The Rigger's Resource

Reduction for Wire Rope Slings

D/d Efficiency Factor
When a wire rope sling is used in a basket hitch, the diameter of the load where the sling contacts the load can reduce sling capacity. The method used to determine the loss of strength or efficiency is referred to as D/d ratio. D refers to the diameter of the wire rope sling. For example, when the diameter of the object is 25 times the diameter of the sling, the D/d ratio is 25/1. To ensure that slings are not overloaded, utilize the D/d ratios in the chart below.

Reduction in efficiency of wire rope when bent over curved surfaces of various sizes (static loads only).
50 60

% Efficiency

70 80 90 100
1 5 9 13 17 21 25 29 33 37

D/d Ratio

Rated capacities for wire rope slings used in a basket hitch are based on a round contact surface of 25 times sling diameter (15 times sling diameter for hand-tucked slings). When using softeners, sling capacity will be reduced depending on the radius created by the contact surface of the softeners (see D/d ratio chart on previous page). As the radius decreases, bending of the sling increases, resulting in loss of strength.

Sling Eyes The eye of a wire rope sling should never be used or forced over a hook or pin where the body diameter (D) is greater than the natural width of the sling eye. The angles of the eye that form the triangle create tension the same way sling legs do when used at angles. Because of the severe bending that can occur, the hook or pin must also be no smaller than the nominal diameter of the sling body.