Polyester slings stretch approximately _____ to ____ at capacity.

• A. 1-2%
• B. 0-1%
• C. 4-6%
• D. 3-5%

Answer: (D)

Polyester slings will elongate a noticeable amount when they’re loaded to their rated capacity because the fibers have elastic properties and the weave can stretch under load. The typical elongation you’d expect is about three to five percent of the sling’s original length. This is why rigging practices account for some slack or extra length during setup and lifting, and why the sling’s rated capacity already assumes this stretch.

Options with little to no stretch (0–1% or 1–2%) aren’t consistent with how synthetic slings behave under full load, and a range as high as four to six percent is less common than the standard three to five percent. So the best-fit range is three to five percent.