18.5.2 Terminations

Consideration must be given to the way in which the sling is to be terminated. A range of fittings are available and their selection will depend on the load, the need to connect with other fittings and the nature of the operation.

Sling legs which are to be used in choke hitch should terminate with soft eyes or be fitted with reeving thimbles which permit the passage of one eye through another whilst offering protection from abrasion.

Hooks and shackles can be made into the eyes of rope slings so that they are captive. In some cases shackles can be made detachable. When selecting slings with hooks, the pattern of hook will to some degree depend on the application. However, it is important that hooks and other similar devices provided for lifting be of a type that reduces the risk of the load becoming displaced from the hook or other devices. This requirement can be met by the use of hooks with safety catches or by the use of ‘C’ type hooks.

It is strongly recommended that thimbles are fitted to the eyes of sling legs that connect with other fittings, captive or detachable, so that the eye maintains a good shape and the rope is protected from abrasion. Similarly, thimbles should be fitted where the conditions are arduous and wear and abrasion are likely to occur to the inside of the eye.