tuck efficiencies should be confirmed by the sling fabricators 2
is made when splicing more pliable wire ropes such as making such splices.
6x37 classification. Serving or wrapping of wire rope sling splices does not
A “forming tuck” is made by prying two adjacent affect the spicing efficiencies nor rated capacities. Such
strands apart, inserting a dead end strand into the servings are optional, although unserved splices are
opening and passing the strand under one, two, or preferred because they permit visual inspection of the
three adjacent strands in the body of the rope. The spliced area.
dead end strand is set or locked tightly. NOMINAL SPLICE EFFICIENCIES are measured in
A “full tuck” is made by inserting a dead end strand terms of efficiency (where efficiency = actual breaking
under and rotating it one full 360 degrees turn around a strength of spliced termination divided by actual breaking
strand in the body of the wire rope. The tucked strand strength of rope). This efficiency will change from splice
is set or locked tightly. Each subsequent full turn of the to splice because of the many variable factors involved
dead end strand around the live end strand constitutes in producing the splice. Splice efficiencies given in table
an additional full tuck. 3 were established so that these normal variations are
accommodated. The design factor used in establishing
“Setting” or “locking” of a dead end strand is accom- the rated capacities further assures that the sling will lift
plished by pulling the strand end in under considerable the load even in those rare instances when the splice effi-
force. A marlin spike is inserted in the same opening in ciency falls slightly below the values given in the tables.
the body of the rope ahead of the tucked strand and is Rated capacities shown in this manual have met with
rotated about the axis of the rope back to the start of the the most exacting test, that of the test of time and use in
splice or toward the previous tuck. This helps set the over fifty years of actual field experience.
tuck.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS for hand tucked slings are types. One being the Returned Loop and the other the
about the same as for any other type of sling. The use Flemish Eye or farmers splice. In either case, the splice
of a swivel on single leg lifts as well as free hanging is completed by pressing (swaging) one or more metal
loads which may rotate is not recommended. A tag line sleeves over the rope juncture.
should always be used to prevent rotation of the sling The returned loop is fabricated by forming a loop at
body. When the sling body of a hand tucked splice is
2 allowed to rotate, the splice could unlay and pull out,
the end of the rope, sliding one or more metal sleeves
over the short end of the loop eye and pressing these
thus causing the load to drop. sleeves to secure the end of the rope to the sling
body. This makes an economical sling and in most
cases one that will give satisfactory service. A draw-
back to this type of sling is that the lifting capacity
of the sling depends 100% upon the integrity of the
pressed or swaged joint. Should the metal sleeve(s)
fail, the entire eye will also fail.
The flemish eye splice is fabricated by opening or
unlaying the rope body into two parts, one having
three strands and the other having the remaining three
strands and the core. The rope is unlayed far enough
back to allow the loop or eye to be formed by loop-
ing one part in one direction and the other part in the
other direction and laying the rope back together. The
strands are rolled back around the rope body. A metal
sleeve is then slipped over the ends of the splice and
Flemish eye splice. pressed (swaged) to secure the ends to the body of the
sling. Nominal splice efficiencies expressed in table 4
MECHANICAL SPLICE and in the rated capacity tables are based on this splic-
ing method. Splice efficiencies for other splicing meth-
MECHANICAL SPLICE slings come in two basic ods should be confirmed by the sling manufacturer.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Notice that the splice efficiency factor plays no role in end result, differ significantly. It is highly recommended
the calculation of the Choker Hitch rated capacity. This that all poured sockets whether they be zinc or resin,
is because as the rope passes through the eye of the be proofloaded.
sling in a choke, the weakest part of the sling is in the
body of the sling at the choke point. Thus the splice CABLE-LAID WIRE ROPE SLINGS
being higher in efficiency, has no effect on the rated Cable-Laid Slings are fabricated from a machine
capacity, because the efficiency factors are not addi- made rope comprised of seven small wire ropes. The 2
tive. cable-laid body is typically 7x7x7, 7x7x19, or 7x6x19
Rated capacities for single part, choker and basket Classification IWRC. This construction makes for a
hitches are calculated exactly the same as for hand pliable rope and sling. These slings are used where
tucked slings except for the nominal splice efficien- flexibility and resistance to kinking and setting are more
cies. The rated capacities adjustment table 1 for chok- important than resistance to abrasion. Since the rope
er hitches also applies for mechanical splice slings. is made up of many smaller wire ropes, the slings can
Minimum D/d ratio for basket hitches is 25. This larg- bend around smaller diameters without taking a perma-
er D/d ratio is required because the Nominal Splice nent set or a kink. The many small wires are suscepti-
Efficiency is higher. ble to abrasion.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS are no different from other The rated capacity adjustment Table 1 for choker
slings except care should be taken not to deform or hitches applies to cable-laid slings as well. Note the
damage the sleeve. difference in the efficiency factor for calculating vertical
choker hitch rated capacities.
Stainless Steel slings which have sleeves made of a
different grade or type metal than the rope body may Rated capacity for a basket hitch is based on a D/d ratio
experience accelerated deterioration due to an electro of 10, where “d” is the diameter of the cable-laid fabric.
chemical reaction between the two metals. This is par- Tolerances and minimum sling lengths are also figured
ticularly evident in salt water or brackish conditions. using the cable-laid fabric diameter.
ZINC OR RESIN POURED SOCKET BRAIDED MULTI-PART SLINGS
TYPE TERMINATIONS Multi-part braided slings or Multi-Parts as they are
While some people may debate whether zinc or resin known, are generally hand fabricated slings which are
poured sockets are truly slings, they are generally “braided” from 2, 3, 4 and up to as many as 48 pieces
included in the sling category. This type of termina- or parts of rope. Generally 4, 6, 8 & 9 parts are the more
tion has traditionally been the method for determining common. They can be either flat or round and offer the
the rope’s actual breaking strength. All other types ultimate in flexibility and versatility. These are truly the
of end terminations have been compared to poured heavy weights of the lifting industry. This book covers
sockets. Their efficiency is therefore established to be only the round type slings. They snug up tightly to the
100% for all grades and constructions of rope. load in a choker hitch and resist kinking and setting.
Loads in excess of 4000 tons have been lifted with multi-
Choker hitches are not used as much with poured part slings.
sockets as with the other more general types of
slings. When such slings are used in a choker hitch, Nominal Splice Efficiency for multi-part slings is 0.70
the rated capacity adjustment table 1 applies. for component ropes 3/32” through 2” diameters. For
larger component rope slings, consult the sling manu-
Rope assemblies with poured attachments are gener- facturer for splice efficiencies.
ally used as a straight tension member where the rope
body does not contact the load and is otherwise kept Because of the multi-rope component construction,
free from distortion or physical abuse. In such cases multi-part slings react differently than standard wire
the minimum recommended design factor is 3.0. If the rope slings in a choker hitch therefore the nominal
assembly is used as a sling then a design factor of 5.0 splice efficiency is present in the equation. The adjust-
should be used to calculate the rated capacity. Rated ment Table 1 applies to multi-part slings also.
capacities for these slings used in basket hitches are Rated Capacity for a basket hitch is based on a min-
the same as mechanical spliced slings and use the imum D/d ratio of 25, where “d” = component rope
same D/d ratio factors. diameter.
Length tolerances for poured attachments can Length tolerances for component ropes of 3/8” diame-
be somewhat more stringent than other types ter and smaller are plus or minus 10 component rope
of slings. The manufacturer should be contact- diameters, or plus or minus 1.5% of the sling length
ed and agreement reached before the order is whichever is greater. The legs of matched slings shall
placed. Tolerance as small as plus or minus 1/8” be within 5 component rope diameters of each other.
is not out of the ordinary for this type of assembly. For component rope diameters 7/16” and larger, the
Specifications such as type of fitting, pin orientation, tolerance is plus or minus 6 component rope diame-
whether zinc or resin is to be used and type of applica- ters, or plus or minus 1% of the sling length whichever
tion should also be supplied to the manufacturer when is the greater. Legs of matched slings shall be within 3
ordering these types of assemblies. Those inexperi- component rope diameters of each other.
enced in the socketing process should not try to fabri- Minimum Sling Length between loops, sockets or sleeves
cate assemblies without first getting expert training. It is recommended to be 40 times the component rope
is far better to leave fabrication of this type of assembly diameter of the braided body.
to the experts. The following socketing methods are
general in nature and have withstood the test of time.
Slight variations to these methods will produce equal
results. The two procedures, while achieving the same
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Because of the sling body construction, grommet slings CABLE LAID HAND TUCKED GROMMET
react differently than standard wire rope slings in a Cable Laid Hand Tucked Grommets are fabricated in
choker type hitch therefore the presence of the nominal the same manner as strand laid hand tucked grom-
splice efficiency factor in the equation. Rated capacity mets except one continuous length of wire rope is
adjustment Table 1 applies. used. This makes for a flexible smooth sling. The body
STRAND LAID MECHANICAL SPLICE GROMMET diameters are somewhat odd sized because the grom-
met body is built up from a standard diameter compo- 2
Strand Laid Mechanical Splice grommets are made nent rope.
from one continuous length of wire rope joined by
pressing or swaging one or more sleeves over the rope CABLE LAID MECHANICAL SPLICE
juncture. This type of grommet is not as smooth as the (See Rated Capacity Tables Section)
hand tucked, but offers economy and ease of manu-
facture. An advantage is that the swaged sleeves give Cable Laid Mechanical Splice Grommets are fabricated
clear indication of the splice area. from one continuous length of cable laid wire rope fabric
with the ends joined by one or more mechanical sleeves.
They are similar to strand laid mechanical splice grom-
mets, but offer greater flexibility.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
GUIDELINES FOR THE RIGGER
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Protect the sling during the lift with blocking or padding Use blocking or padding to protect hollow vessels,
at sharp corners or where the sling body would be bent loose bundles and fragile items from scuffing and bend-
severely. ing. Remember that blocking becomes part of the lift,
and must be added to total weight on the sling.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
You can reduce the angle of a choke with a wooden Anytime a load is lifted beyond arm’s reach with a sin-
block, or blocks, between the hitch and the load This gle-part load line or straight eye-and-eye sling, use a tag-
also increases the angle between the two legs to line to prevent load rotation. If a wire rope is permitted
improve sling efficiency. to rotate, the strands may unlay and the rope’s capacity
will be reduced.
WARNING
Hand-spliced slings should not be
used in lifts where the sling may
rotate and cause the wire rope to
unlay.
Incorrect
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Proper Use of Cribbing To turn from side (A) to (B) in 1 & 2 above, attach on
side (B) above the Center of Gravity and on side (D) at
the Center of Gravity, then lift both hoists equally until
load is suspended. Lower auxiliary until turn is complet-
ed; detach sling at (B) before lowering load completely.
Correct
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Kink Eye
Deformation
2
Dogleg
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Use Main Hoist. Tap fist on Use Whipline (Auxiliary Raise Boom. Arm extend- Lower Boom. Arm extended,
head; then use regular sig- Hoist). Tap elbow with one ed, fingers closed, thumb fingers closed, thumb point-
nals. hand, then use regular sig- pointing upward. ing downward.
nals.
Raise the Boom and Lower Lower the Boom and Raise
Hoist. With forearm vertical, Lower. With arm extended the Load. With arm extend- the Load. With arm extend-
forefinger pointing up, move downward, forefinger point- ed, thumb pointing up, flex ed, thumb pointing down, flex
hand in small horizontal cir- ing down, move hand in fingers in and out as long as fingers in and out as long as
cle. small horizontal circles. load movement is desired. load movement is desired.
Travel. (One Track). Lock Travel (Both Tracks). Use Extend Boom (Telescoping Retract Boom (Telescoping
the track on side indicated by both fists in front of body, Boom). One Hand Signal. Boom). One Hand Signal.
raised fist. Travel opposite making a circular motion One fist in front of chest with One fist in front of chest,
track in direction indicated about each other, indicating thumb tapping chest. thumb pointing outward and
by circular motion of other direction of travel; forward or heel of fist tapping chest.
fist, rotated vertically in front backward. (For crawler cranes
of body. (For crawler cranes only.)
only).
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Move Slowly. Use one hand Dog Everything. Clasp Multiple Trolleys. Hold up Magnet is Disconnected.
to give any motion signal and hands in front of body. one finger for block marked Crane Operator spreads both
place other hand motionless “1” and two fingers for block hands apart palms up.
in front of hand giving the marked “2”. Regular signals
motion signal. (Hoist slowly follow.
shown as example.)
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
WIRE ROPE SLING INSPECTION & REMOVAL CRITERIA
Basic Inspection Criteria For Wire Rope Slings This sling should then be destroyed as soon as possible by
The goal of a sling inspection is to evaluate remaining cutting the eye and fittings from the rope with a torch. This
strength in a sling which has been used previously to deter- will help assure that an employee will not mistakenly use a
mine if it is suitable for continued use. sling which has been retired from service.
Specific inspection intervals and procedures are required It should also be obvious that a good inspection program
by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and by will not only provide safer lifting conditions, but will also
ANSI B30.9 Regulations, and the responsibility for perfor-
mance of inspections is placed squarely upon the sling user
extend the life of slings and thereby reduce lifting costs.
Federal Work Rules Require Specific Inspection
2
by Federal Legislation. Intervals
As a starting point, the same work practices which apply Government regulations are also specific on WHEN to
to all “working” wire ropes apply to wire rope which has inspect.
been fabricated into a sling. Therefore, a good working
knowledge of wire rope design and construction will be Both ANSI Standard B30.9 and OSHA require that wire rope
not only useful but essential in conducting a wire rope sling slings receive two types of inspections: a DAILY visual
inspection. inspection, and additional inspections where service condi-
tions warrant.
But because wire rope is a rather complex machine, no pre-
cise rules can be given to determine exactly when a wire Daily visual inspections are intended to detect serious dam-
rope sling should be replaced. There are many variables, age or deterioration which would weaken the sling. This
and all must be considered. inspection is usually performed by the person using the
sling in a day-to-day job. He should look for obvious things,
OSHA specifies that a wire rope sling shall be removed from such as broken wires, kinks, crushing, broken attachments,
service immediately if ANY of the following conditions are severe corrosion, etc.
present:
Additional inspections should be performed at regular inter-
1. Broken Wires: For single-part slings, 10 randomly distrib- vals based on, (1) frequency of sling use, (2) severity of ser-
uted broken wires in one rope lay, or five broken wires vice conditions, (3) nature of lifts, and (4) prior experience
in one strand of one rope lay. For multi-part slings these based on service life of slings used in similar circumstances.
same criteria apply to each of the component ropes. For
this inspection, a broken wire shall only be counted once; It is required that these additional inspections be carried out
that is, each break should have two ends. by a designated person who must have good knowledge of
wire rope. An accurate WRITTEN and dated record of all
2. Metal Loss: Wear or scraping of one-third the original conditions observed should be kept. Any deterioration of
diameter of outside individual wires. This is quite difficult the sling which could result in appreciable loss of original
to determine on slings and experience should be gained strength should be carefully noted, and determination made
by the inspector by taking apart old slings and actually on whether further use would constitute a safety hazard.
measuring wire diameters.
3. Distortion: Kinking, crushing, birdcaging or other dam- How to Inspect
age which distorts the rope structure. The main thing to Precisely how to make proper, adequate inspections is not
look for is wires or strands that are pushed out of their detailed by OSHA—yet it is in the HOW of inspection that
original positions in the rope. Slight bends in a rope the big difference between a good inspection and some-
where wires or strands are still relatively in their original thing less become apparent.
positions would not be considered serious damage. But Inspection should follow a systematic procedure:
good judgment is indicated. (1) First, it is necessary that all parts of the sling are
4. Heat Damage: Any metallic discoloration or loss of inter- readily visible. The sling should be laid out so
nal lubricant caused by exposure to heat. every part is accessible.
5. Bad End Attachments: Cracked, bent or broken end fit- (2) Next, the sling should be sufficiently cleaned of dirt and
tings caused by abuse, wear or accident. grease so wires and fittings are easily seen. This can
6. Bent Hooks: No more than 15 percent over the normal usually be accomplished with a wire brush or rags.
throat openings, measured at the narrowest point, or (3) The sling should then be given a thorough, systematic
twisting of more than 10 degrees is permissable. examination throughout its entire length, paying partic-
7. Metal Corrosion: Severe corrosion of the rope or end ular attention to sections showing the most wear.
attachments which has caused pitting or binding of wires (4) Special attention should also be paid to fittings and end
should be cause for replacing the sling. Light rusting usu- attachments, and areas of the sling adjacent to these fit-
ally does not affect strength of a sling, however. tings.
In addition to these seven conditions specified by OSHA, (5) When the worst section of a sling has been located,
the following are also important: this area should then be carefully checked against the
8. Pulled Eye Splices: Any evidence that eye splices have OSHA criteria.
slipped, tucked strands have moved, or pressed sleeves (6) Label or identify slings that are inspected.
show serious damage may be sufficient cause to reject a (7) Keep records of inspections that include dates and cor-
sling. responding conditions of slings.
9. Unbalance: A very common cause of damage is the kink (8) Dispose immediately of slings that are rejected.
which results from pulling through a loop while using a
sling, thus causing wires and strands to be deformed and A knowledgeable inspector will also insist on proper stor-
pushed out of their original position. This unbalances the age for out-of-use slings—to make his job easier if not for
sling, reducing its strength. the good of the slings. Inspections are much easier—and
Disposition of Retired Slings: the best inspection program probably more thorough—when slings are available for
available is of no value if slings which are worn out and have inspection in an orderly arrangement, out of the weather,
been retired are not disposed of properly. When it is deter- away from heat and dirt.
mined by the inspector that a sling is worn out or damaged
beyond use, it should be tagged immediately DO NOT USE.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
2
Eye & Eye
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
1-PART SLINGS/MECHANICAL SPLICE
Single Leg Slings
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
1-PART SLINGS/MECHANICAL SPLICE
2-Leg Bridle Slings
EXTRA IMPROVED PLOW STEEL IWRC
RATED CAPACITY IN TONS
LE
NG
TH
Standard Style
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
1-PART SLINGS/MECHANICAL SPLICE
3-Leg Bridle Slings
EXTRA IMPROVED PLOW STEEL IWRC
RATED CAPACITY IN TONS
LE
NG
TH
Standard Style
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
1-PART SLINGS/MECHANICAL SPLICE
LE
4-Leg Bridle Slings
NG
TH
EXTRA IMPROVED PLOW STEEL IWRC
RATED CAPACITY IN TONS
2 Standard Style
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
1-PART SLINGS/MECHANICAL SPLICE
Single Leg Slings
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
4-PART BRAIDED SLINGS
2
Length Length Length
of of of
Sling Sling Sling
(SL) (SL) (SL)
RATED CAPACITIES BASKET HITCH BASED ON D/d RATIO OF 25 TIMES THE COMPONENT ROPE DIAMETER
RATED CAPACITY IN TONS
RATED CAPACITIES BASED ON PIN DIAMETER NO LARGER THAN NATURAL EYE WIDTH OR LESS THAN THE NOMINAL SLING DIAMETER
RATED CAPACITIES BASED ON DESIGN FACTOR OF 5
HORIZONTAL SLING ANGLES LESS THAN 30 DEGREES SHALL NOT BE USED
Rated Capacities shown apply only to 6x19, 7x19, and 6x37 classification wire rope.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Length Length
2
Length
RATED CAPACITIES BASKET HITCH BASED ON D/d RATIO OF 25 TIMES THE COMPONENT ROPE DIAMETER
RATED CAPACITIES BASED ON PIN DIAMETER NO LARGER THAN NATURAL EYE WIDTH OR LESS THAN THE NOMINAL SLING DIAMETER
RATED CAPACITIES BASED ON DESIGN FACTOR OF 5
HORIZONTAL SLING ANGLES LESS THAN 30 DEGREES SHALL NOT BE USED
Rated Capacities shown apply only to 6x19, 7x19, and 6x37 classification wire rope.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
8-PART BRAIDED SLINGS
RATED CAPACITIES BASKET HITCH BASED ON D/d RATIO OF 25 TIMES THE COMPONENT ROPE DIAMETER
RATED CAPACITIES BASED ON PIN DIAMETER NO LARGER THAN NATURAL EYE WIDTH OR LESS THAN THE NOMINAL SLING DIAMETER
RATED CAPACITIES BASED ON DESIGN FACTOR OF 5
HORIZONTAL SLING ANGLES LESS THAN 30 DEGREES SHALL NOT BE USED
Rated Capacities shown for 1/8” through 3/8” apply only to 7x19 galvanized wire rope.
Rated Capacities shown for 3/8” apply only to 6x19, and 6x37 classification wire rope.
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WIRE ROPE SLINGS
1-PART SLINGS/POURED SOCKETS
CABLE LAID SLINGS/MECHANICAL SPLICE
2-26
WIRE ROPE SLINGS
1-PART SLINGS/SWAGE SOCKETS
Open-Open Open-Closed Closed-Closed
2
SINGLE ROPE LEGS AND OPEN SWAG SINGLE ROPE LEGS AND OPEN/ SINGLE ROPE LEGS AND CLOSED SWA
ED SOCKETS CLOSED SWAGED SOCKETS GED SOCKETS
BOOM PENDENTS WITH SWAGED
FITTINGS
* Values given apply when pendants are used as slings or sling assemblies. When used in a Boom suspension system, other values
apply; consult rope manufacturer.
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