How to choose lifting chains: grade, diameter and legs

To lift a load you need grade 80 or 100 chains, with the diameter and number of legs chosen according to the weight and the angle between the legs. The usable capacity is not that of a single leg: it decreases as the legs spread apart, and you will find it on the identification tag. To secure a load on a vehicle, on the other hand, you need lashing chains with load binders. They are two different uses and are not interchangeable.

The types

• Multi-leg slings and chain sets: with 1, 2, 3 or 4 legs, including adjustable ones, such as the SpanSet Exoset G100 slings in 2-leg, 3-leg and 4-leg adjustable versions. They are used to lift loads with several attachment points.
• Chain pendants: lengths of chain with hooks or rings at the ends, in various lengths, for attaching the load to a lifting appliance.
• Chain slings: complete configurations for lifting bulky loads.
• Chain of a specified grade: grade 80 or 100 chain to be used with accessories of the same grade.
• Ratchet load binders: for tensioning and anchoring, such as the ratchet load binder with eyes or the fork type.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Grade: 80 or 100 in the collection. At the same diameter, grade 100 supports a higher load than grade 80, which is why it allows lighter chains for the same capacity.
• Chain diameter: from 6 to 16 mm across the various items (6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16 mm). The larger the diameter, the higher the capacity.
• Number of legs and angle: more legs distribute the load, but the capacity drops as the angle between the legs widens. The tables give the capacity at different angles, starting from 0°.
• Standards: the data include EN 818-4 for chain slings, EN 1677 for lifting components and EN 12195-3 for lashing chains used to secure loads on vehicles.
• Identification tag: shows the capacity, grade and identification. Without a legible tag the chain must not be used.

Common mistakes

• Using a lashing chain for lifting: lashing and lifting capacities are different.
• Ignoring the angle: two legs spread wide apart support much less than two almost vertical legs.
• Knotted or twisted chains: a knot reduces the capacity and damages the links.
• Not checking links and hooks: stretched links, cracks, wear or deformed hooks are reasons to discard the chain.
• Mixing chains and accessories of different grades: the capacity is that of the weakest element.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between grade 80 and grade 100?

At the same diameter, grade 100 supports a higher load. For this reason, at the same capacity, a grade 100 chain can be thinner and lighter.

How do I read the capacity?

From the tag or the manufacturer's table, for the number of legs and the angle of the lift. If in doubt, choose a higher value.

When should I discard a chain?

If it has stretched links, cracks, obvious wear, deformed hooks or an illegible tag.

Can I repair a broken link?

No. A damaged chain must be replaced or assessed by the manufacturer.

How often should a chain be inspected?

A visual check of the links, hooks and tag is carried out before each use. Lifting accessories are then subject to the inspections required by the safety standards and by your company's procedures.

You will find the models in the Lifting and Towing Chains collection; to choose the capacity and configuration or to request a quotation, contact the AMES technicians.