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October 21, 2019 Professional Tree Climber

Understanding the Different Types of Slings

We receive many questions about the various types of slings and their specific uses. In tree removal, rigging, and climbing, the right sling can significantly impact your work, whether aloft or on the ground. Let's explore some of our options and understand their appropriate applications!

 

Tubular Loop Slings (Endless Loop)

 

Tubular Loop Slings, made of nylon, are very lightweight. They can be easily girth hitched around a limb for use as a rigging or climbing redirect. Remember to keep your rigging gear separate from your climbing gear. These slings are also useful for attaching limbs to a speed line setup, allowing for the quick removal of multiple limbs.

 

Dead Eye Sling

A Dead Eye Sling is a spliced sling featuring one 'dead eye.' Available in lengths from 8 to 30 feet, they can be used in the tree or on the ground. They are highly effective for blocks or Port A Wraps because they can be cinched tightly to the tree, minimizing slack in your rigging system. They can be easily attached to the tree using a Timber Hitch or a Cow Hitch. Larger diameter slings are ideal for primary rigging points, while smaller ones are suitable for rigging redirects to distribute the load throughout the tree. This is my preferred method for attaching large blocks in the tree, as it is easier to adjust and less cumbersome when attaching to large diameter wood.

 

Whoopie Sling

A Whoopie Sling is an adjustable spliced sling with a large loop on one end that adjusts by sliding part of the rope through the other, and a smaller spliced eye on the other end. It is a hybrid between a Dead Eye Sling and a Loopie Sling. Whoopie Slings are recommended for attaching a Port A Wrap to the base of the tree for lowering limbs. I typically keep Whoopies on the ground and use other slings in the air.

 

Loopie Sling

A Loopie Sling is essentially a large adjustable loop, spliced from hollow braid rope, allowing part of the loop to be spliced through the other. When weight is applied, it tightens like a Chinese finger trap. Blocks can be added to the single leg of the loop, and the sling can be Girth Hitched to the tree. Always ensure the crossover section of the Girth Hitch passes over the adjustable part of the sling to lock it in place, preventing it from elongating. A great example of a Loopie Sling is the Omni Block Sling. Loopies should be used aloft.

So there is a quick run down of the multiple slings that we have in our shop as well as out in the field. Each sling serves it's own purpose in rigging and climbing so be sure that you know where each one should be used as well as how it should be used! If you have any questions, shoot us an email, find us on Facebook or give us a call! Stay safe!

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