1/2 in. Tenex-TEC Dead-Eye Sling

This 1/2 inch dead-eye sling is spliced from Samson Tenex-TEC, a 12-strand polyester rope, with an eye at one end. Choke it around a stem, clip a block or ring to the tail, and you have a light, quick rigging point.

How a dead-eye sling works

A dead-eye sling has a spliced eye at one end and a plain or spliced tail at the other. Wrap the sling around the stem, pass the tail through the eye to form a choke, and clip your block or ring to the tail. It is quick, light, and grips the stem as the load comes on.

Tenex-TEC is a polyester rope with low stretch and good abrasion resistance, which suits a sling. Browse other heavy-duty slings for larger sizes.

Inspection and limits

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.

A 1/2 inch sling suits pruning and lighter rigging; size up for heavy wood. 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.