Frozen round sling

It is best if round slings are stored dry and in frost-protected halls. But in practice, the picture is different. In the offshore sector, in harbours and on construction sites, the same question arises every winter: Can I use frozen round slings? The answer is: No!

The frost itself cannot harm round slings made of polyester or polyamide. They can be used at temperatures between minus 40 and plus 100 degrees. Nevertheless, if the sling has been exposed to the freezing cold for a long time and is literally ‘frozen through’, ice crystals form en masse in the multi-filament yarn fabric. Under load, these crystals can destroy the fibres like sharp blades, which impairs the load-bearing capacity of the round sling or even renders it unusable.

Therefore: Thaw frozen round slings before use. And please always pay attention: Damaged round slings may only be repaired by the manufacturer.