Lifting Chains

What Are Lifting Chains?

Lifting chains are called assemblies because they consist of different interlinked components, which are the hook, chain, master link assembly, coupling connector link, and grab hook. Therefore, together with these parts, a functional lifting chain is created. They are sometimes referred to as chain slings, hoist chains, or rigging chains.

How Lifting Chains Work?

Lifting chains, which are made of heat-treated alloy steel, offer outstanding strength-to-weight performance and reliable load handling in harsh environments.

Single-leg, double-leg, three-leg, and four-leg configurations are all available, and each one fulfils a different operational need:

• When one connection point is adequate, single-leg chains provide direct vertical lifting.
• When securing large or irregularly shaped loads, two-leg chains improve stability.
• Chains with three or four legs are perfect for large engineering, shipbuilding, or construction sites because they equally distribute weight over many anchor points.

Types of Lifting Chains

Our lifting chain collection at The Ratchet Shop is designed to be strong, adaptable, and fully customisable. With chain diameters ranging from 7 mm to 16 mm and operating lengths ranging from 1 m to 10 m, each assembly can be set up in a variety of leg configurations.

Lifting Chains with Just One Leg (For Smaller Load)

Single-leg chains offer a direct link between the hoist and the cargo and are designed for simple vertical lifting. They are perfect for applications that need just a little bit of adjustment during lifting, like smaller objects or for cramped areas. Medium-sized machinery and controlled load positioning are typically carried through it because it gives balanced weight distribution, but limited stability is the end result.

Lifting Chains for Two Legs (For Heavy Load)

Two lifting chains are like branches that meet at a common point. However, better balance and load stability are provided by a two-leg chain. This arrangement lessens swing or tilt during lifting by equally distributing stresses across two attachment points, which gives a “Y” shape or parallel configuration. So, this has become crucial in the construction, transportation, and plant maintenance industries.

Lifting Chains with Three Legs (For Uneven Load)

This chain provides improved control because of the addition of a third leg, as it gives better balance to irregular loads and provides additional support. However, they are essential in lifting and moving shipbuilding materials (like deck, superstructure aluminium alloys), offshore engineering, and heavy machinery that are used in agriculture, where multi-angle lifting is often needed.

Lifting Chains with Four Legs

Maximum stability and weight control are provided by our four-leg lifting chains. They have the highest rated capacities in the range and are ideal for large components or complex assemblies. Even under offset loads, safety can be maintained by separately adjusting each leg to fit the lift's shape. This gives the configuration of a rectangular or square load because each lifting point is used at the corner of the rectangular load to lift it.

Make Your Grade 80 Lifting Chains Unique

Each chain sling can be set up to precisely match the requirements of your project. Chain diameter, working length, and desired hook style, whether foundry, swivel, or clevis, self-locking, all can be added in your lifting sling according to your requirement. For all configuration options and help from our technical staff, visit our "Customise Your Grade 80 Lifting Chains" page.

Chain Components & Accessories

Lifting chain assemblies can be built or modified with total flexibility thanks to our wide variety of chain components. Every part is made of Grade 80 alloy steel, tempered and quenched for exceptional durability, and thoroughly tested in compliance with EN 1677-4.

• Master Link: It is equipment that is used to generate a link between two objects, like a wire rope sling to a lifting machine. It is either used in heavy lifting or with bicycle chains.
• Master Link Assembly: The use of a master link assembly becomes crucial in the presence of more than one leg in a lifting chain. This equipment is utilised to link a crane hook with the legs of a multiple chain.
• Chain Connecting Links: It is used to connect two lengths of chain together that have the same width, pitch, and speed rating. The importance of the chain connecting links is being highlighted in rigging operations, as it securely fastens the ends of chains.
• Clevis Sling Hooks: Clevis sling hooks are widely used to directly link with the chain. So, by putting the chain in the “U” shaped pocket of a hook, it makes lifting, towing, and rigging easy.
• Eye Sling Hooks: The difference between a clevis sling and an eye sling is that there is an opening, an “eye” above the hook. By passing the chain or wire rope through this hole, you can connect it to the machine that is required to lift. This equipment gives more assurance of safety while lifting.
• Clevis Self-Locking Hooks / Eye Self-Locking Hooks: These industrial lifting hooks come with an advanced mechanism; under pressure or load, they close automatically, and when the load is back to its resting position, these hooks disengage on their own. This is best for working in a tough environment like construction, where no compromise can be made on safety.
• Eye Self-Locking Swivel Hook: Unlike the eye self-locking hook, it can move to 360 degrees, and while lifting, it prevents twisting in a chain or a sling.
• Clevis Forest Hook & Clevis “C” Hook: The narrow throat opening of this hook helps connect to the chain with no safety latch. This prevents the chain from slipping when a load is applied.
• Foundry Hooks: Through a wide opening the handling of irregular shaped load become easy. There are no safety latches, which means that an object can be lifted to a specific height, not more than that. Checking whether this equipment is suitable to use for a specific load will be advantageous.
• Eye Grab Hooks / Clevis Grab Hooks: These grab hooks are made from alloy steel, so they are used in shortening chain slings for proper handling of the load. The “eye” at one end is used to connect to the Master link, and the grab hook is used to secure a length of chain.
• Eye Swivel Hook with Latch: The eyelet is connected to the below hook with swivel with help this equipment to move to 360 degrees and prevent lines from twisting. It also has a security latch that secures the load from falling.
• Grade 80 Short Link Chain: It consists of short, interlinked chains that provide maximum flexibility during overhead lifting, towing, and rigging. This Grade 80 chain is known for its higher strength.

Lifting Chain Grades & Materials

Choosing the right sling grade and its characteristics is highly based on your need or requirement. The Ratchet Shop offers a variety of finishes and grades to accommodate a range of industrial settings.

Grade 80 (G8): The industrial standard for overhead lifting is Grade 80 (G8), which is made of tempered and cool alloy steel. It offers exceptional durability for regular industrial applications and is certified to 2.5× WLL and compliant with EN 818.

Stainless Steel: Chains made of stainless-steel offer corrosion resistance, making them perfect for use in chemical, maritime, or food processing settings.

Galvanized chains: For longer service life in outdoor or high-moisture applications, galvanized chains have a protective zinc coating.

Alloy steel chains: These chains are ideal for mining and heavy-plant applications because of their exceptional toughness and abrasion resistance.

Safety, Certification & Compliance

Every equipment we offer for lifting is based on safety and compliance. Starting from lifting chains to accessories at The Ratchet Shop, we make sure to satisfy or exceed LOLER 1998, CE, and UKCA standards.

Every assembly is:

• A substantial safety buffer is ensured by testing to 2.5 times the working load limit.
• Certified in accordance with EN 1677-4, the European standard that governs lifting components made of forged steel.
• Provided with a Certificate of Thorough Examination attesting to complete traceability and proof-load testing.

Inspection & Maintenance Guidance

To maintain safety over the course of service:

• Before every usage, check chains for distortion, elongation, or any damage.
• To stop corrosion and stiff-link formation, lubricate frequently.
• Any part that shows signs of extreme wear, cracks, or bent fittings should be replaced.
• Document inspection findings in compliance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).

Applications of Lifting Chains

Both standard and specialised lifting activities are supported by our certified lifting chains, which are utilised in numerous industrial sectors.

• Construction & Engineering: For plant assembly, precast handling, and beam installation.
• Manufacturing and Assembly Lines: Efficient lifting of machined or manufactured parts.
• Shipyards and ports: Dependable operation in challenging maritime environments.
• Warehousing and logistics: For palletised items, container lifting, and equipment relocation.
• Mining and heavy plant operations: Manages high-impact, rough loads with a track record of resilience.
• Vehicle Recovery & Towing: Heavy vehicles are securely attached and recovered under supervision.

Whether you need a specialised assembly for offshore lifting or a custom-built Grade 80 chain sling, our selection offers reliable, verified strength and operational safety.

Why Choose The Ratchet Shop

The Ratchet Shop is always prioritising quality and client satisfaction as a reputable lifting equipment supplier in the UK with more than 20 years of industry expertise.

Tested & Certified Products: Each chain and component has undergone independent verification in accordance with EN requirements.

Custom Manufacturing: Assemblies, hooks, and lengths made to your exact specifications.

Quick UK Delivery: Stocked items can be delivered to you on the next day if you are living in England, Scotland (Highland is not included), and Wales. If you place an order outside these areas, your parcel will be delivered to you in 2 to 5 days.

Technical Support: A knowledgeable staff is available to offer guidance on safe usage and load calculations.

Industry Recognition: Actively participates in major agriculture and lifting events in the UK.

The CE, LOLER, and UKCA markings on every product attest to our ongoing adherence to UK and European lifting requirements. So, instead of just searching “lifting chains near me” online, you can blindly trust The Ratchet Shop.

FAQS

1. What grade of lifting chain do I need for my application?

Grade 80 chains are suitable for most industrial lifting tasks. For higher capacities or weight-sensitive operations, Grade 100 chains offer greater efficiency. Our technical team can advise on the correct configuration for your WLL and environment.

1. Are your lifting chains certified to UK standards?

Yes. All lifting chains and components from The Ratchet Shop are EN 1677-4 certified, tested to 2.5 × WLL, and fully compliant with LOLER 1998, CE, and UKCA requirements.

1. Can I customise the length or fittings of a chain sling?

Absolutely. Chains can be produced to any length from 1 m to 10 m, with a choice of clevis, swivel, or self-locking hooks and master link options.

1. How do I inspect my lifting chain before use?

Visually check each link and fitting for wear, cracks, or elongation. Ensure safety latches operate freely and verify identification tags remain legible. Schedule formal periodic inspections according to LOLER guidelines.

1. What’s the difference between Grade 80 and Grade 100 chains?

Grade 100 provides around 25 % higher lifting capacity than Grade 80 for the same chain size, making it lighter and more efficient for heavy-duty applications. Both grades are heat-treated alloy steels certified for overhead lifting.