Slings and Rigging Hardware for Aerospace Lifts

Updated October 13, 2026

Sling types and where they are used

Choose the sling for the load surface, the temperature and the chemicals around it, then size it for the hitch and angle. OSHA's sling rule, 29 CFR 1910.184, sets temperature and environment limits that apply in general industry workplaces.

Rigging hardware sits between slings and the load or hook: shackles, links, rings, swivels, turnbuckles, eyebolts, hoist rings, wire rope clips, wedge sockets, rigging blocks and load indicators are all in the scope ASME lists for B30.26. Bolt-in lifting points get their own page: lifting points and hoist rings.

The specifications that govern slings and rigging

NASA-STD-8719.9C says plainly that there are no OSHA regulations specifically addressing rigging hardware, so at NASA sites rigging hardware is held to the standard itself and ASME B30.26, plus manufacturer recommendations.

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Rated capacity tags and what they must show

A sling without a legible tag cannot be used. OSHA 1910.184(c)(14) prohibits slings without affixed and legible identification markings, and paragraph (c)(13) ties the load limit to the maker's marking. What the tag must show depends on the sling type.

At NASA sites two more tags apply. After each periodic load test, NASA-STD-8719.9C section 4.9.4 requires a durable tag stating the next test date or the test expiration date. Slings or hardware designated non-load test must be marked as such, and after each periodic inspection get a tag stating the next inspection date (section 13.7.3). When slings and hardware are built into an assembly, every load-bearing component must be traceable to that assembly (section 13.7.4).

Inspection frequency: frequent and periodic

Slings get a frequent inspection before use and a documented periodic inspection on a schedule set by how hard they work. OSHA requires a competent person to inspect each sling and its fastenings each day before use, and to pull damaged slings from service immediately. For alloy chain slings, OSHA adds a thorough periodic inspection at intervals no greater than 12 months, with a record of the most recent month each sling was inspected.

The intervals above are as tabulated by Mazzella Companies, which also notes that B30.9 sling types require inspection records while B30.26 hardware does not. NASA-STD-8719.9C requires frequent and periodic inspections by designated, qualified people, with periodic inspections run to written procedures and performed on new or extensively repaired equipment before first use. Hardware makers point the same way: Crosby's hoist ring instructions send users to ASME B30.9 for sling inspection criteria.

Removal criteria in 29 CFR 1910.184 give a sense of what inspectors look for: wire rope with ten randomly distributed broken wires in one lay or five in one strand in one lay, wear of one third the diameter of outside wires, kinking, crushing or birdcaging, heat damage or corrosion; web slings with acid or caustic burns, melting, snags, cuts or broken stitches; and hooks opened more than 15 percent or twisted more than 10 degrees.

Proof testing and the certificate

A proof test is a load test above the rated capacity done once by the maker, or after repair, to verify workmanship. Keep the certificate with the sling records.

• OSHA alloy chain. Each new, repaired or reconditioned alloy chain sling, including welded components, must be proof tested by the maker or an equivalent entity per ASTM A391 paragraph 5.2, and the employer keeps the certificate.
• OSHA wire rope. Welded end attachments are proof tested at twice their rated capacity before first use.
• OSHA web and mesh. Repaired web slings are proof tested to twice rated capacity; new and repaired metal mesh slings to at least 1.5 times.
• NASA critical lifts. NASA-STD-8719.9C sets proof load tests for NASA critical slings and rigging hardware at 1.95 to 2.00 times rated capacity, with a note that high capacity rigging hardware may have a reduced factor per the maker. Non-critical items follow the ASME test value.
• Lot tests do not count. NASA notes that batch or production lot testing of sample slings and hardware does not meet its proof test requirement. Each item needs its own.
• Who may proof test slings. Under NASA section 13.3.2.3, only the maker, or the user with the maker's written permission and procedure and the lifting manager's concurrence.

After the proof test, NASA requires periodic load tests at 0.95 to 1.00 times rated capacity, and a periodic load test within one year before a NASA critical lift unless the item is designated non-load test. Turnbuckles should be load tested fully open at minimum.

Materials and the trade-offs

• Chain tolerates heat, abrasion and rough edges and is repairable by the maker, but it is heavy, hard on finished surfaces, and the OSHA wear table removes links that have lost section.
• Wire rope is strong for its weight and common on beams and crane rigging. It kinks and birdcages if mishandled, and its eyes and fittings are where failures start.
• Synthetic web and roundslings protect painted, anodized and composite surfaces and are light enough to rig by hand around flight structure. They cut on edges and degrade with heat, UV and chemicals, so they need edge protection and a clean storage area.
• Shackles and hardware are commonly carbon or alloy steel; stainless versions resist corrosion near the coast. Use the maker's rating for the exact material, since a stainless shackle of the same size may carry a different working load limit than an alloy one.

NASA-STD-8719.9C section 13.2.3 states that natural rope, knots and wire rope clips are not considered industry standard materials and techniques for slings and rigging at NASA. Plan terminations with swaged or spliced fittings from the maker.

Ordering checklist

• Sling type, material, length or reach, width or diameter, end fittings and number of legs.
• Rated capacity for each hitch you will use (vertical, choker, basket) and the sling angle.
• Standard and edition: ASME B30.9 for slings, ASME B30.26 for hardware, and NASA-STD-8719.9C where it applies.
• Proof test on each item, not a lot sample, with a certificate showing the serial or ID, test load and date.
• Required tag content, plus any NASA load test tag or non-load test marking.
• Maker name and traceability for hardware; material certs where your program requires them.
• Edge protection, sleeves or wear pads if the load has edges.
• Certificate of conformance and packaging that keeps synthetics clean and out of UV.

Below-the-hook devices such as spreader bars and lifting beams are designed and tested to ASME BTH-1 and B30.20; see the GSE hub and the GSE cost guide.

Counterfeit and quality risks, and receiving

The risk with rigging is a part that looks rated and is not: hardware with no maker identification, tags that do not match the sling, and imported shackles or hooks without traceable markings. A sling whose tag is missing or unreadable is unusable under OSHA no matter how new it looks.

• Buy from the maker or its authorized distributor and require the proof test certificate for each serialized item.
• At receiving, compare every tag against the PO and the certificate: capacity by hitch, length, material, maker and ID.
• Inspect each item to the B30.9 or B30.26 criteria before it enters service, and record it as the first periodic inspection.
• Quarantine anything with a missing tag, mismatched certificate or visible damage, and run it through MRB.

See receiving inspection and counterfeit parts avoidance.

How we source slings and rigging

We do not stock rigging, publish prices or claim to be an authorized distributor for any maker. We source slings and hardware through the maker or its authorized channels, flow down the standard, proof test and tag requirements, check the certificates against the tags before shipment, and put rigging on one purchase order with the lifting fixture, test or GSE it goes with. Related: casters and wheels, transport restraints and tie-downs, the GSE components category and the parts index.

Get rigging sourced with the paperwork

Send the load, hitch, sling angle, standards and whether NASA-STD-8719.9C applies, and we will return sourced options with proof test certificates and a lead time. A person replies within one business day. Request a quote for slings and rigging hardware.

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Related

• Lifting Points and Swivel Hoist Rings
• Transport Restraints and Tie-Downs for Hardware Moves
• Casters and Wheels for Ground Support Equipment

Sources

• eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.184 Slings
• NASA-STD-8719.9C Lifting Standard (2024-08-08)
• ASME: B30.9 Slings
• ASME: B30.26 Rigging Hardware
• Mazzella Companies: inspection frequency and records guide
• Crosby: swivel hoist ring warning and application instructions