The best means for preventing fatigue failure of wire rope slings is to use blocking or padding to increase the bend radius. The ability of wire rope to withstand abrasion is determined by the size and number of the individual wires used to make up the rope. Smaller wires bend more readily and offer greater flexibility, but are less able to withstand abrasion. Larger wires are less flexible, but withstand abrasion better. Abuse Misuse or abuse of wire rope slings will result in their failure long before any other factor.
Abuse can lead to serious structural damage, resulting in kinks or bird caging.
To prevent injuries to workers and prolong the life of the sling, strictly adhered to safe and proper use of wire rope slings. Wire rope slings must be visually inspected before use. Fiber Rope and Synthetic Web Fiber rope and synthetic web slings are used primarily for temporary work, such as construction or painting, and are the best choice for use on expensive loads, highly finished or fragile parts, and delicate equipment. Fiber rope slings deteriorate on contact with acids and caustics and, therefore, must not be used around these substances. Fiber rope slings that exhibit cuts, gouges, worn surface areas, brittle or discolored fibers, melting, or charring must be discarded.