What Is A Sling?

A sling is defined as a looped or hanging band, strap, etc. used in raising and lowering a heavy object or for carrying, supporting, or steadying something.  Years ago slings were made with rubber bands and sticks and used for hurling stones.  Today slings have a variety of different purposes including a type of bandage used to support an injured part of the human body such as an arm.  Slings are also used to support the weight of heavy objects while moving them or to form a strap to carry a particular object.  A lifting sling varies a bit as it is an arrangement of special hooks that fit into receptacles in a master bushing or an insert bowl and chains or wire rope that are connected to a rig’s air hoist, all of which enables crew members to insert or remove the master bushing and insert bowls as required.