HMPE Round Slings
Weight and stretch matter just as much as strength on a lot of rigging jobs, and that's where HMPE round slings earn their place. Built from Ultra High Modulus Polyethylene (UHMPE), they come in smaller and lighter than a comparable-strength wire rope or polyester sling, without giving up capacity. That combination pays off in a few concrete ways: fewer worksite injuries, faster rigging, fewer riggers needed to get the job done, and easier transport and storage.
Built to Handle the Environment
UHMPE resists rot, mildew, and corrosion, holds up well against UV exposure, and isn't damaged by most common chemicals. A gray double-layer polyester cover wraps the HMPE core to shield it from abrasion, dirt, and grime on the job.
HMPE vs. Polyester: Why Stretch Matters
HMPE stretches about 75% less than polyester under rated load, which makes it the better call for low headroom applications. Put in real terms: a 100-foot HMPE round sling stretches roughly a foot at rated load, while a 100-foot polyester sling stretches 4-5 feet over that same length.
Temperature Range
These slings are rated for use between -40°F (-40°C) and a maximum of 140°F (60°C). That range isn't just about ambient air temperature, either. Frictional heat at connection points, hot surfaces, and nearby welding can all push a sling past its safe temperature even when the surrounding air feels fine.
Design Factor and Standards
Design factor is the ratio between a sling's designated breaking load and its rated load. These slings carry a 5:1 design factor when new and are proof-tested to 200%, meeting ASME B30.9 requirements. Need a higher design factor, like 7:1 or 10:1? Our sales team can arrange a custom order.
Why the Roundsling Shape Works
An endless roundsling has no fixed eyes, which means there's no single spot forced to take all the wear. You can shift the load-bearing point with every use, spreading wear across the sling and stretching its service life in the process.
Storing Your Sling
Store HMPE slings somewhere cool and dark, away from anything that could cause mechanical or environmental damage.
Inspecting Your Sling
Check your sling before every use for anything that would take it out of service. Per ASME B30.9-7, that includes heat damage, broken or damaged core yarns, and missing sling identification, among other issues. Visual inspection alone isn't enough here; run your hands along the sling too, feeling for bunched or wadded yarn you might not catch by sight. If anything seems off, pull the sling from service immediately and reach out to Fasteners Plus for guidance. One more rule worth remembering: never join or tie HMPE slings with knots yourself. That's different from the internal knots the manufacturer uses during fabrication, which are engineered into the sling's construction.
Repair and Re-Tagging
Part of what makes these slings cost-effective is that damage doesn't always mean replacement. If the core yarns are undamaged and only the outer jacket needs attention, repair is often possible. Every repaired sling gets proof-tested to 200% again and tagged to document the work, extending its service life instead of sending it to the scrap pile. Illegible identification tags can be replaced through re-tagging too, which is often all it takes to put a sling back into service.
Sling Protection
ASME B30.9 (2021) 9-5.10.4(d) requires that "slings in contact with edges, corners, protrusions, or abrasive surfaces shall be protected with a material of sufficient strength, thickness, and construction to prevent damage." Browse our sling protection lineup to find the right sleeve or protector for your application.
Questions?
Have questions about our high-performance synthetic round slings? Our product experts can help, whether you need more information, a quote, or help placing an order.
We also carry a full range of other lifting slings, including nylon, polyester, chain, and wire rope.
