Independent arborist gear picks · Typical prices shown, checked at the retailer

Representative photo for 1/2" Loopie Sling (2'–4') Adjustable Slings

Representative photo. Check the retailer listing for the exact model, color and size.
Photo: Tree Pruning in RVA (Carytown, Virginia) by Gamma Man, CC BY 2.0

Gap Arborist Supply

1/2" Adjustable Loopie Sling (2–4 ft)

Adjustable 2–4 ft rope sling for setting blocks and pulleys on smaller stems.

$45 Typical price. Retail prices change, so check today's price before you buy.
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  • Adjusts from about 2 to 4 ft
  • 1/2 in rope for light to moderate rigging
  • Chokes tight around the stem to resist sliding
  • Soft on bark compared with chain or wire
  • Packs small in a rigging bag

RiggingPro grade

This 1/2 inch loopie sling adjusts from about 2 to 4 feet, so one sling covers a range of stem and limb sizes when you set a rigging point. It chokes down tight and holds a block or pulley where you put it.

How crews use a loopie sling

A loopie sling is a length of hollow-braid rope with a fixed eye at one end and a bury that lets the loop slide shorter or longer. Wrap it around the stem, pass the hardware through the loop and pull it snug. The sling cinches against the bark and stays put under load, which is what you want when a block is taking the shock of a dropped piece.

The 2 to 4 foot range suits the stems most climbers rig off on removals and reductions: upper leads, smaller spars and big limbs. Because it adjusts, you are not hauling three fixed-length slings to cover the same spread.

Sizing and inspection

Match the sling to the load. A 1/2 inch sling belongs on light to moderate rigging, not on heavy wood coming off a big spar. If you are unsure, step up a size and check the working load on the tag against the forces you expect, which can be many times the weight of the piece once it starts moving.

Inspect before every use: look for glazing, cut strands, a pulled bury or a stiff, crunchy section. Retire any sling that has been shock loaded hard or shows damage. Browse other adjustable rigging slings for larger diameters and longer lengths.