For a single-point load with three sling legs, maximum sling leg length variation is?

• A. 12 inches
• B. 6 inches
• C. 9 inches
• D. 18 inches

Answer: (A)

When lifting with a single point using three sling legs, keeping the legs close in length is essential to prevent the load from tilting and to keep the tensions distributed evenly among the legs. The maximum allowable difference between the longest and shortest leg is 12 inches. If the variation were larger, the load would tilt toward the shorter legs and some legs would take much more load than others, increasing the risk of instability, excessive sling tension, or a failed lift. The other numbers would either be unnecessarily restrictive or fail to provide a practical safety margin, whereas 12 inches gives a reliable balance for a stable, controlled lift.