Should knots in slings be untied after they have been pulled tight under load?

In rigging and hoisting, it is crucial to understand how knots affect the integrity and safety of slings. When a sling is pulled tight under load and then knotted, the knot can cause localized stress concentrations that can weaken the sling material. Moreover, a tightly pulled knot can be extremely difficult to untie, risking damage to the sling and making it unusable for future applications.

The decision to never untie knots in slings that have been under load stems from safety concerns. A knot could permanently alter the physical properties of the sling and may not perform reliably afterward. Leaving knots in place also ensures that the rigging equipment remains in a certain configuration, reducing the chances of a road accident caused by loose or improperly stowed gear.

It's important to adhere to best practices regarding the handling of slings. This adheres to industry standards, emphasizing safety and longevity of rigging equipment, making it crucial to assess the usage of knots in slings after they have been utilized under operational loads.