A Comprehensive Guide to Chain Slings

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Use the strongest and most durable lifting chain out there with our high-quality chain slings. These lifting slings provide safe use for any of the toughest overhead lifting and rigging tasks on a regular or repetitive basis. Read on about our sling products and how to choose the right one for you.

Table of Contents:

What are Chain Slings?

Chain slings are the ideal lifting and rigging tool to raise heavy, odd-shaped, and hot materials that other slings could not normally withstand. Our slings consist of an alloy steel chain connected to a master oblong chain link that can easily hook onto any crane, hoist, or jib. The slings also come with a hook end fitting suitable to your specific lifting needs. Besides hooks, other features may differ depending on the brand and make of the chain sling. 

Benefits of Slings

Chain slings offer a wide variety of benefits and uses that other types of slings, like slings or slings, would not normally be able to do.

• Strength & Durability:

  Chain slings and lifting slings work best when you need extra strength and durability. Our hoisting chains include alloy steel that&#;s Grade 100 or higher, providing approximately 25% higher strength than Grade 80 chains, the industry grade for chain slings.
  
  

• High Temperature Tolerance:

  Our slings can maintain their strength under extremely high temperatures where other slings could not. For example, they can withstand higher working temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  

• Cut-Resistant:

  These lifting chains can easily resist abrasions and withstand other damage that other types of slings could not.
  
  

• Versatility:

  Our chain slings are strong enough to handle a wide variety of lifting and rigging demands under many different conditions.
  
  

• Safer Lifting:

  Our chain links have undergone individual proof testing to ensure its working load limit. The exceptional strength of these rigging chains meets the U.S. standards of ANSI, NACM, ASTM, and OSHA and are safe for overhead lifting jobs.

How to Choose a Sling

At USCC, we have many different chain sling options that tailor to your preferred specifications and needs. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right chain sling such as make or brand, chain sling style, chain length, chain diameter, leg options, and hook end fittings. These factors are configured in a number of ways to provide the variety of chain sling options we have.

1. Choose Your Brand

U.S. Cargo Control offers two trusted brands that sell Grade 100 chain slings or chain sling components, as well as one brand that sells Grade 120 components:

• Crosby

  Crosby has been a leader in the rigging and lifting industry for years, providing some of the highest-quality chain and rigging hardware, including the Crosby Eliminator® hook. Their slings are manufactured in the U.S. and are expertly assembled by our team members at our warehouse. We offer many different options for our Crosby slings that cater to your demands.
  
  

• KWB

  Another manufacturer we carry is KWB, based in Europe. We import their manufactured chain and end fittings and assemble them in the U.S. to provide high-quality slings. KWB slings include Grade 100 alloy steel and have a signal violet varnish coat and a heavy powder coating that helps with corrosion resistance. Similarly to Crosby, our KWB slings come in a variety of options that differ by chain length, end fitting, leg option, and more.
  
  

• Pewag (Grade 120 Chains)

  Pewag is the parent company of KWB and manufactures their sling components and end fittings in Europe. These are imported and expertly assembled by our team to create high-quality, durable slings. Pewag makes Grade 120 chain that allows for a higher working load limit in a lighter sling. They are also made with a light blue powder coating for superior corrosion protection.
  
  

2. Choose Your Style

U.S. Cargo Control offers two different chain sling styles on all our sling brands:

• Standard
  

  Standard slings have a fixed chain length sold in a variety of leg options, chain link widths, diameters, and end fittings.
  
  

• Adjustable

  Adjustable chain slings look very similar to standard slings. However, they feature additional shortener components attached to the master link. These allow you to adjust the length of the chain legs as needed without compromising lifting strength and working load limit.
  
  Crosby and KWB offer adjustable slings and have different adjustment components:
• Crosby Eliminator®
• KWB Grab Hooks

3. Choose Your Leg Option

There are four chain sling leg options to choose from:

• Single-Leg

  Single-Leg chains are extremely versatile since they can be used for load securing and pulling. These slings should be used with vertical hitches and have a 90 degree angle when in use.
  
  

• Double-Leg

  Our two-leg slings are ideal to maintain balanced while lifting materials. These slings are used at a 60, 45, or 30-degree angle of lift. Chain capacity will vary by angle of the lift and by chain size.
  
  

• Triple-Leg

  Similarly to above, the triple-leg sling keeps balance and also uses the same hitch degrees as the double-leg sling.
  
  

• Quad-Leg

  Also known as a 4-leg chain sling or a 4-leg bridle sling, the quad-leg offers the maximum number of chain lengths available on one chain sling assembly. These use the same 60, 45, and 30-degree lift angles as the triple- and double-leg slings.
  
  

4. Choose Your Chain Length

U.S. Cargo Control offers different chain lengths for both our standard and adjustable slings. A chain sling&#;s length measures from the load-bearing point on the sling&#;s master link to the load-bearing point on the opposite end when pulled taut.

Our standard slings will have more length options to choose from compared to our adjustable slings. Lengths range from 3&#; to 20&#; long.

Adjustable slings have four length options to choose from, regardless of which brand you buy: 5 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet, and 20 feet. These chains adjust to whichever length you need using the shortening components.

5. Choose Your Chain Diameter

Our chains come with different thickness measurements, or diameters. The thicker the diameter of the chain link is, the stronger the sling and the higher the working load limit will be. We offer the following diameters:

• 9/32&#;
• 5/16&#;
• 3/8&#;
• 1/2&#;
• 5/8&#;
• 3/4"

NOTE: Not every sling will have every diameter offered.

You&#;ll want to keep an eye out for chain wear the more you use slings. Even with proper care, chains will eventually begin to wear over time. Make sure you regularly inspect the links for minimum allowable thickness. Once it&#;s worn below this measurement, you should no longer use the chain.

Our table guide below will help you determine what chain wear you should look for in these chains:

6. Choose Your Hook

You can choose which end fitting works best for you. We offer four kinds of end fittings used for different purposes:

• (A) Sling Hook

  These large throat hooks are typically self-locking to avoid disconnecting.
  
  

• (B) Grab Hook

  These have a small throat that attaches to the chain by slinging over the chain in-between links.
  
  

• (C) Foundry Hook

  These are extra-large throat hooks used in unique situations that require a larger opening to manage loads.
  
  

• (D) Self-Locking Hook

  These hooks pivot in the middle and lock under lifting pressure. They cannot be opened while lifted with your overhead lifting chains.
  
  

• (E) Oblong Master Link

  These are generally located at the top of the sling to hook onto the lifting equipment.
  
  

• (F) Adjustable Grab Hook
  

  These hooks attach to a chain link that is attached to the master link toward the top. They are found on KWB slings and help to adjust your chain to whatever length you need.
  
  

Safety Tips for Chain Slings

Here&#;s what you can do to make sure your chains look good and that you are using them properly:

• Always use slings within posted working load limit
• Distribute loads evenly (an unequal load on one leg can create a dangerous situation and damage the sling)
• Avoid rapid or sudden stops, impacts, and lifts
• Don&#;t allow a chain leg to be twisted or tied into a knot
• Don&#;t use slings with damaged, defective, or worn chain
• Protect sharp edges and corners accordingly with padding or protectors to keep chain from coming into contact
• Inspect hooks
• Load hooks should never be tipped or pointed
• Clean chains prior to inspection (oil and dirt can hide chain damage)

It&#;s always important to follow safety protocols when using these chains for lifting and rigging.

If you have questions over our sling products, get in touch with one of our experts by calling 866-444- or by emailing .

Is your company frequently having to replace lifting slings? Are you looking for something more durable than a synthetic sling? Then, alloy steel chain slings may be just what you&#;re looking for that could make your lifts safer and more efficient.

While you may be interested in alloy steel chain slings, there may be some confusion with how to order new or replacement slings so you and your company can continue executing safe and efficient lifts.

Having been in the rigging business since , Mazzella has the experience to help clear up that confusion. This article is one in a series of content designed to show you how to order the correct slings for your lifting applications.

In this article, you&#;ll learn the answers to the following questions:

• What are the types of alloy steel chain sling configurations?
• How do you measure alloy steel chain sling length?
• What do you need to know before ordering alloy steel chain slings?
• Which types of hardware can be used on an alloy steel chain sling?
• How do you adjust an alloy steel chain sling?

What Are the Types of Alloy Steel Chain Sling Configurations?

Single-Leg Chain Slings

Single-leg slings may have either a hook or collector ring as the upper end fitting. Here are some examples of the types of configurations:

#1 SJG Chain Sling

S &#; Single-leg

J &#; Upper end fitting is a j-hook

G &#; Lower end fitting is a grab hook

#2 SOG Chain Sling

S &#; Single-leg

O &#; Upper end fitting is an oblong master link

G &#; Lower end fitting is a grab hook

#3 SSG Chain Sling

S &#; Single-leg

S &#; Upper end fitting is a sling hook (hook with a metal clasp latch)

G &#; Lower end fitting is a grab hook (grab back into a link of chain)

Double-Leg Chain Slings

Double-leg chain slings, like all multiple-leg chain slings, will have a collector ring at the top. Here are examples of double-leg chain sling configurations:

#1 DOS Chain Sling

D &#; Double-leg

O &#; Collector ring is an oblong master link

S &#; Lower end fittings are sling hooks

#2 DOG Chain Sling

D &#; Double-leg

For more information, please visit Chain Slings Suppliers.

O &#; Collector ring is an oblong master link

G &#; Lower end fittings are grab hooks

Triple-Leg and Quad-Leg Chain Slings

Triple-leg and quad-leg chain slings, like all multiple-leg chain slings, will have a collector ring at the top. Here are several examples:

#1 TOS Chain Sling

T &#; Triple-leg

O &#; Collector ring is an oblong master link

S &#; Lower end fittings are sling hooks

#2 QOS Chain Sling

Q &#; Quadruple-leg

O &#; Collector ring is an oblong master link

S &#; Lower end fittings are sling hooks

Chain Sling Assemblies with Adjusters

Shorteners &#; usually grab hooks &#; may or may not be present on the chain sling assembly. Here are some examples:

#1 DOSA

D &#; Double-leg

O &#; Collector ring is an oblong master link

S &#; Lower end fittings are sling hooks

A &#; Shorteners are present less than 2&#; from the collector ring

#2 DOSB

D &#; Double-leg

O &#; Collector ring is an oblong master link

S &#; Lower end fittings are sling hooks

B &#; Shorteners are present on a length of chain more than 2&#; from the collector ring

What Grades of Chain Are Recommended for Lifting and Rigging Applications?

The main factors that will help determine what is the best alloy steel chain sling for your lifting needs are:

• Size
• Grade
• Number of legs
• Length
• Hardware used within the sling

Grades of Chain

There are only three grades of chain that, per industry standards, are acceptable for executing overhead lifts:

• Grade 80
• Grade 100
• Grade 120

Anything less than Grade 80 chain is made for transport, or general-use, but not overhead lifting. Grade 70 chain is a transportation chain used to tie-down loads on the back of flatbed trailers. However, it is never recommended for overhead lifting.

Grade 120 chain is made by very few manufacturers in the United States. While it is available, it isn&#;t always readily accessible. Grade 80 and Grade 100 are generally 99% of what comes out of Mazzella&#;s rigging shops across the country.

***One exception to this rule is Grade 63 chain. This stainless steel grade of chain is required in food grade AND some specific chemical applications.

Sling Length

When Mazzella measures chain, we measure from the top bearing point on one end of the chain. If you have a single leg of chain with a hook on each end, it will be measured from the bearing points of each one of those hooks.

For multi-leg alloy steel chain slings, you will have an oblong master link (collector ring) that each of the legs attach to. Multi-leg slings will be measured from the bearing point of the master link down to the bearing point of the hook.

Hardware Fittings

Synthetic and wire rope slings have eyes on both ends, but alloy steel chain slings are different. Rather than having eyes, alloy steel chain slings have end fittings.

For example, with a single-leg alloy steel chain sling, you will have a master link on one end that is able to go over your crane hook. On the other end of that sling, you will have what is known as a grab hook. It actually grabs back into the link of a chain. Essentially, you can create your own eye.

Our lifting experts have seen customers who handle the installation of utility poles. They wrap the chain sling around the pole, tighten it to a certain point, and then, grab it into a link of chain to create their own eye.

What Should You Know Before Purchasing Alloy Steel Chain Slings?

The definition of a rigger is someone that chooses the proper piece of equipment to support and / or manipulate the load. In choosing or replacing an alloy chain sling, there are several factors that determine your choice. Durability and adjustability are two of the major factors, and maybe, the most important components to using an alloy steel chain sling.

You have to know the weight of the load, and a Lifting Specialist is there to help determine if an alloy steel chain sling is going to be able to pick up that weight.

As an end-user, you need to know how many legs your slings must have to distribute the weight of the load and lift your loads safely and securely. It can be one single leg of chain that you can use from a crane hook down to your load. Also, you could use a multi-leg alloy steel chain sling.

In addition to knowing the weight of the load to be lifted and how many legs you need on your slings, you will need to know what your lifting points are. Because the sling needs to attach to those lifting points, depending on how you do that will depend on the type of sling hook being used at the bottom of your chain.

Whether you&#;re using a multi-leg sling or a single-leg assembly, you need a master link at one end to be able to go over a crane hook. You want to make sure you have a properly-sized master link to account for the size of the crane hook.

Example: If you&#;re lifting a load that weighs 3,000 lbs., you might be lifting it with a crane hook that&#;s good for 15 tons. That crane hook would require a larger master link to ensure the sling assembly is properly seated in the bowl of the hook.

What Types of Hardware Could Be Used on an Alloy Steel Chain Sling?

Our specialists have found that most of the time, alloy steel chain slings have a standard hook with a metal clasp latch on one end that you can attach to points on a load. Additionally, you could utilize a grab hook.

If you don&#;t have a standard or grab hook, other attachments at the bottom of your alloy steel chain slings could be:

• J-hooks
• Foundry hooks

Foundry hooks have a swooping throat to be able to grab through pick points. However, they don&#;t have a latch. You will want to check local standards before using foundry hooks. In many locations, including the state of Maryland, you cannot use foundry hooks because they don&#;t have a latch. In Ohio, companies are free to use foundry hooks.

J-hooks, which are smaller than foundry hooks, also do not have latches on them. However, you can have a master link, as well as a D ring, on each end of your chain slings.

How Do You Adjust an Alloy Steel Chain Sling?

When looking at your alloy steel chain slings, you can shorten up legs by using grab hooks.

With a master link at the top of the sling, you can have grab hooks attached. For example, if you have a double-leg chain sling, you put a grab hook on each side of the master link. You can insert the grab hook into links of the chain to shorten up the legs of your sling. The stress on the master link now goes from the grab hook.

Is It Better to Use Mechanical or Welded Chain Slings?

&#;Mechanical&#; refers to where you are making the connection from the chain to whatever piece of hardware you&#;re using. For example, hammer locks actually come apart, and then, will fit through your chain and over your hardware to connect that chain to that hardware. Also, clevis pins can be used, as they directly link the hardware into a piece of chain.

There are places that prefer using welded connections, including industrial and manufacturing settings. Using a mechanical chain sling presents certain dangers, but they are less expensive because it takes less time to manufacture them. Welding that connector point from the hardware to the chain takes time and adds labor costs. Welded chain slings require a cool-down period, and then, a heat-treat process before another cool-down period.

Are Alloy Steel Chain Slings the Right Solution For You?

If you want to lift with strong, durable material, alloy steel chain slings may be the best option for your company. However, here is what you&#;ll need to know to order the correct sling for your lifting application:

• Working Load Limit
• Number of legs (single or multi-leg assemblies)
• Sling configuration
• Sling length
• Ways to protect slings and loads

If alloy steel chain slings are not a good fit for you, Mazzella offers resources in The Learning Center to help you learn about different types of slings, including:

At Mazzella, we provide ideal lifting solutions &#; offering all styles of lifting slings, rigging hardware, wire rope, overhead cranes and hoists, and engineered lifting devices. We have more than 30 locations across the United States &#; fully stocked with different sizes and configurations of rigging products for your next project.

Call us at 800.362. or click here to contact a lifting specialist to learn more about or purchase new slings.

Lifting Slings & Assemblies

Are you looking for lifting slings, including chain, wire rope, synthetic flat web, metal mesh, cordage, and single-path / high-performance roundslings? We can help provide the right sling for your needs!

Additionally, if you need sling assemblies&#;both large and small, we can manufacture bridge cables, crane cables, steel mill cables, and thousands of OEM assemblies.

Contact us today to get the lifting slings and assemblies you need!

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