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.

by Bernard Martin

Selecting the correct chain hoist for your specific application is crucial to ensure safety, efficiency, and optimal performance.

Tuffy Products, a one of the most reputable manufacturers of high-quality lifting and material handling equipment, offers a range of chain hoists tailored to various applications.

In this guide, we' ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right Tuffy Products chain hoist for your needs.

Determine Your Lifting Requirements
The first step in selecting the correct chain hoist is to define your lifting requirements. Consider the following factors:

• Load Capacity: Calculate the maximum weight you need to lift. Ensure that the chain hoist's capacity exceeds this weight to allow for a safety margin.
• Lift Height: Determine the vertical distance the load needs to be lifted. Tuffy Products offers chain hoists with varying lift heights, so choose one that meets or exceeds your requirements

Understand Your Application
The type of application plays a significant role in selecting the right chain hoist. Consider the following applications and their specific needs:

• Industrial: For heavy-duty industrial applications, look for a chain hoist with a robust design, high load capacity, and durable materials. Tuffy Products offers chain hoists suitable for demanding industrial environments.
• Construction: Construction sites often require portable and versatile chain hoists. Look for features like lightweight construction and ease of transport when selecting a hoist for construction applications.
• Entertainment and Rigging: In entertainment and rigging applications, precision and control are crucial. Choose a chain hoist with smooth operation and precise load control.

​Consider Your Working Environment
The environment in which the chain hoist will operate is essential for making the right choice:

• Corrosive Environments: If your application involves exposure to corrosive substances, such as saltwater or chemicals, opt for a chain hoist with corrosion-resistant materials or coatings.
• Explosive Atmospheres: In potentially explosive environments, ensure that the chain hoist is rated for hazardous locations, typically indicated as "ATEX" or "Explosion Proof."

Evaluate Chain Hoist Types
Tuffy Products offers different types of chain hoists, including manual chain hoists and electric chain hoists. Consider which type best suits your needs:

• Manual Chain Hoists: Ideal for applications where precise control and slower lifting speeds are acceptable. They are typically more cost-effective and do not require electrical power.
• Electric Chain Hoists: Provide efficient, high-speed lifting and are suitable for applications where rapid lifting and precise positioning are essential. They are powered by electricity and often come with advanced control options.

Review Safety Features
Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a chain hoist. Tuffy Products chain hoists are designed with safety in mind, but it's essential to consider additional safety features, such as:

• Overload Protection: Look for hoists with overload protection mechanisms that prevent the hoist from lifting loads beyond its rated capacity.
• Emergency Stop: Electric chain hoists should have an emergency stop button for immediate cessation of operations in case of emergencies.

Check for Certification and Compliance
Ensure that the selected chain hoist complies with industry standards and regulations. Tuffy Products chain hoists are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed industry standards for safety and performance.

Maintenance and Serviceability
Consider the ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts when choosing a chain hoist. Tuffy Products provides support and service options to keep your hoist operating optimally throughout its lifespan.

Choosing the right Tuffy Products chain hoist for your application requires careful consideration of load capacity, application type, working environment, hoist type, safety features, compliance, and maintenance. By assessing your specific requirements and matching them with the features and capabilities of Tuffy Products' chain hoists, you can make an informed choice that ensures safety, efficiency, and reliability in your lifting operations.

Always consult with the experts at Browne & Co. and follow manufacturer guidelines for installation, operation, and maintenance to maximize the lifespan and performance of your chain hoist.

 written and edited by Bernard Martin

Chain hoists are great options to replace the manual lifting process in assembly lines and other material handling areas. Manual chain hoists typically operate with two chain loops, the hand chain and lifting chain. The hand chain wraps around a wheel that supports the lifting mechanism by pulling. The lifting chain is used to lift and lower the load by maneuvering the hand chain. This type of hoist system can be used in manufacturing facilities, construction sites, auto shops and warehouses. In industrial applications, hand chain 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.

There are several things you should consider when selecting a manual chain hoist.  Manual hoists have the advantage of being compact and light when compared to electric hoists. Here's some things to think about when selecting the best chain hoist for your applications.

FALL OF CHAIN
This is the number of chains that attach to the lifting chain hook. Additional Falls of chain is It's what enables Tuffy to use a 10mm chain for up 50 tons of lift.  By standardizing on a chain size of 10mm it's easier to stock replacement parts and also to keep the overall costs down

SUSPENSION
The way you hang the manual chain hoist referred to as its suspension. The two most common types of suspension are the hook suspension and lug suspension. Most hoists allow for a lug suspension. It is particularly useful in situations where headroom for hoist operation is limited or insufficient.

HEADROOM
This describes one of the dimensions of a hoist. This dimension is the distance between the bearing surfaces of the upper and lower hook when the lower hook is raised to its highest point. (or the minimum distance between the hooks)  Headroom is depicted in the chart below by dimension "A"

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Other factors include the height of the hook point: where the chain hoist will be mounted, and type of operator interfaces, such as hand chains. 

Do you have low headroom?   Will you be using this on an A-frame gantry?  Then dimension A in the below chart is going to be important to you.
​
If you are mounting from the ceiling you will need to know if it is an I-Beam or H-beam and is it the beam flat or tapered?   Explosion proof environments or clean room environments each have some specialized requirements that we can help you with but, for now, keep in mind that each beam has different applications and is a topic unto itself.
​

NOTE: Please specify chain length required when ordering, by adding a -5, -10, -15, -20 to the end of model number. As shown above in the chart, the standard is a 10 ft. lift.

Below you can  get more information in the Tuffy Hoist Catalog and also information on our selection of beam clamps, plain beam trolleys, and geared beam trolleys to attach your chain hoist to a beam.

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]

All of our synthetic web products are designed for long life under punishing conditions, but they will eventually wear out after extended use. The key is knowing when to replace them, and that’s why it’s very important to inspect your slings on a regular basis. We’ve developed an inspection program based on the procedure outlined in ANSI B30.9 that will make the most of your investment. 

It’s based on four sound beliefs:

• The importance of following regular and uniform inspections.
• A respect for the capabilities and limitations of synthetic web slings.
• The need to keep complete, permanent records.
• Perhaps most importantly, a lot of common sense.

The frequency of inspection depends on three important factors:

1. Sling usage – the more you use a sling, the more you need to inspect it.
2. The working environment – the harsher the conditions, the more often you need to inspect.
3. Sling service life – based on your experience in using slings. 

It’s a good idea for the person handling the slings to visually inspect all slings before each lift. Additional inspections should be performed at least annually by a qualified designated person and permanent records kept. OSHA specifies, “Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant.” In other words, you should visually inspect your sling before each lift.