Round Slings
What are round slings and how are they rated?
Round slings are endless textile lifting slings made from a high-tenacity polyester core inside a protective woven sleeve, and they are manufactured and tested to EN 1492-2. Because each sling is colour-coded to its Working Load Limit (WLL), operators can identify capacity at a glance — for example, violet is 1 t, green is 2 t and yellow is 3 t. In addition, the endless loop lets the load-bearing points rotate, which spreads wear and extends service life. Moreover, EN 1492-2 slings use a 7:1 safety factor, so the minimum breaking force is at least seven times the rated WLL. Therefore, the correct sling depends on load weight, the hitch used and the working conditions.
Round sling colour codes and capacity
Because colour indicates capacity, the table below shows the standard WLL for a straight vertical lift. However, always confirm the WLL on the sling label, and apply the correct mode factor for choke or basket hitches.
| Colour | WLL (vertical) | Capacity stripes |
|---|---|---|
| Violet | 1 t | 1 |
| Green | 2 t | 2 |
| Yellow | 3 t | 3 |
| Grey | 4 t | 4 |
| Red | 5 t | 5 |
| Brown | 6 t | 6 |
| Blue | 8 t | 8 |
| Orange | 10 t and above | 10 |
WLL values are for a straight lift; always confirm on the label per EN 1492-2.
Round slings — frequently asked questions
Show FAQ
What do the colours on a round sling mean? Each colour indicates the Working Load Limit under EN 1492-2. For example, violet is 1 t, green is 2 t and yellow is 3 t, so operators can identify capacity quickly.
What is the difference between a round sling and a webbing sling? A round sling has an endless polyester core inside a sleeve, whereas a flat webbing sling is a woven belt with eyes. Because the round sling’s core rotates, it spreads wear and is very flexible.
What is the safety factor of a round sling? EN 1492-2 slings use a 7:1 safety factor, which means the minimum breaking force is at least seven times the rated WLL. Therefore, they provide a large safety margin in normal use.
How does the hitch affect capacity? The vertical WLL changes with the hitch. For example, a choke hitch reduces capacity, whereas a basket hitch can increase it, so always apply the correct mode factor.