When to Retire Your Rigging Gear: Signs of Wear and Damage
Rigging gear is the backbone of safe lifting operations. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, logistics, utilities, marine, or heavy industry, your slings, shackles, hooks, hoists, and hardware must perform flawlessly every time. Even the smallest defect can compromise the integrity of your entire operation — risking equipment damage, costly downtime, and most importantly, worker safety.
Knowing when to retire your rigging gear isn’t just a best practice; it’s a critical responsibility under Canadian Occupational Health & Safety regulations. Understanding the warning signs of wear and damage ensures you stay compliant while maintaining the highest levels of lifting safety.
In this guide, we break down the tell-tale signs that your rigging gear is ready to be removed from service — and how Hercules Crane & Lifting Supplies can support you in staying safe, compliant, and operational.
Why Rigging Gear Retirement Matters
Rigging equipment naturally degrades over time due to load stress, environmental conditions, misuse, or simple wear. But retiring gear isn’t always straightforward. Unlike a dramatic failure, most issues begin small and go unnoticed.
The risks of continuing to use compromised gear include:
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Catastrophic load failures
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Serious injury or fatalities
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Compliance violations
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Unexpected downtime
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Damage to cranes or material handling equipment
Routine inspections and timely retirement of worn-out gear create a safer, more productive workplace — and help reduce long-term equipment costs.
Slings: When to Remove from Service
1. Wire Rope Slings
Wire rope slings are strong and durable, but they’re not indestructible. Remove wire rope slings from service if you notice:
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Broken wires (6 randomly distributed in one lay or 3 in one strand)
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Severe corrosion or rust pitting
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Kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or distortion
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Heat damage or discoloration
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Damaged or missing identification tags
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Elongation or stretched components
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Crushed or distorted fittings
Even minor deformation can change the rope’s internal load path and compromise its capacity. When in doubt, pull it out.
2. Synthetic Slings
Synthetic web, round, and rope slings are vulnerable to environmental damage. retire immediately if you see:
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Cuts, tears, snags, or punctures
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UV degradation (fading, brittleness)
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Chemical burns or softening
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Abrasion to inner core yarns in round slings
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Discoloration from heat or contact with sharp edges
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Knots, fraying, or thread separation
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Illegible or missing capacity tags
If the tag is missing—even if the sling looks perfect—it cannot be used.
3. Chain Slings
Chain slings are rugged, but once compromised, failure can be catastrophic. Remove chain slings from service if you spot:
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Bent, stretched, or elongated links
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Cracks, nicks, or gouges
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Severe corrosion
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Worn links (10% wear is the limit)
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Twisted chain or improper lengthening
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Damaged hooks, latches, or master links
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Missing or unreadable ID tags
Grade 80 and 100 chain slings must be inspected regularly and maintained by qualified personnel only.
Hardware: Shackles, Hooks & Fittings
Shackles
Retire shackles if you observe:
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Bent or distorted bow or pin
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Thread damage
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Wear or corrosion
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Illegible markings
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Pin won’t fully seat or tighten
Shackles are small but essential — don’t underestimate the risk of one failing.
Hooks
Hooks require extra vigilance because they’re the final link to the load. Remove from service if:
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Latch is missing or doesn’t close properly
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Hook throat has opened beyond 5%
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Twisting, cracks, or deformation
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Heat indications
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Wear exceeding 10% at critical points
Hooks rarely fail without warning — you just need to know what signs to look for.
Turnbuckles, Eyebolts, and Other Hardware
Retire if you notice:
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Worn threads
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Bent components
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Corrosion pitting
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Loss of original shape
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Illegible manufacturer markings
Any compromised hardware weakens the entire lift.
Hoists & Load Binders: When Retirement Is Required
Hoists (manual, lever, or powered) and load binders experience wear through repeated mechanical use. Remove from service if you see:
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Chain stretch or link wear
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Gear damage or grinding
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Broken or bent hooks
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Twisted chain
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Malfunctioning brakes
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Cracked housing
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Heavy corrosion or rust build-up
Never attempt to “repair” hoists or binders without manufacturer-approved parts and certified technicians.
Environmental Damage: A Hidden Threat
Many rigging components degrade due to environmental exposure, even when not actively used. Replace any gear showing:
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Saltwater corrosion
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Extreme UV exposure
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Chemical attack
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Surface rust affecting structural integrity
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Heat exposure from welding or cutting
Keeping gear stored properly protects lifespan and reduces premature retirement.
When Gear Must Be Removed Immediately
No matter the component, retire rigging gear immediately if:
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There is any doubt about its integrity
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Identification tags are missing or illegible
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It fails an inspection or load test
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It shows visible damage or has experienced overload
When safety is on the line, inspection guidelines always err on the side of caution.
How Hercules Crane & Lifting Supplies Helps You Stay Safe
We know that lifting safety starts with reliable equipment and trusted inspection practices. Hercules Crane & Lifting Supplies offers:
✔ Certified inspections (onsite or in-house)
For slings, chain, rigging hardware, hoists, fall protection, and more.
✔ Repairs & recertification
Performed by qualified technicians using certified components.
✔ Custom sling fabrication
Wire rope, synthetic, and chain slings built to your exact specifications.
✔ A full inventory of replacement rigging gear
Top brands, CSA/ASME-compliant equipment, and durable lifting products.
✔ Training & support
Get your team trained in sling inspection and safe rigging practices.
Whether you need an inspection, replacement gear, or expert guidance, our team is ready to help you keep every lift safe and compliant.
