Polyester Slings vs Nylon Slings: Which Web Sling Type is Better?
Are polyester lifting slings better than nylon lifting slings? This is a question our lifting and rigging product experts commonly get, and the answer, as it often is with rigging gear, is that it depends on the job at hand.
Before we dive into the key differences between nylon and polyester slings, it's important to note that both offer many similar advantages.
Advantages of Synthetic Webbing
1. Ideal for delicate loads
One of the most common reasons a rigger will use synthetic slings instead of wire rope or chain slings is that they won't scratch or crush your load. That's why synthetic slings are extremely popular in the construction industry and with ship haulers.
2. Cost-efficient
Synthetic slings are also an attractive choice due to their lower cost. If you're wondering whether nylon slings are cheaper than polyester slings, don't. The prices are roughly the same, and your focus should be on choosing the right sling for the job.
3. Lightweight
Compared to wire rope and chain, synthetic slings are much lighter, making them easier to transport and handle. Again, nylon is typically a little heavier than polyester, but the difference isn't much when you consider the weight of chain and wire rope.
4. Strong
Nylon is indeed stronger on an individual fiber level, but a polyester sling can be made just as strong as a nylon one by adding more threads. And both types can easily lift several thousand pounds. So while it's important to use a lifting sling that's rated for the load you're lifting, this won't affect your choice between nylon and polyester.
Physical Differences
Now that you know how they're similar, let's look at the differences between the physical characteristics of nylon and polyester to determine which material type is best for your job
Nylon has more stretch
This is one of the most important differences between nylon slings and polyester slings. While nylon slings have more give (about 7 to 10 percent stretch at WLL), that does not mean they are weaker than polyester (typically 2 to 3 percent stretch at WLL). The main reasons you would want more or less stretch when lifting a load include over-height lifting room and the potential for "snapback".
If you have height limitations, polyester is the better choice. If your load could bounce around a lot, the extra stretch of nylon will reduce the danger of the strap snapping back at you or others. This difference in the stretch is why you typically see recovery straps made of nylon and tow straps made of polyester.
Polyester is softer and more flexible
Nylon and polyester slings are good for delicate loads, but if you're wondering which one is best for the most delicate loads, it's polyester. The chemical coating on nylon webbing gives it a slightly more coarse texture.
Polyester is also more flexible than nylon. By flexible, I'm not talking about stretch but rather the ability to wrap tightly around a load and grip the most surface area.
This is an important difference, especially when choosing between nylon endless slings and polyester endless slings. It's also important to note that there is a difference between flat web polyester slings and round polyester slings.
Environmental Differences
Another key question to ask when choosing between nylon slings and polyester slings is, What are the environmental conditions? There's a reason ship haulers and those in marine environments prefer polyester slings: they absorb less water and are more UV-resistant. But you also need to consider the differences in chemical resistance.
Nylon slings can't resist acids or bleaches
Avoid using nylon slings when working with sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric, or phosphoric acids. Nylon is also not resistant to oxidizing bleach agents such as sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, and calcium hypochlorite.
Polyester slings can't resist ethers or alkalis
On the other hand, polyester's Achilles heel is ethers and alkalis. Among other chemicals, this includes diethyl ether, dimethyl ether, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide.
Nylon or Polyester Slings? It Depends.
In short, synthetic lifting slings are a great choice due to their ability to handle delicate loads, lower cost, lightness, and impressive strength. In the polyester sling vs nylon sling matchup, the winner is whichever one meets the demands of your specific job best.
Nylon slings have more stretch but can't be used near acids or bleaches. Polyester slings are softer and hug load surfaces better, but can't be used near ethers or alkalis.
