The difference between lifting straps and lifting slings

If you can’t tell a lifting strap from a lifting sling, this is the article for you. Both are used to move items, but have widely varying applications.

Some people use the terms lifting strap and lifting sling interchangeably. However, they are actually two different tools with two different applications.

A lifting strap is also known as a moving strap. This type of mobile aid can be used to help people, usually a two-person team, lift heavy objects. These straps can be a lifesaver when getting in and out of a residential home, especially if you’re moving yourself. Professional movers also use them in place of a traditional wheeled dolly because there are certain places you don’t want to move a dolly around the house. For example, you may not want to move a wheelbarrow on white carpet or brittle tile floors. There may also be furniture or appliances that don’t lend themselves to being moved with a dolly. A movable strap is usually secured around the shoulders and/or waist of both people to provide stability and help you handle the heavy object. You might be surprised at how many items can be lifted this way, including washers, dryers, cabinets, refrigerators, sofas, and much more.

A lifting sling is typically used in an industrial or marine setting to lift or hoist very heavy equipment such as boats, trucks, and construction equipment. They are made from a variety of materials that are designed for specific applications including nylon, polyester, cable, and chain. The nylon type is the most common choice. The chain type is the strongest option. All types are rated by the manufacturer for a variety of load factors and care must be taken to purchase the correct hoist for your load. Slings are usually attached to the crane or whatever it is used to pull with a shackle or other type of industrial strength connector.

Whether you call it lifting straps or slings, most sales professionals can figure out what you’re really looking for. The important thing is to ask questions to get the right tool for the job you need to do.