Wear protection of textile slings

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Protect your textile lifting slings from wear and damage with the right wear protection

When lifting with round slings or webbing slings, the lifting gear comes into direct contact with the load. If the load has sharp edges, rough surfaces, or exposed corners, this can quickly cause wear or damage to the lifting equipment. In the worst case, it can weaken the sling to the point that it is no longer safe to use.

That is why wear protection is an important part of a safe lift. It protects both the lifting equipment and the load which helps extend the service life of your textile lifting equipment.

When should wear protection be used?

Wear protection should be used whenever there is a risk that the load may damage the lifting equipment. This applies particularly when lifting items with sharp edges or corners, where round slings or webbing slings may be cut, pinched, or worn during the lift.

It is especially relevant for:

Lifting items with sharp edges: Sharp edges can cut into textile lifting slings, weakening the material.
Heavy lifts: The heavier the load, the greater the pressure between the load and the lifting gear. Wear protection can help reduce wear and point loading.
Repeated lifts: If the same item is lifted many times, even minor wear can eventually develop into serious damage to the lifting equipment.
Lifting fragile or finished items: Wear protection not only protects the sling – it can also protect the load from marks, pressure damage, or discoloration from the lifting sling.

Why are sharp edges dangerous for textile lifting?

Textile lifting equipment, such as round slings and webbing slings, is strong, flexible, and gentle on many types of goods. However, they are also vulnerable to various influences, including sharp edges.

When a sling is loaded over a sharp edge, the fibers can be cut or damaged. This can happen during the lift itself or due to small movements in the load. Even damage that may appear limited at first can have a major impact on the strength of the lifting equipment.

You should therefore always assess the contact points between the load and the lifting equipment before carrying out the lift.

What types of wear protection are available?

There are several types of wear and corner protection. The choice depends on the lifting task, the shape of the load and the lifting equipment used.

Textile wear protection

Textile-based edge protection, for example in nylon or polyester, is a flexible solution for round slings and webbing slings. It is easy to fit and can often be secured with Velcro, so it can easily be positioned where the sling is in contact with the edge, or moved to other lifting slings.

This type is suitable when a flexible protection solution is required that follows the movement of the sling while protecting against wear.

Edge or corner protection in plastic, PVC or polyurethane

Edge protectors made from these materials are typically more dimensionally stable yet flexible enough to accommodate varying loads. They are often angled to fit over an edge. Some types are fitted with magnets to hold them in place on the load during preparation for the lift.

This type of wear protection also provides good protection for the corners of the items being lifted.

Custom-designed solutions

For special lifting tasks, custom-designed wear protection may be required. This could include molded plastic protectors or solutions combining several materials. These are often used when the lifting task places special demands on fit, load capacity, or retention.

Wear protection increases safety

The right wear protection helps prevent damage to both the lifting equipment and the load. At the same time, it reduces the risk of dangerous situations where a damaged sling could fail during lifting.

Always remember to check:

Whether the load has sharp edges or rough surfaces
Where the lifting equipment is in contact with the load
Whether the wear protection is suitable for the task
Whether the lifting equipment and protection are correctly positioned before the lift

That is why we recommend edge protection

Wear protection is a simple solution that can have a major impact on safety. It protects your round slings and webbing slings from wear and cutting damage, protects the load from marks or discoloration, and can also extend the service life of your lifting equipment.

If you are unsure which type of wear protection is suitable for your lifting task, we recommend seeking advice before carrying out the lift. This helps ensure both the correct use of the lifting gear and a safer lift.