1/2 in. Spider Leg Balancing Sling

The 1/2 in. spider leg balancing sling has several legs joined at one point, so you can attach a piece at more than one spot and control how it hangs. It is the tool for lowering or picking a limb level instead of letting it swing butt-first.

Why balance the load

A limb tied at one point will hang from that point, usually butt-down, and swing. With a spider leg sling you can tie into the limb at two or more places and lower it close to level. That matters over a roof, between obstacles, or when you need the piece to land in a tight spot.

The 1/2 in. size handles heavier limbs and moderate picks. See more heavy-duty slings for other rigging slings.

Use and inspection

Plan where each leg attaches and where the balance point falls before the cut. Load is shared unevenly between legs depending on angle and position, so don't assume each leg carries an equal share.

Before each job, run the sling through your hands. Look for cut or pulled strands, glazed or melted fibers, flat or stiff spots, and heavy UV fading, and check that the splices and buries are intact. Retire it if you find damage you can't explain or after a shock load bigger than you planned for. Rigging gear is for moving wood, not for life support. Match every component to the load with a working margin, follow the manufacturer's ratings and ANSI Z133, and make sure the crew is trained in rigging before relying on it. Note when each piece went into service, so worn gear gets retired on time instead of living on the truck for years.