Which pair of sling materials are cited as available but not widely used?

• A. fiber rope and wire mesh
• B. chain and synthetic roundsling
• C. synthetic webbing and synthetic roundsling
• D. synthetic webbing and wire rope

Answer: (A)

The main thing this question tests is recognizing which sling materials are still in catalogs or inventories but aren’t commonly chosen for typical lifts. Fiber rope and wire mesh slings fit that idea. Fiber rope is available, but it’s not favored for overhead or heavy-duty lifts because it wears quickly, is hard to inspect for damage, can creep under load, and isn’t as durable against heat, sharp edges, or rough handling. Wire mesh slings are also available, but they are bulky, heavy, and prone to snagging or damage on sharp or irregular shapes; they require intensive inspection and maintenance and aren’t as versatile or economical as other slings for most tasks. In contrast, chain, wire rope, synthetic webbing, and synthetic roundslings are commonly used in a wide range of lifts, making them the standard choices.