Abstract: A safety gauge prevents sling users from exceeding the safe working load of a sling. Unlike conventional devices, the safety gauge described herein has no interference from internal yarns and can be preset to a prescribed load. A strand of yarn (indicator yarn) can be disposed between inner and outer jackets of the sling, in a choke configuration, and attached to an indicator. The outer jacket is then closed in the traditional manner and a window tag in the outer layer is strategically placed over the indicator to permit a user to view the indicator during use of the sling. When pressure is applied, the indicator yarn begins to move in direct relation to the load being applied, causing the indicator to move in the window tag. At a predetermined point, a red color shows, alerting the user that they are in danger of an overload.