What are the discard criteria for wire rope slings?
Wire rope slings should be discarded when any damage or deterioration is observed that could affect their strength and safe lifting capability.
In the Indian context, common discard criteria include broken wires beyond permissible limits, especially when multiple wires are broken in one lay or in a concentrated area. Kinks, bird-caging, crushing, or permanent deformation of the rope are also serious defects that require immediate removal from service.
Other conditions requiring discard include significant corrosion or rusting, reduction in rope diameter, heat damage, and excessive wear due to abrasion. Damage to end fittings such as thimbles, ferrules, hooks, or eyes is also considered unsafe and warrants rejection.
At Uniquo, we assess wire rope slings against these criteria during inspection to ensure only safe and compliant lifting equipment is used, helping prevent lifting failures and improving workplace safety across Indian construction and industrial sites.