Round Slings

WHAT IS A ROUND SLING?

A round sling, also known as an endless round sling, is a flexible lifting sling used for safely lifting, lowering, and moving heavy loads with cranes, hoists, and lifting equipment. Manufacturers from high-strength polyester yarn enclosed within a durable woven sleeve, round slings provide excellent flexibility while protecting delicate or irregularly shaped loads from damage during lifting operations.

Unlike chain slings or wire rope slings, polyester round slings offer a soft, non-abrasive lifting surface that confirms closely to the shape of the load. This makes them ideal for lifting painted, polished, fragile, or finished components where surface protection is important.

Endless round slings are commonly used across industries including: 

• Construction
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Offshore
• Warehousing
• Transportation
• Marine
• Heavy Industry

BENEFITS OF POLYESTER ROUND SLINGS

Polyester endless slings remain one of the most popular lifting solutions due to their combination of strength, flexibility, and ease of use.

Key Benefits Include:

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• Flexible construction adapts to load shapes
• Reduced risk of damage to delicate loads
• Colour-coded capacities for quick identification
• Suitable for vertical, basket, and choker lifting configurations
• Non-conductive material for safer use near electrical environments
• Resistant to moisture, UV exposure, and general abrasion
• Compact and easy to store and transport

Their flexible endless design also allows the sling to rotate around the load, helping distribute wear more evenly and extend operational lifespan when used correctly.

ROUND SLING COLOUR CODES & WORKING LOAD LIMITS

Polyester round slings are manufactured using industry-standard colour coding to help operators quickly identify the sling’s working load limit (WLL).

Common Round Sling Colour Codes:

• Violet – 1 Tonne
• Green – 2 Tonne
• Yellow – 3 Tonne
• Grey – 4 Tonne
• Red – 5 Tonne
• Brown – 6 Tonne
• Blue – 8 Tonne
• Orange – 10 Tonne

Working load limits vary depending on the lifting configuration used, including vertical, choker, and basket hitches. Always ensure the selected sling has sufficient capacity for the intended lift and that angle reductions are properly accounted for.

All slings supplied by LES - Lifting Equipment Store are clearly labelled with safe lifting information and supplied with certification where applicable.

LIFTING CONFIGURATIONS FOR ENDLESS ROUND SLINGS

ound slings can be used in several lifting configurations depending on the load type and lifting requirements.

Vertical Lift

A single sling attached directly to the load. This is the simplest lifting method and uses the sling’s standard working load limit.

Choker Hitch

The sling wraps around the load and tightens under tension. Choker configurations can reduce the sling’s lifting capacity and should be used carefully to avoid excessive compression.

Basket Hitch

The sling passes underneath the load with both ends attached to the lifting hook. Basket hitches can increase lifting capacity when used correctly and provide improved load stability.

Always follow safe lifting practices and refer to the sling label or technical guidance before use.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT ENDLESS ROUND SLING

Selecting the correct endless sling is critical for safe lifting operations.

Consider The Following Factors:

Load Weight

Always know the exact weight of the load before selecting a sling. The sling’s working load limit must exceed the load weight after accounting for lifting angles and configurations.

Sling Length

Choose a sling length suitable for the lifting method and hook height. Round slings are measured by circumference rather than effective working length.

Lifting Configuration

Vertical, basket, and choker lifts all affect sling capacity differently.

Load Shape & Surface

Sharp edges, rough surfaces, or irregular loads may require edge protection or wear sleeves to prevent damage to the sling cover.

Environmental Conditions

Consider exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, moisture, or UV conditions that may affect sling performance.

If you require assistance selecting the correct sling, our technical team can help recommend the safest and most cost-effective lifting solution.

ROUND SLINGS VS WEB SLINGS

Both round slings and flat webbing slings are widely used in lifting operations, but each offers advantages depending on the application.

Round Slings

• More flexible around irregular loads
• Higher flexibility and load conformity
• Compact and lightweight
• Excellent for delicate surfaces
• Rotates to distribute wear

Webbing Slings

• Flatter contact surface
• Easier to position under some loads
• Better for certain basket lifting applications
• Easier visual inspection of webbing damage

For many general lifting operations, endless round slings offer superior flexibility and handling advantages.

ROUND SLING SAFETY & INSPECTION

Regular inspection is essential to ensure lifting safety and LOLER compliance.

Round Slings Should Be Removed From Service If:

• The outer cover is torn, cut, or excessively worn
• Internal yarns are exposed
• There are signs of heat or chemical damage
• The identification label is missing or illegible
• Knots, deformation, or severe abrasion are present

Inspection Frequency

Round slings should be visually inspected before every use and undergo regular thorough examinations in accordance with LOLER regulations and site safety procedures.

Damaged slings must never be repaired or returned to service unless approved by a competent person.

CUSTOM-MADE ROUND SLINGS

LES - Lifting Equipment Store specialises in supplying custom-made polyester round slings tailored to your exact lifting requirements.

We can manufacture bespoke endless slings with:

• Custom lengths
• Higher capacities
• Protective sleeves
• Specialist configurations
• Heavy-duty industrial specifications

Our ability to supply bespoke lifting slings quickly and efficiently helps minimise downtime and keep projects moving safely.