A Wire Rope Sling with Soft Eyes is a highly versatile and flexible lifting component featuring natural loops formed by splicing or mechanically pressing the wire back into itself without the use of a rigid metal thimble.

Flexible Loop Design: The absence of a rigid metal thimble creates a highly flexible "soft" eye, making it significantly easier to conform the sling around heavy, irregular, or delicate loads.
Load Protection: By utilizing a natural wire loop rather than hard metal fittings, these slings minimize the risk of scratching, crushing, or damaging the surface of sensitive cargo during lifting operations.
Reliable Splicing: Loops can be traditionally hand-spliced or mechanically pressed with a high-strength ferrule (also known as a Flemish eye), ensuring uniform strength distribution and excellent resistance to structural fatigue.
Versatile & Cost-Effective: Ideal for demanding applications in construction, marine, and manufacturing sectors, generally offering a more cost-effective solution compared to hardware-intensive hard eye configurations.

Technical Data
Safe Use of Wire Rope Sling

Product Features & Benefits

Cost-Effective Design: Soft Eye slings (eyes formed without metal thimbles) are a lightweight and economical solution for general lifting operations.
Mechanical Splicing: The eyes are secured using high-strength Aluminum Ferrules (locking sleeves) under high pressure, ensuring a permanent and safe bond.
Flexibility: The absence of a rigid thimble allows the eye to be more flexible, making it easier to fit into tight spaces or choke hitches.
Usage Requirement: Designed for connection points (hooks/shackles) with a pin diameter at least 2x the rope diameter to prevent crushing the wire in the loop.
Standards Compliant: Manufactured to EN 13414-1 and ASME B30.9 standards with a 5:1 Safety Factor.
Wide Range: Available in diameters from 6mm to 60mm, custom lengths, and various constructions (6x19, 6x36) to meet specific load requirements.

Q: What is a "Soft Eye" on a wire rope sling?

A: A Soft Eye is a loop formed at the end of the wire rope without a metal thimble inside. It is secured by a ferrule. It is lighter and cheaper but requires a larger connecting pin to avoid bending the wire too sharply.

Q: When should I use a Soft Eye vs. a Thimble Eye?

A: Use Soft Eyes for choker hitches or when connecting to hardware with a large, smooth surface. Use Thimble Eyes when connecting to small shackles or pins to protect the wire from abrasion and deformation.

Technical Specifications & Load Ratings

Complete specifications for soft eye wire rope slings
Safety Factor: 5:1 (n=5) and 6:1 (n=6) | Aluminum Ferrule Pressing

Item No.	Rope dia. (mm)	Soft Eye Dimensions (mm)		M.B.L. (t)	Working Load Limit (t)		Product Code
Item No.	Rope dia. (mm)	A	B	M.B.L. (t)	n=5	n=6	Product Code
WRSSE005	5	90	45	1.25	0.25	0.21	602001005
WRSSE006	6	100	50	1.70	0.35	0.29	602001006
WRSSE007	7	110	60	2.50	0.50	0.42	602001007
WRSSE008	8	130	75	3.50	0.70	0.58	602001008
WRSSE009	9	140	75	4.25	0.85	0.71	602001009
WRSSE010	10	150	75	5.25	1.05	0.88	602001010
WRSSE011	11	166	83	6.50	1.30	1.08	602001011
WRSSE012	12	180	90	7.75	1.55	1.29	602001012
WRSSE013	13	196	98	9.00	1.80	1.50	602001013
WRSSE014	14	210	105	10.60	2.12	1.77	602001014
WRSSE016	16	240	120	13.50	2.70	2.25	602001016
WRSSE018	18	270	135	17.00	3.40	2.83	602001018
WRSSE020	20	300	150	21.75	4.35	3.63	602001020
WRSSE022	22	330	165	26.00	5.20	4.33	602001022
WRSSE024	24	360	180	31.50	6.30	5.25	602001024
WRSSE026	26	390	195	36.00	7.20	6.00	602001026
WRSSE028	28	420	210	42.00	8.40	7.00	602001028
WRSSE030	30	450	225	48.20	9.64	8.03	602001030
WRSSE032	32	480	240	55.00	11.00	9.17	602001032
WRSSE034	34	510	255	62.00	12.40	10.33	602001034
WRSSE036	36	540	270	70.00	14.00	11.67	602001036
WRSSE038	38	570	285	78.00	15.60	13.00	602001038
WRSSE040	40	600	300	85.00	17.00	14.17	602001040
WRSSE042	42	630	315	93.70	18.74	15.62	602001042
WRSSE044	44	660	330	105.00	21.00	17.50	602001044
WRSSE046	46	690	345	114.75	22.95	19.13	602001046
WRSSE048	48	720	360	125.00	25.00	20.83	602001048
WRSSE050	50	750	375	135.60	27.12	22.60	602001050
WRSSE052	52	780	390	145.00	29.00	24.17	602001052

Important Usage Notes:

Pin Diameter: Soft eye slings require a minimum pin diameter of 2× the rope diameter to prevent excessive bending stress.
Safety Factor: n=5 (EN 13414-1 standard), n=6 (higher safety applications)
M.B.L.: Minimum Breaking Load based on ferrule pressing efficiency of ~90%
Eye Dimensions: A = Total eye length, B = Inside clear width
Not Recommended: Avoid use with small-diameter pins, sharp edges, or high-abrasion environments where thimble protection is needed

What are Wire Rope Slings?

A wire rope sling is a type of lifting sling made of wire rope that is used to hoist heavy loads in a variety of industries, including construction, shipping, and manufacturing. It is made up of several individual strands of wire that are twisted together to form a strong, flexible rope. The wire rope sling is designed to distribute the weight of the load evenly, making it easier to lift and move.

Wire rope slings come in different types, including single-leg slings, double-leg slings, and multi-leg slings, depending on the number of legs or branches that are attached to the load. They are also available in different configurations, such as choker, basket, or vertical hitch, which affect their lifting capacity and application.

Wire rope slings are highly durable and resistant to abrasion, making them suitable for heavy lifting applications that require a high level of strength and durability. However, they should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear, and should only be used by trained professionals who understand their safe usage and handling procedures.

ALWAYS

Store and handle wire rope slings correctly.
Inspect wire rope slings and accessories before use and before placing into storage.
Follow safe slinging practices, as given overleaf.
Fit slings carefully, protect them from sharp edges and position hooks to face outward from the load.
Apply the correct mode factor for the slinging arrangement.
Back hook free legs to the master link.

NEVER

Attempt to shorten, knot or tie wire rope slings.
Force, hammer or wedge slings or their fittings into position.
Lift on the point of the hook.
Use wire rope slings in acidic conditions without consulting the supplier.
Use wire rope slings at temperatures above 100°C or below minus 40°C without consulting the supplier.
Shock load wire rope slings.

Selecting the Correct Sling

Wire rope slings are available in a range of sizes and assemblies. Select the slings to be used and plan the lift taking the following into account:

Type of sling to be used - endless, single, two, three or four leg.

Capacity - the sling must be both long enough and strong enough for the load and the slinging method.

Apply the mode factor for the slinging method.

For use at temperatures exceeding 100°C or below minus 40°C refer to the supplier's instructions.

Where slings may come into contact with acids or chemicals consult the supplier.

In the case of multi-leg slings the angle between the legs should not be less than 30° or exceed the maximum marked.

Multi-leg slings exert a gripping force on the load which must be taken into account; this increases as the angle between the legs increases.

Due to the possibility of sparking, the use of aluminium is restricted in certain classified atmospheres, so ensure the ferrule is suitable for such conditions.

Important Temperature Considerations

Always consult the supplier before using wire rope slings at extreme temperatures (above 100°C or below -40°C) or in environments where they may contact acids or chemicals.

Storing and Handling Wire Rope Slings

Never return damaged or contaminated slings to storage. They should be dry, clean and protected from corrosion.

Store wire rope slings on a rack and not lying on the ground. The storage area should be dry and free of any contaminants which may harm the sling.

Important

Do not alter, modify or repair a wire rope sling but refer such matters to a Competent Person.

Using Wire Rope Slings Safely

Do not attempt lifting operations unless you understand the use of the equipment, the slinging procedures and the mode factors to be applied.

Do not use defective slings or accessories.

Do not force, hammer or wedge slings or fittings into position. They must fit freely. Check to ensure correct engagement of fittings and appliances.

Position hooks of multi-leg slings facing outward from the load.

Do not lift on the point of a hook.

Ensure that the wire rope is not twisted or knotted.

Ensure the effective diameter of pins, hooks etc upon which soft eyes fit is at least 2 × the wire rope diameter.

Position the splices of endless slings in the standing part of the sling away from hooks and fittings.

Never join wire rope slings made from different lays of rope together as this will cause them to un-lay thus seriously affecting their capacity.

Back hook free legs to the masterlink to avoid lashing legs which might accidentally become engaged or otherwise become a hazard.

Take the load steadily and avoid shock loads.

Do not leave suspended loads unattended. In an emergency cordon off the area.

In-service Inspection and Maintenance

Maintenance requirements are minimal. Keep wire rope slings clean and protect from corrosion. Use non-acidic lubricants.

Regularly inspect wire rope slings and, in the event of the following defects, refer the sling to a Competent Person for thorough examination:

Defects Requiring Professional Examination:

Illegible markings

Distorted, worn or damaged fittings

Broken or cut wires

Kinks

Protrusion of core

Corrosion

Heat damage or discolouration

Signs of movement at splices and ferrules

Any other visible defect to the wire rope, thimbles or fittings

Safety First

Wire rope slings should only be used by trained professionals who understand safe usage and handling procedures. Always consult a Competent Person if you have any doubts about the condition or suitability of a sling for a particular application.