Lifting straps are essential for safe and efficient load handling in construction, manufacturing, and logistics. When they wear down, they compromise both productivity and safety. Using damaged straps increases the risk of dropped loads, equipment failure, and costly downtime.
That’s why regular inspection and timely replacement are non-negotiable. If your gear shows any of the following warning signs, it’s time to upgrade to new industrial lifting straps from Murphy Industrial Products Inc.
Fraying or Edge Cuts
The most visible indicator of strap deterioration is fraying along the edges or cuts in the webbing. Even minor edge damage can quickly worsen under load stress, reducing the strap’s capacity to hold weight. Fraying fibers weaken the structural integrity, making the strap more susceptible to tearing mid-lift.
Frequent dragging on rough surfaces, contact with sharp corners, or accidental abrasion from metal edges often causes this kind of wear. During inspections, run your hands along the strap edges to detect loose fibers or small cuts that might not be obvious at first glance. Replace any strap that shows progressive fraying to avoid sudden failure.
Loss of Elasticity
High-quality nylon lifting straps are designed to have a slight stretch under load, helping to absorb shock and protect both the load and the lifting equipment. Over time, repeated stress can cause the material to lose this flexibility. A strap that feels stiff, overly rigid, or fails to return to its original shape after use is no longer performing as intended.
Loss of elasticity reduces shock absorption and can lead to increased stress on lifting points. This may also put added strain on cranes, hoists, or forklifts during operations. When the strap no longer offers the right balance between strength and flexibility, it’s time to replace it.
Damaged Tags and Unreadable WLL
Every heavy-duty lifting strap comes with a tag displaying essential information, including the Working Load Limit (WLL), manufacturer details, and compliance certifications. If this tag becomes torn, faded, or unreadable, the strap should be removed from service immediately.
Without a visible WLL, operators cannot confirm the safe lifting capacity, which could result in dangerous overloading. In many regulated worksites, straps without clear tags are automatically flagged for removal during inspections to comply with safety standards.
Visible UV Damage or Brittleness
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade synthetic fibers used in lifting straps. UV radiation breaks down the molecular structure of nylon, causing fading, discoloration, and brittleness. Once the fibers become dry or powdery to the touch, their tensile strength drops dramatically.
Straps used in outdoor environments—especially those stored on open job sites or in uncovered transport vehicles—are most at risk. To prevent this, store straps in shaded, dry areas when not in use, and replace any that show signs of UV degradation.
When to Replace and Where to Source New
As a rule, straps showing any of these signs should be replaced immediately, even if they have not reached their expected service life. A failed strap can cause property damage, injuries, and costly downtime—risks no operation can afford.
Murphy Industrial Products Inc. offers a wide range of industrial lifting straps, from durable nylon lifting straps for general applications to heavy-duty lifting straps for the most demanding loads. Each product is built for strength, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.
Replacing worn equipment is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting workers, maintaining efficiency, and keeping projects on schedule. Regularly inspect your lifting gear, retire straps at the first sign of wear, and ensure your team works with dependable equipment they can trust.
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