ALLOY CHAIN SLINGS

Types of Welded and Mechanically Coupled Chain Slings and Assemblies

All chain slings must be configured to function safely and correctly to increase efficiency and maintain safety. Some of the types of chain slings we offer include:

Chain Sling Material

It is essential to select a chain made from a strong material that will maintain its integrity with repeated use. Alloy steel chains, grade 80, 100, or 120 are the only chains acceptable for overhead lifting. While overloaded, alloy steel will stretch, whereas other types of steel will break. Alloy steel chains are specially made for repeated lifting. Other chains purchased from retail stores are not suitable for industrial or commercial use.

What to Know Before Purchasing a Chain Sling

Before purchasing a chain sling, gather the following information:

• How heavy is the object that will be lifted?

• What is the object’s center of gravity?

• How many attachment points will be required for a balanced lift?

• What are the sling angles?

• What is the required reach of the chain sling?

• Are there any clearance requirements?

• What are the upper and lower fitting requirements?

• What are the ambient conditions of the work environment?

Knowing the answers to the questions above will help you select or our expert recommend the right chain sling for lifting your specific load.

Chain Sling Grades

Chain slings each have an identification grade to specify their use:

Grade 30: Not suitable for overhead lifting. Approved for industrial and agricultural applications such as guard rain chain, logging, and securing loads.

Grade 40: Approximately 50% stronger than Grade 30, Grade 40 is suitable for load binding, tie-downs, and towing.

Grade 60: The sole purpose of a 60 chain is to transfer mechanical energy. They are used in conveyor systems in bottling and packaging, live-roller conveyors, agricultural equipment, conveying applications, and drive applications.

Grade 70: Suitable for transport, logging, towing, and load binding. Grade 70 is 60% stronger than Grade 30 and the links have been heat treated.

Grade 80: Suitable for overhead lifting, slings, magnets, dragging, and pulling.

Grade 100: 25% stronger than grade 80 chain. Suitable for overhead lifting, slings, and tie-down applications.

Grade 120: 20% stronger than grade 100 chain. Suitable for overhead lifting, slings, and tie-down applications.

Chain Sling Safety Considerations

A few chain sling safety practices should be followed to avoid damage or injury. Please pay special attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines before and during chain sling use.

• Inspect the chain sling daily for wear or stress.
• Check the chain sling’s ID number, color code, and SWL
• Chain slings are inspected and documented regularly, at least every 12 months.
• The chain sling should be proof-tested by the manufacturer.
• Consult the chain sling manufacturer if you will use the chain sling in conditions below 20◦F.
• Chain slings should not be shortened, knotted, twisted, kinked, or lengthened.
• Chain slings should be hitched in a way that provides control of the load.
• To prevent damage to the chain sling, material should be used to protect the sling from contact with corners, sharp edges, or protrusions.
• Follow the sling manufacturer’s guidelines to shorten or adjust the chain sling.
• Avoid shock loading.
• Operators should watch for any snagging.
• Do not drag the chain sling along a floor or rough surface.
• Do not constrict, bunch, or pinch the chain sling.
• Avoid point loading on the hook unless the hook is made explicitly for point loading.
• Do not pull the chain sling from beneath the load while the load is resting in the chain sling.

Daily Inspection of Chain Slings

Once your chain sling is in use, it is important to inspect it daily. The chain sling should not be used if:

• Cracks are visible along the chain sling or its parts.
• Visibly distorted, bent, twisted, or stretched chain links.
• Corrosion
• Visible heat damage
• Any binding which has caused the chain links to be restricted.
• Any other condition that interferes with the usability of the chain sling.

When Should My Chain Sling Be Removed from Service?

An alloy steel chain sling shall be removed from service if conditions such as the following are present:

• Missing or illegible sling identification
• Cracks or breaks
• Excessive wear, nicks, or gouges. Minimum thickness on chain links shall not be below the values listed in the table on the next page
• Stretched chain links or damage
• Bent, twisted, or deformed chain links or components
• Evidence of heat damage
• Excessive pitting or corrosion
• Lack of ability of chain or components to hinge freely
• Weld splatter
• Hook damage
• Rigging hardware damage
• Other conditions, including visual damage, that cause doubt as to the continued use of the sling.

If you need training on removal criteria for slings - please contact our team! We provide in-person or virtual sling inspection training.