When discussing lifting and rigging equipment, people often confuse the terms webbing and slings. While they are closely related, they refer to different things. In this article, we’ll explain the differences in simple terms to help you better understand their roles in lifting operations.

Webbing is a type of woven fabric made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or polypropylene. It is strong, lightweight, and flexible. Webbing is used as a raw material in many industries – not just for lifting, but also for products like seat belts, backpacks, and safety harnesses.

In the lifting industry, webbing is commonly used to make slings. However, webbing by itself is not a complete lifting tool; it must be sewn, shaped, and labeled to become a finished product.

A sling is a complete lifting tool designed to safely lift and move heavy loads. Slings can be made from different materials, such as synthetic webbing, wire rope, or chain. When a sling is made from webbing, it’s called a webbing sling.

Webbing slings are available in flat or round designs, and they are clearly marked with a label that shows the working load limit (WLL), safety factor, and compliance with international standards like EN 1492-1.

The main difference is that webbing is the material, and a sling is the final product. You can think of webbing as the fabric, and the sling as the finished lifting equipment. Webbing is not used directly for lifting until it is processed and turned into a certified sling.

Many people casually refer to “webbing” when they mean “webbing sling,” which leads to confusion. But when safety is involved, it’s important to use the correct terminology and ensure that you are using equipment that has been tested and certified for lifting.