A Basic How-To Guide for Ordering Alloy Steel Chain Slings

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 1954, 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

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?

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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.

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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 800.362.4601 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!

Learn more about lifting slings and assemblies!

Copyright 2022. Mazzella Companies.

All multi-leg slings exert a horizontal component of force (see figure) which increases as the angle between the sling legs is increased. Care should always be taken to ensure that the load to be moved is able to resist the horizontal component of force, without being damaged.

Method of connection
A chain sling is usually attached to the load and the lifting machine by means of terminal fittings such as hooks and links. Chains should be without twists or knots. The lifting point should be seated well down in a hook, never on the point or wedged in the opening. The hook should be free to incline in any direction to avoid bending. For the same reason, the master link should be free to incline in any direction on the hook to which it is fitted.

The chain may be passed under or through the load to form a choke hitch or basket hitch. Where it is necessary, due to the danger of the load tilting, to use more than one chain sling leg in a basket hitch, this should preferably be done in conjunction with a lifting beam.

When a chain sling is used in a choke hitch, the chain should be allowed to assume its natural angle and should not be hammered down.
 

Chain slings may be attached to the load in several ways 

Straight leg
In this case lower terminals are connected directly to the attachment points. Selection of hooks and attachment points should be such that the load is carried in the seat of the hook and tip loading of the hook is avoided. In the case of multi-leg chain slings hook tips should point outwards unless the hooks are specifically designed to be used otherwise.

Choke hitch
In this case chain sling legs are passed through or under the load and the lower terminal back hooked or reeved onto the chain. This method can, therefore, be used where no suitable attachment points are available and has the additional advantage that the chain sling legs tend to bind the load together. Where choke hitch is employed the working load limit (WLL) of the chain sling should be no more than 80% of that marked.

Basket hitch/U-lift
The chain sling is passed through or under the load, the lower terminals are connected directly to the master link or to the hook of the lifting machine. Generally, this method requires two or more chain sling legs and should not be used for lifting loads which are not held together. Where the load geometry permits, a single leg chain sling can be used provided that the chain sling passes through the load directly above the centre of gravity of the load.

Wrap and choke or wrap and basket hitch
These methods are adaptations of choke hitch and basket hitch, designed to provide extra security of loose bundles and involve taking an extra loop of chain completely around the load.

If two or more chain sling legs are used in a choke hitch or a wrap and choke hitch care should be taken:
a) if it is important to avoid imparting a torque to the load, to align the chokes; or
b) if it is important to avoid the load rolling or moving laterally when first lifted, to ensure that at least one leg passes either side of the load.
 

Symmetry of loading

Working load limits (WLL) for chains slings of different dimensions and configurations have been determined on the basis that the loading of the chain sling is symmetrical. This means that when the load is lifted the chain sling legs are symmetrically disposed in plan and subtend the same angles to the vertical.

In the case of three leg chain slings, if the legs are not symmetrically disposed in plan the greatest tension will be in the leg where the sum of the plan angles to the adjacent legs is greatest. The same effect will occur in 4 leg chain slings except that the rigidity of the load should also be taken into account, with a rigid load the majority of the mass may be taken by only three or even two legs with the remaining leg or legs serving only to balance the load.

In the case of 2-, 3- and 4- leg chain slings, if the legs subtend different angles to the vertical the greatest tension will be in the leg with the smallest angle to the vertical. In the extreme case, if one leg is vertical, it will carry all the load.

If there is both a lack of symmetry in plan and unequal angles to the vertical the two effects will combine and may either be cumulative or tend to negate each other. The loading can be assumed to be symmetric if all of the following conditions are satisfied and the load is less than 80 % of marked WLL:
a) chain sling leg angles to the vertical are all not less than 15°; and
b) chain sling leg angles to the vertical are all within 15° to each other; and
c) in the case of three- and four-leg chain slings, the plan angles are within 15° of each other.

If all of the above parameters are not satisfied then the loading should be considered as asymmetric and the lift referred to a competent person to establish the safe rating for the chain sling. Alternatively, in the case of asymmetric loading, the chain sling should be rated at half the marked WLL.

If the load tends to tilt, it should be lowered, and the attachments changed. This can be accomplished by re-positioning the attachment points or by using compatible shortening devices in one or more of the legs. Such shortening devices should be used in accordance with CERTEX's instructions.
 

Safety of lift

Hands and other parts of the body should be kept away from the chain to prevent injury as the slack is taken up. When ready to lift, the slack should be taken up until the chain is taut. The load should be raised slightly, and a check made that it is secure and assumes the position intended. Lifting personnel must be aware of the risks for swinging and tilting loads. This is especially important with basket or other loose hitches where friction retains the load.
 

Multi-leg chain slings with less than the full number of legs in use

As a general principle, chain slings should be used only for the purpose for which they have been designed. In practice, however, occasions may arise when a lift needs to be made using a smaller number of legs than the number of legs in the chain sling. In such cases the WLL should be reduced from that marked on the chain sling by applying the relevant factor given in table below.

Legs that are not in use should be hooked back to reduce the risk of such legs swinging freely, or snagging when the load is moved. Working load limit (WLL) factors

Working load limit (WLL) factors

Types of chainsling Number of legs used Factor to apply to marked WLL 2-leg 1 1/2 3- and 4-led 2 2/3 3- and 4-leg 1 1/3

 

Taking into consideration the recommendations and the cumulative effects of de-rating, the method of slinging should be decided and a suitable chain sling or selected so that the mass to be lifted does not exceed the WLL.

Landing the load
The landing site should be prepared. It should be ensured that the ground or floor is of adequate strength to take the load taking account of any voids, ducts, pipes etc. which may be damaged or collapse. It should also be ensured that there is adequate access to the site and that it is clear of any unnecessary obstacles and people. It is preferable to use timber bearers or similar material to avoid trapping the sling or to protect the floor or load or to ensure the stability of the load when landed.

The load should be landed carefully ensuring that hands and feet are kept clear. Care should be taken to avoid trapping the chain sling beneath the load as this may damage it. Before allowing the rope to become slack, the load should be checked to ensure that it is properly supported and stable. This is especially important when several loose objects are in basket hitch and choke hitch.

When the load is safely landed the chain sling should be carefully removed to avoid damage or snagging or cause the load to topple over. The load should not be rolled off the sling as this may damage the sling.
 

Storage of chain slings

When not in use chain slings should normally be kept on a properly designed rack. They should not be left lying on the ground where they may be damaged.

If the chain slings are to be left suspended from a crane hook, the sling hooks should be engaged in an upper link to reduce the risk of sling legs swinging freely or snagging.

If it is likely that chain slings will be out of use for some time they should be cleaned, dried and protected from corrosion, e.g. lightly oiled.
 

Temperature effects on WLL

Account should be taken to the maximum temperature that can be reached by the chain sling in service. This is difficult in practice, but underestimation of the temperature should be avoided. The table below summarises the necessary de-rated working load limit due to temperature.

Chain slings in grade 8 and 10 will not be negatively affected by temperatures down to -40°C which results in the fact that no reduction of the working load limit is needed. When chain slings are to be used at temperatures below -40°C CERTEX should be consulted.

The use of a chain sling in grade 8 and 10 within the permissible temperature ranges given in the table does not require any permanent reduction in working load limit. Working load limits are valid again when the chain sling is used in normal temperatures again. If the chain sling reaches temperatures that highly exceed the maximum allowed according to the table, it should be discarded or returned to CERTEX for measure.

Grade

Allowed load expressed in % of working load limit (WLL)

 

temperature (t) °C

 

-40 - 200

201 - 300 301 - 400 401 - 475 8 100 90 75 Not allowed 10 100 Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed 10+ 100 100 100* Not allowed *Grade 10+ only allowed up to t = 380°C

Acid conditions

Chain slings in grade 8 and 10 should not be used either immersed in acidic solutions or exposed to acid fumes.

Chain slings, for the same reason, not be warm-galvanized or exposed to electrolytic finish without permission from CERTEX Danmark A/S.

Chemical affects
CERTEX Danmark A/S should be consulted in case the sling is to be exposed to chemicals combined with high temperatures.