7/8" Whoopie Sling

A 7/8 whoopie sling is an adjustable arborist rigging sling sized for heavy removals and large rigging blocks. Like smaller whoopies, it has a fixed eye and an adjustable eye, so one sling fits stems of many sizes, with the extra strength that big wood calls for.

When to step up to 7/8

Most crews start with 1/2 in and 5/8 in whoopies, which cover everyday rigging. When you are hanging a large block for heavy wood or rigging big leaders on a removal, a 7/8 in whoopie gives a stronger sling that matches heavier blocks and rope.

The adjustable eye lets you choke a large stem and pull the sling tight without tying a knot, then loosen it easily after the job. It is heavier than smaller slings, so it is a removal tool rather than an everyday pruning sling. Compare sizes in adjustable slings.

Large rigging blocks often have big sling attachment points designed for heavy slings, and a 7/8 in whoopie fits these well. Pairing a heavy block with a light sling makes the sling the weak point, so size them together.

Rigging and inspection

Keep the rigging load within the sling's working load limit, allowing for the hitch, the sling angle and shock loading. Every piece in the system, including block, rope and anchor, needs to be sized for the same loads.

Inspect before every job for cut or pulled strands, glazing, crushed sections and damage near the splices and at the adjustable eye. Retire it if anything looks wrong. Heavy rigging should be planned by a trained crew following ANSI Z133.

Store heavy slings clean and dry, out of the sun and away from saw fuel, and coil them loosely so the adjustable eye does not take a permanent set.