There is a reason why industrial lifting slings are popular for lifting heavy loads in industries like construction, oil and gas, steel mills, and automobile. Don’t let their simple design fool you. They offer unparallel safety, flexibility, and longevity. From giant windmills to containers, chain slings can be used to lift just about anything.
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However, you will need to choose the right type of industrial chain slings to ensure safety and efficiency. Before we get into what you should consider when selecting alloy chains, let’s see what type of slings you can use.
Unlike synthetic slings, chain slings are made from high-quality metal alloys, usually steel. They can withstand extreme temperatures, impact, chemicals, and UV light. Thanks to their durability and flexibility, you can use industrial lifting slings in manufacturing, foundries, oil and gas extraction, steel mills, and other severe work environments.
There are three common types of slings, based on the number of alloy chain legs.
As the name suggests, single-leg alloy chain slings consist of only one chain supporting the load. That’s why these chains are more suitable for lifting evenly distributed loads. They are commonly used in foundries and manufacturing plants.
Double-leg alloy chain slings come with two strands of chains. The two separate links provide better support to the attached load. Some sling manufacturers also offer adjustable double-leg slings. They render more flexibility when lifting heavy loads.
Multi-leg alloy chain slings have three or four links. They are the strongest of alloy chains, having the capacity to lift extremely heavy loads. You can find them in all types of heavy industries.
The flexibility and durability allow you to use chain slings for vertical, choker, or basket hitches. You can use different variations of master links, slings, and hooks, to build lifting and rigging assemblies as required.
But, as strong as they come, these slings do have limitations. Moreover, lifting heavy loads is a dangerous task that can lead to serious injuries should things go south. So, you have to be very careful when selecting a chain sling.
Here’s what you mustn’t forget.
First, you need to understand what the intended load is and how you want to lift it. It’ll help you plan the entire lifting and rigging operation to a tee. So, start digging into the shape, size, strength, and weight of the load. The more details you can get, the better.
The center of gravity of the load is a crucial factor. If you know the center of gravity, arranging the slings and other lifting devices becomes a lot easier.
As a cardinal rule, the master link or the hook (connected to the crane or hoist) should be directly over the center of gravity. Otherwise, the load will be out of balance, resulting in accidents and/or injuries. Most likely, you will have to adjust the load repeatedly until you can find its center of gravity.
In addition to the center of gravity, you need to know how to attach the load to the lifting devices. Most heavy loads, such as containers, come with lifting points.
But, when lifting points are absent, you have to consider where you can attach the slings. Firstly, the lifting points you select must be strong enough to bear the weight of the load.
Secondly, if the load is delicate, choosing synthetic slings that you can wrap around it is a good idea. It’s the best way to protect the load from excruciating pressure alloy chains would put on it during the lift.
Make sure to choose suitable slings depending on your load, lifting environment, and the type of chains you are using.
Selecting the right grade is equally important. Carbon steel chains have lower grades (usually 30, 40, and 70), which are not suited for overhead lifting and rigging. But, you can use them for tying down and bundling loads.
However, steel alloy chains have higher grades, most common being 80, 100, 120. Both OSHA and ASME recommend these grades for overhead lifting applications.
Moreover, selecting the right grade can increase your lifting efficiency and reduce the risk of accidents. While you can use a thicker Grade 80 chain, a Grade 100 but thinner chain will be easy to use. In other words, you need to get a grip on alloy chain grades.
You can use alloy chain slings for lifting loads at high temperatures. They can withstand temperatures up to 1000° Fahrenheit. However, continuously exposing these chains to high temperatures (more than 400° Fahrenheit) will affect their strength.
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Sling manufacturers often recommend decreasing the working load limits in such conditions. Make sure to check the user manual for manufacturer’s instructions in this regard.
You will need to check the working load limit (WLL) of each chain sling. You must never exceed the recommended WLL. Different factors will affect the WLL of a chain sling. These include but are not limited to:
Lastly, you must inspect each alloy chain daily or before using it. Usually, a visual inspection is enough to know whether the chain is safe to use. Assign a qualified person for the same.
During the daily inspection, look for:
Furthermore, check the identification tag, which bears the serial number, manufacturer’s details, size, grade, and working load limit. It should be legible. If the tag is missing or illegible, either replace it or stop using the chain slings.
In addition to the regular inspection, you also need to perform documented periodic chain sling inspections by an expert. Depending on the frequency of use and work environment, you can check the chains:
Alloy chains are an integral part of lifting heavy loads. However, as your safety and efficiency are at stake, you will have to consider a few things before using them. With these tips, you will be able to choose the right chains for your project.
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When it comes to transporting or lifting your equipment, supplies, tools, or other materials, you have to be sure you’re using the right chains to secure your load. How much a chain can hold depends on the type of material it’s made out of and how much stress it can endure before breaking.
We’ve put together this guide on the various chain grades and what applications each is suited for to help ensure you use the correct chain for your transport or lifting needs.
Chain grades describe the ultimate breaking strength or tensile strength of a given type of chain. The common chain grades used today are G30, G43, G70, G80, G100, and G120. The numbers in each grade are newtons per square millimeter and one tenth of the actual mathematical grades. For example, G70 grade chains have a breaking strength of 700 N/mm2 (newtons per square millimeter).
Grade 30 – These chains are general purpose and made from low strength carbon steel. They are commonly used for load securement in the agricultural, logging, and light construction industries.
Grade 43 – Made from stronger carbon steel than grade 30 chains, grade 43 chains are used for towing, logging, securing containers, and marine applications.
Grade 70 – Grade 70 chains are about 20% stronger than grade 43 chains and made from heat treated carbon steel that provides excellent strength and durability. They are commonly used for trucking and trailer tie downs, heavy load securement, and heavy towing.
Grade 80 – Grade 80 chains are made of an alloy steel mixture that makes them extremely strong and suitable for overhead lifting. They can also be used for heavy duty towing, rigging, and tie downs.
Grade 100 – With about 25% more strength than grade 80 chains, grade 100 chains are used primarily as a sling component for extremely heavy overhead lifting. They are also used for heavy duty rigging, towing, and construction applications.
In addition to knowing your chain grade, you also need to understand your chain’s working load limit. Working load limit is usually provided in pounds and refers to the maximum amount of tension that can be applied to an undamaged chain. The limit will vary within each chain grade, based on the diameter and shape of the chain.
When choosing the best chain for a lifting application, it’s important to make sure the working load limit is sufficient to support the weight of the load plus any additional forces imposed by angles or hitch types. Usage, wear, twists, overloading, corrosion, alteration, and misuse all affect the working load limit of any chain. To ensure the chain is safe for continued use, it should be regularly inspected.
Use this chart to help determine the right chain for your application:
Chain Grade Working Load Limit Range G301,300 lb – 6,900 lb G432,600 lb – 13,000 lbG703,150 lb – 15,800 lbG803,500 lb – 47,700 lbG1004,300 lb – 35,300 lbContact Luby today to determine the exact chain you need for securing or lifting heavy loads!
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