ISC Steel Rings

ISC steel rings are durable rings for friction savers, anchor slings and rigging setups where rope runs through them often. Steel resists grooving better than aluminum, so they last longer in high-wear spots.

Where steel makes sense

Every time a rope runs through a ring, it wears it a little. Aluminum grooves over time, and those grooves can end up sharp. Steel holds up much better, so it is a better choice for rings that see constant rope travel, such as on a friction saver used daily or a natural-crotch rigging setup.

The trade-off is weight. Steel rings are heavier, which matters less on the ground or for rigging than it does on a climber's saddle.

Steel rings also stand up better to the knocks of being thrown in a gear bag, dropped on a truck bed or dragged over bark. For rings that live in a rigging kit or on a friction saver that sees daily use, that toughness means fewer replacements over a season and less worry about sharp edges forming where the rope runs. Many crews keep a mix of sizes in the kit.

Sizing and inspection

Choose ring sizes to match the sling and the job, and check ISC's rating for each size before using it. A large ring with a smaller one that passes through it is the classic retrievable saver.

Inspect for grooves, rust, cracks and burrs before each use, and retire rings with damage. Life-support and rigging hardware should be used under ANSI Z133 practice and within the maker's instructions by trained crews. More options are in rings.