Lifting Chains

Overhead lifting chain slings are useful tools for various types of overhead lifting operations and are frequently used for material handling in construction and manufacturing. Chain slings come in a variety of lengths and combinations of hooks and components, depending on the lifting application. The working load limit (WLL), or rated capacity of chains and slings, is determined by the “grade” of the chain and its components. For overhead lifting, only high-grade alloy steel chains and components may be used. These devices must meet a variety of strict quality standards such as minimum breaking strength, fatigue testing, and heat resistance. Every chain or chain sling is only as strong as its weakest link, so it is very important that every component of the sling meets the WLL. Each chain sling is supplied with a certificate and an identification tag. The identification tag includes the name of the manufacturer, the grade of chain, the nominal chain size, the number of chain legs, the length (reach) of the sling, the rated loads for the sling assembly, and the angle upon which the rating is based. Always look for proper and clear identification, especially the WLL.