WLL stands for Working Load Limit.
It’s the maximum load that a piece of equipment (like a strap, shackle, rope, or chain) is rated to handle during normal use. This value is set by the manufacturer based on safety factors, meaning the actual breaking strength of the equipment is higher, but you should never exceed the WLL in real-world operation.
Example: If a recovery strap has a WLL of 5 tons, it means you can safely use it for loads up to 5 tons under normal conditions.
The WLL is usually calculated as Breaking Strength ÷ Safety Factor. For lifting gear, the safety factor might be 4:1 or higher; for recovery gear, it can vary.
Key point: WLL is about safe working capacity, not the maximum it can physically hold before failure.