When calculating a lift supported by multiple slings, how many slings would be considered to be supporting the load at any time?

When calculating a lift supported by multiple slings, how many slings would be considered to be supporting the load at any time?

• A. Three
• B. Two
• C. One
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that only the slings actively bearing the vertical load are counted in the lift calculation. In a typical lifting setup, the crane hook provides a single lift point, so the load is carried by two sling legs that connect to that point. The other slings are usually installed for stability or balance and may be slack or only contribute later if the geometry causes them to take tension. So, for purposes of determining how much load is being supported at any moment, two slings are considered to be carrying the load. If you arranged all slings so every leg is taut and sharing the weight evenly, more legs could take load, but the standard expectation is two.

The main idea is that only the slings actively bearing the vertical load are counted in the lift calculation. In a typical lifting setup, the crane hook provides a single lift point, so the load is carried by two sling legs that connect to that point. The other slings are usually installed for stability or balance and may be slack or only contribute later if the geometry causes them to take tension. So, for purposes of determining how much load is being supported at any moment, two slings are considered to be carrying the load. If you arranged all slings so every leg is taut and sharing the weight evenly, more legs could take load, but the standard expectation is two.