Determining the breaking strength of a sling is best achieved by consulting the manufacturer's specifications. These specifications provide precise information regarding the material strength, design factors, and safe working loads for that specific type of sling. This data is critical because various factors such as the type of material, construction, and intended use can significantly influence the sling's strength capabilities. Manufacturers conduct extensive testing and analysis to determine these specifications, ensuring that the user has reliable and accurate information for safe rigging practices.
While estimating based on load type may seem reasonable, it does not provide the precise and reliable evidence needed to ensure safety. Testing a sling with a weight assesses its performance but does not provide a definitive breaking strength as it could lead to damage or failure during testing. Checking the color coding of the sling provides information about its type and capacity but does not specify the exact breaking strength, which can vary among different manufacturers and models. Therefore, understanding and using the manufacturer's specifications is the most accurate and reliable method for determining a sling's breaking strength.