How do sling angle and geometry affect capacity and load stability?

• A. Angles do not affect capacity.
• B. Slings with angles too small or too large reduce effective capacity, increase tension, and cause sway or instability; keep angles within manufacturer limits and as close to vertical as practical.
• C. Only the color of the sling matters.
• D. Angles only affect appearance.

Answer: (B)

Understanding how sling angle and geometry affect load capacity and stability helps you prevent overloading and unwanted movement. When a sling is used with two legs, the force in each leg grows as the legs spread away from vertical. That means as the included angle between the legs increases, the tension in each leg rises and the overall lifting capacity of the sling drops. The load can also become less stable because higher leg tensions, combined with any misalignment or off-center load, promote sway, tilt, or walking of the load. So, keep sling angles within the manufacturer’s limits and as close to vertical as practical to maximize effective capacity and maintain stability. Colors or appearance of the sling don’t affect strength or safety.