Both round and web slings make for versatile lifting equipment, with many potential applications across rigging. They provide a lightweight option for rigging without sacrificing strength or durability. Their flexibility offers an advantage over other rigging setups that require material to secure around harsh angles. The use of synthetic fibers in their construction makes them more durable than natural fiber rope with greater resistance to the elements than wire rope. Here we will discuss the intricacies of round and web slings, including their construction and most common uses. 

Most Common Applications

Web slings and round slings certainly have their similarities, but their value is their few differences. Each one has specific applications and tasks in mind with their design. Let’s break each down.

How They Work – Briefly

While many out there reading this are likely seasoned veterans who are well acquainted with all types of slings, there may be a few who are just getting started in their rigging careers and could use the refresher.

Slings work as follows:

It is important to remember that round and web slings are not intended for extended use or for permanent rigging. They are intended to be a lightweight solution to lift loads that will be unloaded relatively quickly. 

Easy To Use, Easy To Source

Synthetic slings are a versatile piece of rigging equipment. Their lightweight design coupled with their strength and durability make them a go-to in every rigger’s kit. Southwest Wire Rope is here to provide you with a wide array of slings to handle whatever you throw at them. If you are in need of new slings on your worksite or need help assembling a complicated rigging setup, reach out to us today!

When you need synthetic rope, wire rope, spooling services or chain on-site, you likely don’t have the time to wait. You need it now. The same can be said for all rigging equipment. If you do not have a local wire supplier, who can you turn to for rigging solutions? Southwest Wire Rope is here for you. If no one on-site can come up with a solution, you want a resource that is trustworthy, knowledgeable, can resolve your issue and keep your jobsite functioning efficiently. 

We have 3 locations in the Gulf Coast region that you can count on.

It may not seem like having a local wire rope and rigging gear supplier would make much of a difference, but it can truly make or break your ability to complete your project on-time or satisfy your customer within budget. Here we will discuss some of the advantages of having local and knowledgable Southwest Wire Rope as your go-to supplier. 

Supplies When You Need Them

Even with meticulous planning, you can find yourself short on necessary equipment. No matter the issue, you need a solution to your problem as quickly as possible. This is when having a local full-service rigging supplier with three locations in Southern Texas and Louisiana can make all the difference. By quickly sourcing rigging equipment, you are able to mitigate delays in completing your project while maintaining the strictest safety standards. This can be a difficult balance to strike, but with each aspect being critically important, using our local sources will allow you to quickly replace, repair or inspect rigging equipment.

Solutions, Not Guesswork

Another reason to count on Southwest Wire Rope is that you can leverage the rapport you develop as a customer into an opportunity to take advantage of our years of knowledge and experience. Should you encounter a fresh problem that no one on-site can solve, having a supplier that is rich in industry knowledge provides massive added value to your overall network when taking on projects. Why not have such an impressive resource for both rigging equipment and knowledge at your disposal? Doing so increases efficiency and productivity and maintains safety even through challenging projects.

We Have the Equipment and Solutions You Need

Southwest Wire Rope is here to provide you with both the rigging equipment and rigging solutions you need to keep your project on track. We have full capability and capacity to meet all your rigging needs including custom wire rope, hardware, synthetic, chain and wire rope slings. Lean on our decades of combined experience in the rigging, mooring, specialty wire rope and steel cables industry for everything you need. When you need to fit unique rigs that maintain safety, that is our priority and expertise. Reach out today and let us help your project run smoothly and safely.

The Gold Strand is synonymous with Southwest Wire Rope. For over 50 years we have been the mark of quality in rigging components. Our Gold Strand can be found on docks and job sites all over the world. Our wire rope is trusted in rigs every single day. In a word, the gold strand means everything to us. 

The gold strand means trust, quality and innovation. Here we will explore what each of those means to us and why they are so important.

Trust

When you see the Gold Strand on your job site, you are immediately put at ease. You know that the best possible wire rope is on hand. You know that you are working with specialists who are committed to doing the best job possible. The Gold Strand is a commitment to safety as it becomes clear that you are working with professionals who know what it takes to have a safe, productive day on-site. The Gold Strand is a way to signal to others on site that you can be trusted. The importance of trust can’t be overstated and the Gold Strand is a way to build it on your site without saying a word.

Quality

The Gold Strand wire rope is the definitive symbol of quality. For over 50 years, our wire rope has been used in rigging on construction sites, docks and film sets. In all of those years we have exceeded expectations. There is a reason why these professionals come back to our wire rope time and time again. That reason being that we take care in the manufacture of our wire rope so that it is consistently the strongest and most durable available on the market. 

Our wire rope wouldn’t have the trust of such varied industries if it were not for the attention to detail put into the sourcing of materials and the construction of each strand. By consistently offering high quality wire rope, we give these industries little reason to look elsewhere for rigging solutions.

Innovation

In both our products and services, we have remained innovative. Offering much more than our signature Gold Strand wire rope, we offer solutions for all types of rigging needs. We offer on-site spooling, field inspection, testing and rentals all in an effort to make the absolute best available to you on your job site. Every industry we work with is a demanding, time constrained endeavor so we take it upon ourselves to ensure that we can meet the needs of those who rely on our products on a daily basis.

Decades as the Trusted Source of Wire Rope

Southern Wire Rope has been providing wire rope and rigging solutions for nearly 60 years. With that experience we have earned the trust and confidence of rigging professionals around the world. We offer a variety of services that provide the solutions needed to keep your job site productive and safe. If you have questions about how we can help your operation, reach out so that we can partner with you in finding a solution.

In rigging, we all know that the setup is only as strong as its weakest link. Any failure is a potentially dangerous situation that puts your entire operation in jeopardy. Every component must be relentlessly reliable. Synthetic rope is one such tool that bears heavy responsibility. While incredibly strong and durable, it often immediately supports a load; if it were to fail, the results would be catastrophic.

You will likely never see natural rope used in a rig as they are weaker and less durable than their synthetic counterparts. With this in mind, let’s discuss the advantages of synthetic rope.

Synthetic Rope – What Is It?

Synthetic rope is made from nylon, polyester, or polypropylene fibers. These ropes can be made using one or a combination of these synthetic fibers. Much like a natural rope, these fibers are drawn out into strands and then woven together. The end result is a durable, strong rope that can bear markedly more weight and tension than its natural counterpart.

Uses and Applications

Because of the materials used, synthetic rope is better able to withstand friction, making it more durable. It should be noted that how much you use the rope and its length of service will directly affect how long it lasts. Sporadic use could see it surviving for up to 10 years, whereas heavy use will require replacement every year or two. Synthetic rope is great for outdoor uses, as it is resistant to rot and mildew that can arise from exposure to moisture.

Synthetic rope is useful for a host of additional purposes. Its resistance to moisture makes it ideal for use in marine applications, but it has various advantages outside of the rigging sphere. It serves as an excellent climbing rope due to its abrasion resistance – it can handle rough edges of the terrain without fail. This is also what makes it perfect for rigging in film and theater. Where creative problems often require creative solutions, crews know they can rely on these ropes to hold the scene together. Synthetic rope can also be used effectively in towing and hauling applications.

Find Top-Tier Synthetic Rope

Southwest Wire Rope has been a leader in wire rope and rigging supplies in the Gulf Coast region since 1966. We provide quality supplies and reliable service to each one of our clients so they can meet the tough demands of the industry with confidence and excellence. We are happy to share our decades of experience to help you find the best solution for whatever undertaking you have in front of you. From synthetic rope and slings to wire rope and chains, we have a comprehensive product offering to completely outfit your rig.  Get in touch with our team today to level up your operation.

Wire rope is arguably the most important asset that a rigging equipment provider can supply. It forms the backbone of every operation, helping to execute every lift and move heavy loads with precision and security. Without wire rope, the rigging, overhead lifting and securement industries couldn’t meet demands.

For these reasons, it is absolutely crucial to make sure wire rope is properly maintained. Storing wire rope safely and intentionally will help lengthen its working life and improve the safety of your daily operations. Keep reading to discover the key considerations and tips for storing wire rope.

Wire Rope Spooling

The best method of storing wire rope is on a reel. This helps to maintain the shape and function of the rope over time by avoiding kinks and tangles, which can damage the integrity of the rope and reduce its safety and usefulness. Reels also help centralize wire rope into space-efficient units that can be transported and even stacked.

Once spooled onto a reel, it will be simple and easy to remove the desired length of wire rope when needed. Whether you are working with drilling rigs, cranes or winches, we recommend that you have your wire rope installed and removed by an  experienced professional.

Conditions and Safety

Wire rope is a vital piece of equipment, and it should be stored as such. Water, salt, dust, steam, temperature extremes and chemical fumes can wreak havoc on the structure and strength of wire rope. Therefore, store your wire rope supply in a cool, dry, covered, and well-ventilated place. An  indoor location is best, but if you must store wire rope outdoors, make sure it is covered with waterproof material.

Additionally, make sure no part of the rope is touching the ground, and that the base of the wire rope reel is elevated at least a few inches in case of flooding. Water immersion can cause the wire rope to corrode and its lubricant to wear off. . When in doubt, check with your rigging equipment provider about wire rope spooling to ensure it is done right.

Rigging Inspections

Inspections of various pieces of rigging equipment are required by law on a regular basis – and wire rope is no exception. Work with your rigging equipment provider to have your wire rope inspected if it has been stored for an extended period of time. A full-scale rigging inspection can also help you determine where and how to store your wire rope on the front-end of a project. A qualified rigging equipment inspector will be able to address the quality and condition of all your rigging and lifting gear, furnishing detailed reports on their findings.

Work With Wire Rope Experts

At Southwest Wire Rope, our team has been serving the needs of the rigging, overhead lifting and securement industries with unwavering excellence for 56 years. If you’re searching for a rigging equipment provider, wire rope spooling and storage help or a certified inspector, turn to the professionals at Southwest Wire Rope. Our experienced team can provide insights and recommendations for the type of wire rope, end fittings, hardware, and operational procedures that best suit your facilities and equipment. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse our service offering.

The lifting industry is not just about machine strength. Success in this business also requires precision, planning, endurance, poise, and training. In a highly competitive market that faces increasing pressures on a monthly basis, only the fittest lifting operations will continue to thrive in changing economic headwinds.

In addition to the competence and experience of your crew, your equipment is the largest differentiator between your lifting operation and the competition. Investing in material that is built to stand the test of time by a leading supplier with an illustrious reputation will help ensure your machinery runs smoothly. In short, you need the best and strongest assets in order to thrive in the lifting business. Here are some of the most important components that will help you achieve that goal.

Wire Rope

Cut to precision lengths in dozens of diameters, customized wire rope can help bring your operation to the next level. For more than 50 years, the team at Southwest has been helping the industry’s biggest players outfit their facilities with the best wire rope in the business. Our technicians can work alongside you to help determine the optimal thickness and orientation for your operation.

Chains

Not all chains are created equal. Every chain is tested to ensure it lives up to the Southwest legacy. Our team is familiar with every major type of chain configuration and linkage, so we can help you secure heavy loads and maximize your lifting potential while keeping your crew safe.

Slings

Synthetic round and synthetic web slings are the crucial components that keep your operation tightly bonded while remaining fluid and flexible. With various colors, lengths, and strengths available, the possibilities are quite literally endless.

Custom Hardware

Tie everything together with components that are perfectly suited for the unique lifting demands of your team. We can custom fabricate:

These essential integrations of your below-the-hook device can be made in a variety of finishes with galvanized carbon or alloy steel.

Stand Out with Custom Lifting Gear

When it comes to lifting gear, every sling, strap, link, wire rope strand, and piece of hardware is vital to the overall success of the operation. Investing in customized below-the-hook products that are expertly fitted to your unique needs and capacity will help make your facility safer and your equipment more effective.

Southwest Wire Rope: Your Lifting Industry Partner

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for industry-leading lifting gear, or need your system inspected by a certified inspector, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse our service offering and get in touch.

In the rigging and lifting industries, proof tests are regularly performed to ensure that the equipment to be used can withstand the load it was manufactured to handle. These tests are performed for several reasons – specification requirement, manufacturer’s recommendation, and customer request are the most common.  

Why Proof Test?

As mentioned, we perform proof tests for a variety of reasons. One such test commonly performed in the business is a proof load test. A heavy-duty undertaking, a proof load test unveils the true strength of a piece of rigging or lifting gear. Here’s everything you need to know about this specific type of test, as well as how to keep your crew safe during one.

What Is a Proof Load Test?

A proof load test is just what it sounds like: it proves whether a piece of rigging equipment can bear the load it is designed to. The test is administered in a controlled, measured fashion with a particular multiple of the maximum designed load (generally 1.1 to 1.5 times) and a specified length of time. After the test is completed, the operator will issue a certification confirming the workable load of the wire rope or other rigging component in question.

Why Proof Load Testing Is Critical

Whether the rig is overdue for a full inspection, the newly minted wire rope is being put to the test, or older equipment is being evaluated to determine if it is still fit for use, a proof load test is an immensely valuable tool. Every rigging component in the operation should be tested regularly, and a proof load test is one of the most complete and strenuous methods for doing so. Testing also helps keep the rigging equipment and the business as a whole within the boundaries of the OSHA, Department of Labor, and manufacturers’ codes that govern the industry.

Entrust the Proof Load Test to Professionals

The best way to keep your employees safe during a proof load test is to entrust the entire ordeal to trained professionals. Proof load tests are incredibly dangerous if not done with the proper equipment and control measures, as breakage can occur.

At Southwest Wire Rope, we provide proof load testing and destructive (break) testing of various lifting devices up to 1.7 million lbs. Proof load testing can be performed using specialized rigging and custom built test jigs that replicate the ultimate field installation of complex and highly engineered products. As you can imagine, this specially designed equipment is operated by industry veterans. By outsourcing the tests to an industry partner like Southwest, you can keep your crew out of harm’s way.

In reality, the advent of performing the test and verifying the strength of the equipment is also keeping your crew safe. Using wire rope or lifting gear until failure is a dangerous proposition and never recommended. Instead, get your equipment certified with a proof load test and gain the peace of mind your professionals deserve.

Southwest Wire Rope: Your Rigging and Lifting Industry Partner

Don’t leave the safety of your equipment to chance. Partnering with a full-service provider who can offer in-depth product knowledge and inspection services will save you hours of confusion and stress when it comes to meeting code – all while maintaining the safety of your crew.

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging and lifting gear, need your system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse our service offering and get in touch.

Lifting hundreds of tons of material on a daily basis requires a lot: high-quality gear, a competent and well-trained team, efficient systems, and a drive to succeed.

Due to the nature of the industry, the regulators at OSHA and other regulatory bodies also require a lot. In the lifting space, safety always comes first. Meeting the codes that govern the operation of your plant or rig are in your best interest…but this can also be a time-consuming and difficult task.

In order to stay in business and run at maximum capacity, your lifting gear needs to be meeting or exceeding code at all times. Here are some tips for handling this simply and effectively – so you can focus on getting things done.

Start with the Right Equipment

When it comes to lifting gear, one faulty sling, strap, link, wire rope strand, or other piece of hardware can put the entire operation in jeopardy. Investing in equipment that is built to stand the test of time and is backed by the quality and reputation of a leading supplier will help ensure your machinery runs smoothly. Codes were developed in the first place to protect your crew from dangerous breakage, equipment wear, and malfunctions, so starting with the best materials is the most effective way to ensure you’re always in line with recent codes.

Break Test Your Wire Rope

A destructive or “break” test measures the tensile strength of wire rope by using magnetic and hydraulic arms to pull opposite ends of the rope apart. The test continues until the wire strands begin to fail, and eventually, the wire rope gives out. This is an extremely loud and dangerous endeavor – a break test should never be conducted without the proper equipment and certifications. Work with an industry provider who can conduct a wire rope break test using specialized equipment in a safe and controlled setting. The results of this test will be printed on a load testing certification, which will help you satisfy regulations.

Get an On-Site Inspection

When it comes to your health, you trust the expert opinions of medical professionals to give you a diagnostic update after performing the relevant tests. In the lifting industry, on-site inspection services serve the same purpose for determining the health and safety of your operations.

Working with a provider who offers on-site inspection services will keep your lifting gear in check. A qualified inspector will issue reports and grades on the strength and condition of your lifting gear, so you have a clear idea which elements need replacing. Regulators mandate these inspections as well, so scheduling the inspection in and of itself is necessary to meet code.

Know Your Safety Protocols

Every rigging and lifting operation is required to furnish and maintain a comprehensive set of safety procedures that regulate the facility, its equipment, and the personnel involved. If your team has grown, you have brought new equipment into service, or your operational procedures have changed, your safety protocols need to be updated to reflect this. In addition to updated manuals and emergency procedures, educating your staff on the fulfillment of these duties is vital. An incomplete set of protocols or an untrained staff is grounds for immediate shutdown, so consult with a lifting industry provider for guidance on development or updating of your plans.

Southwest Wire Rope: Your Lifting Industry Partner

Keeping your lifting gear at max capacity while satisfying the regulations of OSHA and other regulatory bodies is not something you should pursue alone. Partnering with a full-service provider who can offer in-depth product knowledge and inspection services will save you hours of confusion and stress when it comes to meeting code.

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging and lifting gear, need your system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse our service offering and get in touch.

Today’s rigging operations are expected to perform at their best around the clock. With demand surging and enormous growth forecasted for the industry, the main concerns are often lift capacity, output, and production time. However, when heavy machinery and powerful devices are involved, safety always comes first.

At the core of any reputable rigging operation is a dedication to the safety and security of its crew. At the end of the day, your people will determine the performance of your rig, so you need to protect them.

From the rigging professionals at Southwest Wire Rope, here are 5 key components of a safe and effective rigging operation.

The Right Team

Rigging equipment is complex and advanced, but it still requires qualified professionals to run at its best. Your team members are your most important asset, so choosing a crew that is situationally aware and intentional in their actions goes a long way in creating a safe environment on the rig. Every worker should know the standard operating procedures for safety-related events and always put the safety of their colleagues ahead of performance.

The Best Equipment

We’ve all heard that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In the rigging business, one faulty sling, strap, link, or wire rope strand, or piece of rigging hardware can jeopardize your entire operation. Investing in equipment that is crafted to last and backed by the quality of a leading supplier will help ensure your machinery runs smoothly and your crew is protected from breakage or equipment wear.

Tests and Certifications

Instead of relying on the intuition that your rigging operation is safe, you can have peace of mind by proving it. Working with a rigging services provider who can offer Proof Load Testing, Break Testing, and on-site inspections will keep your rigging operation certified to the industry standard. To schedule a test today, click here.

Safety Protocols

When you first went into the rigging business, you were undoubtedly required to develop a comprehensive set of safety procedures that relate to facility management, personnel, and equipment operation. As your team has grown and your inventory has changed, it’s important to keep your safety protocols updated. If you need help developing safety procedures tailored to your rigging operation and equipment, get in touch with the team at Southwest today.

An Industry Partner

Keeping your operation safe yet productive is not an endeavor you should pursue alone. Partnering with a full-service provider who can offer years of industry experience and in-depth product knowledge on every piece of specialized equipment will save you hours of confusion and stress. As your operation changes to meet current demand, work with a provider who can help outfit, secure, and optimize your rigging and lifting facilities with special attention to the safety of your crew.

Southwest Wire Rope: Your Rigging Partner

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging equipment, need your rigging system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse our products and services or contact a rep today.

When you think about the major adjectives that describe a rigging operation, one of the first and most important answers would be “strong.” Strength is not only the defining feature of an effective rigging operation, but also the key to increased load capacity, and thereby output, which leads to higher profit margins and wages. Strength, then, is what we’re after.

One of the most reliable ways to increase the strength of a rigging operation is by investing in high-quality wire rope. Formed from a steel core and wrapped with concentric wire strands, wire rope is an extremely versatile asset that can bear hundreds of thousands of pounds of load, yet remain flexible. For more than 50 years, Southwest Wire Rope has been supplying some of the strongest and most recognizable wire rope products on the market.

To determine the true strength of wire rope, though, we need to put it to the test. Destructive or “break” testing can be dangerous, but is a useful measuring tool to gauge the strength of wire rope. Here’s everything you need to know about break testing.

What Is a Break Test?

Put simply, a destructive or break test measures the tensile strength of wire rope by using magnetic and hydraulic arms to pull opposite ends of the rope apart. The test continues until the wire strands begin to fail, and eventually, the wire rope gives out. This results in an extremely loud explosive noise and frayed metal remnants, which can be extremely dangerous. At the conclusion of the test, the true strength of the rope is evident based on the load reading at the point of breakage.

Can You Perform a Break Test Yourself?

A break test should absolutely never be conducted without the proper equipment, certified staff, and safety protocols. If you are unsure whether you can perform a break test at your rigging site, then the answer is undoubtedly no. Only specialized machinery operated by trained professionals is fit to manage a destructive test, and attempting a DIY test is a recipe for a regulatory violation and a potential safety hazard.

How to Get Your Wire Rope Tested

The only way to know the true strength of a piece of wire rope is to perform a break test in a certified testing facility. As wire rope specialists, the team at Southwest is trained in conducting safe, effective tests of all of our products. If you need your wire rope certified, are curious about the capacity of your rigging system, or are interested in stronger products, we can help. In addition to testing, Southwest is a leader in on-site rigging inspections, rental equipment, field spooling, and other services. Get in touch with a rigging professional today to learn how we can help outfit your rigging operation for maximum performance.

Southwest Wire Rope: Your Rigging Industry Partner

The professionals at Southwest have been serving the needs of the rigging and lifting industries with an unwavering dedication to quality and excellence for years. If you are in the market for leading rigging equipment, need your rigging system tested, or are simply looking for an expert opinion, turn to the pros at Southwest Wire Rope. We look forward to answering your questions and forming a lasting partnership. For more information, browse our products and services or contact a rep today.