When the sling angle relative to vertical increases, the load per sling does what?

• A. Decreases
• B. Increases
• C. Stays the same
• D. Varies with angle

Answer: (B)

The load each sling must carry increases as the sling angle from vertical grows. When two slings share the load, the vertical support comes from the vertical components of both sling tensions. If the angle from vertical is theta, the vertical component of each sling’s tension is T cos theta, and 2 T cos theta must equal the load W. Solving gives T = W / (2 cos theta). As theta increases, cos theta decreases, so T must increase to keep the total vertical support equal to the load. In practice, keeping slings closer to vertical minimizes the tension each sling must bear.