No matter what kind of part or material you are moving, your sling is the critical connection between your load and the crane. You can’t afford failure. That’s why more and more people are turning to Tuffy® Synthetic Web Slings—engineered solutions built for demanding applications where safety, reliability, and long service life are essential.

Tuffy slings go beyond basic lifting; they’re designed with industry-leading features that reduce wear, improve load control, and withstand some of the most demanding environments in manufacturing, construction, and field service.

Polyester vs. Nylon—Which Should You Choose?
Both materials get the job done, but each has its own strengths depending on your specific environment:

• Stretch under Load: Nylon stretches about 6% under rated capacity. Polyester stretches less, offering a bit more load stability.
• ​Chemical Exposure: Polyester stands up better to acids, while nylon withstands stronger alkalis.
• Sunlight Resistance: Both degrade over time in direct sunlight, though Tuffy applies treatments to improve durability. Still, storing slings out of the sun is always a smart move.
• Heat Range: Neither material should be used in temperatures above 194°F (90°C) or below -40°F (-40°C).
• Moisture & Oil: Both are highly resistant to water, seawater, oil, grease, and many common chemicals—perfect for messy shop or field conditions.

Want a nylon sling? Tuffy can make that on request, but polyester is their go-to for most applications because of its consistent performance in industrial settings.

Soft Enough for Sensitive Loads—Strong Enough for Structural Steel
When you’re lifting delicate or highly polished loads, you don’t want to risk scratches, dents, or surface damage. That’s where Tuffy’s synthetic web slings come in. Designed with protection in mind, these polyester web slings offer a soft but durable solution for lifting fragile loads safely and securely.

One of the key advantages of synthetic web slings like Tuffy is their ability to securely grip the load without causing surface damage. Unlike wire rope or chain slings, which can scratch, dent, or deform sensitive materials, Tuffy web slings distribute the load evenly across a broad contact area. This makes them ideal for lifting painted components, precision-machined parts, delicate surfaces, or coated beams. The elasticity of the synthetic webbing also helps absorb shock loading and reduce peak stresses, which can be critical when dealing with variable lifting conditions or delicate cargo.

Visibility, Traceability, and Safety—Built In
Every Tuffy sling includes color-coded identification for easy capacity recognition. Whether you’re sorting slings on the shop floor or selecting gear at the job site, color-coding helps avoid misapplication. Each sling also comes with a permanently attached, heat-sealed tag that details its rated load capacities for vertical, choker, and basket configurations. These tags meet ASME B30.9 requirements and help ensure compliance with OSHA inspection and rigging safety standards. Having clear and durable identification on the sling improves traceability and supports proper usage by your rigging crew—reducing human error.

Custom-Built Options for Real-World Challenges
Tuffy offers a wide range of sling configurations, including endless slings, flat eye and eye, twist-eye, reverse eye, and wide-body basket slings, allowing you to match the tool to the task. Standard web widths range from 1 inch to 12 inches, with ply options from single to quadruple, depending on capacity and application. . Type 6 (RE) Reversed Eye Slings offer extra durability and are great for vertical, basket, or choker hitches. Type 7 (FE) Flat Eye Slings let you rig through tight spaces and remove the sling easily from beneath the load. 

Tuffy also manufactures custom sling solutions to meet job-specific lifting challenges, including special lengths, wear pads, edge guards, and hardware attachments. If you’re lifting loads with complex geometries or requiring specific rigging points, Tuffy can help engineer the right solution to get it done safely and efficiently.
Capacities range from 3,100 lbs up to 32,900 lbs vertical, with even greater strength in basket hitches. And if you’re not seeing exactly what you need—just ask. Custom is part of the game at Tuffy.

Optional Scuff Edge™ Webbing Protection
​For applications that push gear to the limit, Tuffyoffers slings made with Scuff Edge™ webbing—a specially woven outer layer that delivers better abrasion resistance.

You might remember that back in 2022, the two companies merged. Since then, the teams have been working behind the scenes to bring everything together—and now it’s official. Safeway’s full lineup of synthetic web, wire rope, and chain slings is now offered under the Tuffy Products name, all from our expanded facility in Greendale, Wisconsin.

What’s Changing?
Honestly—not much in terms of how we serve you. You’ll still be working with the same great people, getting the same high-quality products you know and trust.

The big change?
Everything’s now under one name, Tuffy Products, and it’s all available through the Tuffy website.

Why This Is Good News
By joining forces, we’re bringing together the best of both worlds:

• More product options – From slings and tie-downs to hoists and rigging hardware, it’s all in one place.
• Better service and support – With a bigger team and a larger facility, we can respond faster and handle more of what you need.
• Made in the USA – That commitment hasn’t changed. Our products continue to be built with pride right here in America.

​Looking Ahead
They’re not just combining names—They’re expanding capabilities. You’ll see more product innovations, cross-training opportunities, and improved fulfillment. Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, energy, or heavy lifting, they’re here to help you get the job done safely and efficiently.

Have questions or need help finding something? Contact anyone here at the Browne & Co team who is ready to assist you.

In January of this year we welcomed a new member to our Browne & Co. sales team and with manufacturing companies opening up again, it's about time we introduce you to Jeff Terrace!

Just before joining Browne & Co in January 2019, Jeff worked at Hoffmann Group, a German cutting tool, hand tool, workstation and storage solutions manufacturer.

Jeff has been working as an InovaTool representative since February of 2019 and recently joined Browne & Company at the beginning of 2020 as our Cutting Tool Specialist. Please send Jeff and email or give him a call to introduce yourself or pick his brain about an application question.

In industry, hand chain and lever operated hoists are most often used as an in-plant tool for periodic maintenance applications. A typical use might be for lifting pumps, generators, valves, pipe or other heavy equipment.

Whether a hoist is used in construction, maintenance, machine shops or automotive garages, hundreds of applications exist for a manual chain hoist and many thousands are sold every year. One of the largest lifting rental yards in the United States (TX) has standardized on Tuffy Hoists for their rental fleet - If they can take the rigors and abuse of rental, they can certainly stand up to anything your shop can throw at them!

•  Overload clutch standard feature on Tuffy Hoists
•  Modern, small body, compact, stamped steel construction
•  Fully machined steel load sheaves
•  Cast steel hook latched instead of stamped steel
•  Fully enclosed gear train and caged internal bearings
•  All exposed parts plated or powder coated for corrosion protection
•  Bottom hooks of chain hoists equiped with roller thrust bearings
•  Top & bottom hook tips with cast self-locking latches, for increased safety
•  Double pawl Weston style load brake
•  Conforms to ASME B30.16 - Chain Hoists and Standard B30.21 - Lever Hoists

Please call or email Browne & Company for your closest authorized Tuffy Hoist distributor
440-463-3970
​[email protected]

Greendale Wisconsin based Safeway Sling USA Inc. has been acquired by Houston-based Bishop Lifting Products Inc. The transaction closed April 2 for an undisclosed price.

“One of the reasons that this was necessary is that I know that none of us live forever and I work with some of the most wonderful people,” Susan Szymczak said. “We’ve got a number of people that have been here for 20-plus years and they have to be taken care of.”

Bishop Lifting, a subsidiary of SBP Holdings, makes, distributes and rents wire rope, sling and rigging products and services. Its sister company Singer Equities makes industrial hose, conveyor belt and gasket material. Together, the companies have 1,080 employees at 61 North American locations.

Bishop described Safeway as the “gold standard” for overhead lifting slings in an announcement.

“We are excited with the addition of Safeway Sling to our family of companies,” said Harold King, president of Bishop. “Safeway Sling has a proven track record in our industry of supplying the highest quality synthetic slings with the highest level of service.”

Susan and Jim will stay on at Safeway for three years, and Bishop has named their daughter Andrea vice president and general manager. The Greendale operations will remain in place and all of the employees will be retained in the transaction, Susan said.

“They’re committed to keeping Safeway here,” she said. “We’re totally set up as a sling manufacturer. If you move the tester even one inch, it’s considered out of calibration.”

Milwaukee investment bank Emory & Co. advised Safeway Sling in the transaction.

“We ran a full sale process, contacting numerous strategic buyers and private equity groups, and Bishop Lifting emerged as the clear choice as the best buyer,” said John Emory Jr., president of Emory & Co.
The marketing process generated 26 interested parties, Susan said.

“I was surprised that there would be that many people interested in this little company,” she said. “I think the level of integrity is very high and that’s critical.”

Susan said the cultural fit was ideal with Bishop, which is why Safeway ultimately chose it.

“The values and the meeting of the minds is just uncanny,” she said.

Material handling safety is among one of the most important tasks in any industry. Without it, important tools, equipment and materials cannot be moved, sold, manufactured and utilized. This is the very reason why slings are important tools in almost every industry. Without them, it would be difficult to handle materials and transport them from one place to another.

But more often than not, loads are too heavy for the slings that support them. This results to workers getting injured or killed because loads fall on them or hit them. The same thing happens when operators are not trained in the proper use and maintenance of slings. Slings end up being out of the operator’s control or losing their strength because of abuse or wear.

The Foundation of Excellence
Safeway Sling’s commitment to quality begins with the materials. From premium-grade webbing to high-strength hardware, every component is chosen to maximize durability and safety. The process starts with raw materials being carefully inspected and tested to meet strict industry standards.

Precision in Every Stitch
One of the most fascinating aspects of sling manufacturing is the stitching process. Using specialized heavy-duty sewing machines, the team at Safeway Sling creates reinforced patterns that provide exceptional strength and resilience. These stitching techniques are the backbone of the sling’s ability to handle extreme loads and conditions.

Customized for Your Needs
No two lifting jobs are the same, and Safeway Sling understands that better than anyone. Their manufacturing process is highly customizable, allowing for slings to be tailored to specific lengths, widths, and capacities. Whether for construction, shipping, or industrial applications, each sling is designed with its unique purpose in mind.

Testing for Uncompromising Safety
Safety is non-negotiable at Safeway Sling. Each sling undergoes rigorous testing, including load testing and visual inspections, to ensure it performs as expected under pressure. This dedication to quality control ensures every product leaving their facility is up to the task.

Made by Experts, Trusted by Industries
At the heart of Safeway Sling’s operation are their skilled team members. Their expertise, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, is what makes Safeway Slings stand out in the industry. Every step of the process reflects their dedication to craftsmanship and the pride they take in their work.

Why Choose Safeway Sling?
​For decades, Safeway Sling has been a trusted partner for industries that demand the best. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction is evident in every sling they produce. By combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on expertise, they’ve built a reputation for reliability that’s hard to beat.