Bridle Sling Selection Guide
What is a bridle sling?
A bridle sling is a multi-leg lifting assembly — 2, 3, or 4 legs — converging to a common master link at the top. Each leg lifts a share of the load; the total working load depends on leg count and leg angle.
Number of legs — which to pick?
- 2-leg (DOC/DOS): Simplest bridle. Best for balanced loads like crates and palletized cargo where the center of gravity is well-defined.
- 3-leg (TOC/TOS): For round, cylindrical, or triangular loads where three attachment points distribute stress evenly.
- 4-leg (QOC/QOS): Most popular for boxes and skids. Load is shared across any 3 of the 4 legs (the fourth is redundant safety). Prefer 4-leg for any load that may shift.
Hitch terminology
- SOC — Single Oblong + Choker hook per leg
- SOS — Single Oblong + Sling hook per leg
- DOC / DOS — Double (2-leg) + Oblong + Choker/Sling hook
- TOC / TOS — Triple (3-leg)
- QOC / QOS — Quadruple (4-leg)
- OO — Oblong on both ends (no hook, use your own hardware)
Leg angle derating — critical
As the legs angle outward from vertical, the tension on each leg increases. The sling's stated WLL is based on a specific angle — usually 60° measured from horizontal (30° from vertical).
| Leg Angle (from Vertical) | Rated Capacity Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 0° (vertical) | 100% (best case) |
| 30° | 87% |
| 45° | 71% |
| 60° | 50% (standard rated angle) |
| 75° | 26% — Avoid |
| 80° | 17% — Do not use |
⚠️ Never lift at leg angles exceeding 75° from vertical (or less than 15° from horizontal) — forces multiply to unsafe levels fast.
Material choices
- Polyester web bridle — most common. Flexible, color-coded, lightweight. Liftex Pro-Edge Type 3 eye-eye.
- Nylon web bridle — 10% stretch cushions shock loads. Better in alkali.
- Round sling bridle — compact 360° body wrap. Maximum flexibility for irregular loads.
- Chain bridle — Grade 80/100 alloy chain. Heat-resistant, cut-resistant, heaviest. For hot work, abrasive loads, critical overhead.
Components in a chain bridle
- Master link — Crosby A-342 wide-style weldless (or Green Pin MS/UMS). Top of the assembly; connects to hook.
- Master link assembly — pre-welded master + 2 sub-links for 3-leg and 4-leg bridles. Crosby A-1346, Green Pin MTS/UMTS.
- Chain legs — Grade 80 (9:1 safety factor under ASME B30.9) or Grade 100 (25% higher WLL at same diameter).
- Coupling links (hammerlocks) — Crosby A-336 Lok-A-Loy or Campbell coupling. Joins the chain to the hook.
- Hooks — clevis sling hooks, grab hooks, self-locking hooks, or foundry hooks depending on application.
How to order a custom bridle
Most bridles are made-to-order. Email sales@slingcenter.com with:
- Number of legs (2, 3, or 4)
- Required WLL at 60° (or specify working angle if different)
- Each leg length (measured master link bearing point → hook bearing point)
- Hook type (grab, sling, clevis, self-locking, foundry)
- Material (polyester web, nylon web, round sling, chain — specify grade)
- Inspection label requirements (standard or custom)
Lead time: typically 3–5 business days for stock components; 7–10 days for custom-built components.
Inspection
- Visual before every use: cuts, tears, corrosion, hardware distortion
- Measure chain link diameter annually — remove if less than 90% of new diameter
- Check coupling links for intact roll pins
- Documented annual inspection per ASME B30.9 by a trained inspector
Need help choosing? Chat with our AI rigging specialist 24/7, or email sales@slingcenter.com for engineering support.