Frequently Asked Questions

A. Twin-Path? Extra Covermax Slings

1. Can a Twin-Path? be used in a fitting or trunion which is less than the slings width?

Yes, A Twin-Path? Sling can fit spaces half of their catalog width with no reduction in capacity.
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2. What is the difference between the Tell-Tails and the Fiber Optic inspection systems?

The Tell-Tails are overload indicators and will retract and eventually disappear if the sling is overloaded. The Fiber Optic determines if the interior core of the sling has suffered chemical, heat or crushing damage. If light does not pass from one end to the other, remove the sling from service and send to the manufacturer for repair evaluation.

3. What do I do if both Tell-Tails are not visible?

Tell-Tails should extend past the tag area of each sling. If both Tell-Tails are not visible, remove the sling from service. Send the sling to the manufacturer for repair evaluation.

4. What pin diameter or hardware diameter is ok with a Twin-Path? Sling?

Slings used with fittings shall be compatible with the fittings used. The lifting capacity shall be rated at the lower of the sling or fitting. Fitting openings shall be of the proper shape and size to assure that the sling will seat properly.
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5. What happens if oil or gasoline gets on my Twin-Path? Sling?

Hydrocarbons and oils do not affect the performance of any Twin-Path? sling.

6. Is there a way to shorten a synthetic sling's length?

G-Link Connectors can be used to shorten the length or reach of a synthetic sling.
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7. What about stretch? I've seen loads bounce with synthetic slings.

At rated capacity, nylon slings will stretch up to 15%. Round slings made with polyester will stretch 3%. Braided Polyester slings will stretch 9%. Twin-Path? Extra Slings w/ K-Spec? core yarn stretch less than 1% at rated capacity.
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8. If a synthetic round sling has one interior core yarn which has been damaged or cut, can it still be used if the sling's capacity is de-rated?

NO! Roundslings that suffer damage to the load bearing cores must be removed from service. These slings shall be destroyed to prevent inadvertent use.

9. Are all Twin-Path? Extra Slings proof tested before reaching the customer?

Yes. As part of our manufacturing process, each Twin-Path? Extra Sling is proof tested to two times its vertical rated capacity. Every repaired Twin-Path? Extra Sling is also proof tested before it is returned to the customer.

B. Protector Pads

1. How do I know if a load edge is "sharp" enough to require a CornerMax Pad?

The word "sharp" is considered subjective and is no longer used in our catalog or website. Any material can be cut when exposed to enough pressure and a sharp edge. Diamonds, the hardest substance known, can be split into smaller parts by skilled cutters. CornerMax Pads must be utilized to protect the sling from all edges and corners. For an example, press your hand against the edge of a table. If you run your hand back and forth with some pressure applied, you'll realize that the edge doesn't need to be "sharp" to cut.
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2. Can I use a Synthetic Armor Pad for cut protection?

No. The technology that developed the CornerMax pad is for cut protection. Synthetic Armor pads are intended for abrasion protection or to increase the diameter of a bearing surface.
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3. What is the difference between abrasion protection and cut protection?

Abrasion protection is needed when the sling is wrapped around a load which is rough, dirty or gritty. Cut protection is needed when there is an edge or corner that the sling will come in contact with.
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C. Wire Rope Slings

1. Why use a multipart wire rope sling instead of a single-strand wire rope sling?

A single strand sling is less flexible than a multipart wire rope sling. Also, a multipart wire rope sling provides a better D/d ratio.

2. Why are the D/d ratios different for the body and the eye of Gator-Max, Gator-Laid, Gator-Flex and T&D; Ultra-Flex Slings?

There are 12 parts of wire rope in the loops and 9 in the body.

3. What kind of wire rope will my Gator-Max, Gator-Laid, Gator-Flex and T&D; Ultra-Flex slings be made of?

Up to 1-1/8", 6x25 IWRC. Over 1-1/8", 6x37 IWRC is used. T&D; Ultra's are made from 7x19 GAC.

4. What is the difference between a Gator-Max and a Gator-Laid sling?

Gator-Max is handspliced, Gator-Laid is made using swaged sleeves.

Need for information? Contact us at [email protected].

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