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1. CHAIN SLING

2. CHAIN SLING
INDEX
-INTRODUCTION
-PARTS OF CHAIN SLING
-TYPES OF CHAIN SLING
-TYPES OF SLING ASSEMBLIES
-SHORTENING CLUTCHES
-MARKING OF CHAIN SLING
-IDENTIFICATION GRADE OF CHAIN SLING
-CHAIN SLING CONFIGURATION
-CHAIN SLING CHART
-MEASUREMENT OF CHAIN
-SELECT THE CORRECT CHAIN SLING
-INSPECTION
-DAMAGE
-INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR CHAIN
-MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF CHAIN
-STORAGE/HOUSEKEEPING
-SLINGING PRACTICE
-SAFE USE OF CHAIN SLING AND HOOK

3. INTRODUCTION
Learn the basic of chain sling, including the nomenclature, how it is constructed, and how
diameter and lay measurements are made.
How to choose the right chain sling for your needs, how to extend sling service life, the
importance inspection, and how to properly store and handle chain sling.
BS 4942-BS EN 818-6 gives information on the safe use of chains.
Grade 80 (t) is most popular-Grade 80 (t) is the most widely used.
Single,two,three or four leg
Range of end fittings. May be adjustable-Adjustable using shortening clutches.
Chain sling can typically be used at maximum load in a temperature range of -40ºC to 200ºC
(-30ºC-400ºC) TEMPERATURE SWL
Most systems are ―idiot proof‖
4:1 factor of safety
FOR: –Unit assembly.
–Strong AGAINST:
–Flexible –Fewer sizes available
–Adjustable –Could damage the
–Resists most load
chemicals
–Resists heat

4. PARTS OF CHAIN SLING

5. TYPES OF CHAIN
 Short link Chain for lifting
 Long link Chain for lashing
 Calibrated Chain for chain block
 Stud Marine use (anchor handling)

6. TYPES OF CHAIN
(NO RECOMMENDED FOR LIFTING)
WELDED NON-GRADED CHAINS: Thery find use in a variety of light duty applications such as guard rails as a security, to
support signs and light suspended load and as a curtain chain. Straight Link Coil Chain used with a variety of standard chain
attachments. Grade 30 Proof coil- chain for farm, industry and home applications. Great for long chain, cargo lashing, pipe line
hangingm tailgatem guard rail, tow and switch chain,Coil-general utility chain made of carbon steel. Uses inluced animal tie
chain, agriculture implement chains, platform barrier or guard chains, etc Twist Link or Cross Chains or Machine short links
designed for applications where compactness and flexibility are required. It can be used on tailgates, farm equipment, and
industrial equipment. Passing Link Chain with a wide link design. This enables links to pass one another without restriction,
thus minimizing tangling and kinking. Extensively used for animal ties, farm machinery, general utility on farms and in industry.
High Test Chain with a high tensile strength and excellent wear-resisting properties. This chain is great for load binding, logging
and other applications requiring light weight, long wearing chain of maximum strength. Do not use this chain for overhead lifting.
WELDLESS CHAINS: some use include plumbing applications, boats, gates, animal leashes, window sashes, support
fixtures and playground equipment.Double Loop Chain or Tenso a general utility chain for hardware and manufacturing
applications, such as playground and gym equipment, boats, gates, hanging fluorescent lights, swings, porch swings, padlocks
etc. Bright zinc finish.. Steel Sash Chain a flat metal chain suitable for many industrial assemblies, it is a stamped, flat link.
Operates smoothly over pulleys,chain designed for counter-balanced, double-hung window sashes, arc lamps. Single/double
Jack Chain Light duty wire chain used where high strength is not required. Ideal for suspending flower pots, scales and lighting
fixtures, store scales, and most children's toys.
High Test Chain-

7. TYPES OF CHAIN SLING
SINGLE LEG ENDLESS DOUBLE LEG WITH CLUTCHES DOUBLE BASKET SLING
THREE LEGS FOUR LEG WITH CLUTCHES BARREL SLING CHOKE HOOK SLING
TWO LEG WITH CLUTCHES LIFTING OFFSET LOAD

8. TYPES OF SLING ASSEMBLIES

9. TYPES OF SLING ASSEMBLIES
Any fitting attached to the sling must be at least as strong as the chain itself..
MASTER LINK
Can be entirely forged or be welded from round steel. A common link for assembled slings that
allows a safe maximum spread of sling legs without binding. The formed and welded
construction is proof tested and stamped with size and WLL. Check that is compatible with the
lifting appliance‘s hook (ie-big Enough)
SINGLE LEG- Master Link Assembly- a streamlined master ink and coupling assembly used for
single leg chain slings.
TRIPLE OR QUADRUPLE MASTER ASSEMBLIES- these ase designed to construct a triple or
quadruple chain sling assembly by attaching 3 or 4 single leg assemblies. They eliminate
cumbersome connections created by attaching all legs to a common master link

10. TYPES OF SLING ASSEMBLIES
HOOK- sling hooks must consist of
self-locking or sling hooks equipped
with a sufficiently strong safety latch,
will not open when under direct load
and prevents the hook from catching
when lifting.
Whithout latch when latching hook can
not be used
With a wide opening to accept large.
Celvis hook- with direct connection to
chain.
C hook to prevent the load from
becoming displaced
With a swivelling eye to enable rotation
Especially for webbing slings. diameter
during lifting. Shortening hook.
Barrel hook

11. TYPES OF SLING ASSEMBLIES
MECHANICAL CONNECTOR/COUPLER- to connect its various components. Act as a
connection device between master link and chain for multiple leg chain slings, or/and attach eye
type fittings. They provide a high strength attachments to alloy chain assembly.
Quick links provide fast ready connections for permanent or temporary applications.
Connecting Links are designed for connecting links and chain with the same diameter.
Cold Shuts (Proof Coil) used to join chain or attach hooks then the end of cold eye is driven thru eye and peened
over.
Screw Pin Anchor Shacklesare ideal for lifting applications where shackles are frequently removed. The pin
screws into position without the use of tools. Not for use if there will be movement or vibration of the pin.
Shackles with safety pin are the most secure choice for lifting. The safety pin consists of a round pin secured
with a nut and a cotter pin.
Shackles with captive self-locking screw pin have indentations that lock the pin in place as it is tightened. They
also have a slight lip on the end of the screw pin that prevents separation from the shackle and eliminates lost pins.
Lap Links (Repair Links) Used as a temporary joining device which can be applied with a hammer or vise • Not for
use with high test, alloy or transport chain.

12. CHAIN SLING-SHORTENING CLUTCHES
SHORTENING CLUTCHES
Chain lengths are only to be reduced by the use of properly constructed shorteners, or clutches
in order to balance the load, length adjustment of the chain sling legs is needed. Consist of
shortening clutches, shortening hooks or quick-acting chain length regulators which lock the
chain in place with spring-loaded pegs
There are two basic designs of shortening clutch:
One design is shaped like a case grab hook and is virtually foolproof in use.
The other design is shaped like a claw and is very efficient in use. Care must be taken when
using this type of shortening clutch as it possible for this design of shortening clutch to be used
incorrectly.
Loaded chain pulling
Loaded chain from top of clutch
must pull out jaws. Dangerous
from bottom of
clutch.
Claw type of clutch used correctly. Claw type of clutch used incorrectly.

13. MARKING OF CHAIN SLING
Each sling must be fitted with a marking
plate displaying the WLL for different
loading situations
 Safe Working Load
(SWL/WLL)
 Unique Identity
Number/Reference
 Date of inspection or
Colour code
 CE Marking
 It must be marked with grade
or manufacturer's mark

14. IDENTIFICATION GRADE OF CHAIN SLING
GRADE 30- industrial and agriculture applications including guard rail chain, logging
and load securement. Not to be used for overhead lifting.
GRADE 40- is a high-test chain, approximately 50% stronger than Grade 30 chain.
Typical uses are load binding, tie downs, and towing.
GRADE 60- may be used in rigging and lifting applications.
GRADE 70— Links are heat treated. Ideal for transport, load binding, logging and
towing. This chain is 20% stronger than grade 40 chain and about 60% stronger than
Grade 30 chain.
Typically used by truckers, loggers and highway crews. . Not to be used for
overhead lifting.
RECOMMENDED FOR LIFTING
Grade 80— The most common chain for lifting. Maximum temperature is 400 F.
Recommended for overhead lifting.
Widely used for slings, magnets, heavy duty dragging and pulling.
Grade 100— This chain is approximately 25% stronger than Grade 80 chain
Maximum temperature is 400 F. Used in a variety of sling and tie down
applications. Approved for lifting.

15. IDENTIFICATION GRADE OF CHAIN SLING
The grade refers to the tensile strength of the chain. This is expressed in newtons
per square millimeter (a newton is approximately 0.224805 lbs).
The tensile strength is calculated by multiplying the grade times the area of the two
cross sections of a link by the mean stress
AREA x GRADE = BREAKING STRENGTH
157.08 mm2 x 800 N=125,664 Newtons
125,664 N x 0.224805 lbs/1N=28,250 lbs
125,664 N 1000=125.66 kN (Kilonewtons)
10.000 N = 1 Tonne
125.66 kN = 12 ,56 Tn

16. IDENTIFICATION GRADE OF CHAIN SLING
THESE ARE THE MOSTLY GRADE USE ON LIFTING CHAIN FACTOR OF
SAFETY 4:1
 GRADE (T) OR 80 (T), 800, 80, 8,
HA PWB or CM
 GRADE (P) (P), 40, 4 OR 04
 GRADE (L) OR 30 (L), 30, OR 3
Grade numbers must not be confused with tensile strengths of the steels - they
bear no direct relation to the tensile strength of the material.
Chain - Alloy Steel
Grade 60 Grade 75 Grade 80 Wrought Iron Mild Steel HTS
06 Scarf Weld Butt Weld 04
SWL 12d 2 18d 2 14d 2 6d 2 6d 2 8d 2
Proof Load 24d 2 40d 2 32d 2 12d 2 12d 2 16d 2
Breaking Load 60d 2 75d 2 80d 2 27d 2 30d2 40d 2
Marked 4
d = diameter of the bar from which the chain is made when normalised

17. IDENTIFICATION GRADE OF CHAIN SLING
EXAMPLE CALCULATION
• Using d2 factors where ‗d‘ is the nominal size of chain
in inches not mm.
– (resultant values are in imperial tons)
• Grade 30 Chain has:
– Breaking Load = 30d2
– Proof Load = 12d2
– SWL = 6d2
• Taking a ½ ins diameter Grade 30 chain
– B.L. = 30 x ½ x ½ = 30/4 = 7½ Tons
– P.L. = 12 x ½ x ½ = 12/4 = 3 Tons
– SWL = 6 x ½ x ½ = 6/4 = 1½ Tons

18. IDENTIFICATION GRADE OF CHAIN SLING
BS grade markings Chain Marking to BS EN 818
4 Grade 40 normalised condition. Fine Tolerance Medium Tolerance Grade
04 Grade 40 hardened and tempered. M 4 40
06 Grade 60 hardened and tempered. P 5 50
08 Grade 80 hardened and tempered. S 6 60
M Grade M hardened and tempered. T 8 80
S Grade S hardened and tempered. V 10 100
T Grade T hardened and tempered.
ORIGINS OF GRADE MARKINGS
Material/ Breaking Proof Load S,W.L. Marking F.O.S.
Grade Load (Tons) (Tons) (Tons)
2 2 2
W.I. 27d 12d 6d - 4.5:1
M.S. Grade 30d
2
12d
2
6d
2
3 5:1
30
H.T.S. 40d
2
16d
2
8d
2 4 Normalised 5:1
Grade 40 04 Hardened + Tempered
Alloy Steel 2 2 2 08 Hardened +Tempered
80d 40d 20d (Not on calibrated chain) 4:1
Grade 80 HA. CM. Kuplex
Grade numbers must not be confused with tensile strengths of the steels - they bear no direct relation to the tensile strength of the material.

19. CHAIN SLING CONFIGURATION
How lifting angles reduce working load limits of slings
USING CHAIN SLING SAFELY
Understand the use of the equipment, the slinging procedures and the mode factors to be applied.

20. CHAIN SLING CONFIGURATION
SINGLE LEG OR REEVABLE SLING IN CHOKE HITCH
WLL must be reduced by 20%.
Single leg sling attached directly to the load the full WLL
may be used under normal working conditions.
SINGLE LEG OR REEVABLE SLING IN BASKET HITCH
Hook engaged in the top link. Used this way the sling must
be regarde as a single leg and the single leg WLL will apply
under normal conditions.
Reevable sling with both end links engaged on the crane
hook. Used in this manner the sling may be regarded as a
two leg and the two leg WLL will apply taking account of the
included angle.
TWO LEG SLINGS-4 LEG SLINGS
The included angle between any two diagonally opposite
legs and this angle must not exceed 120º. The WLL may be
used under normal conditions for slings attached directly to
the load. In the choke hitch, the WLL must be reduced by
20%.
3 LEG SLING
DIRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOAD- the full 3 leg WLL
will apply under normal conditions. The angle which
determines the WLL is the largest angle between any two
legs
IN CHOKE HITCH- the WLL must be reduced by 20%
ENLESS SLINGS
Used to lift awkwarly shaped loads which do not lend
themselves to lifting by means of hooks.

21. CHAIN SLING CONFIGURATION
Any choke angle must not exceed 120º and any basket 90º.

22. CHAIN SLING CHART
Size Single Single 2 Leg 3 and 4 Leg
Leg Leg 0 – 45 o
45 – 60 o
0 – 45o 45 – 60o
(straight) (Choke Hitch)
10 3150 2500 5250 3150 6700 4750
13 5300 4250 7500 5300 11200 8000
22 15000 12000 21000 15000 31500 22400
Special Grade
10 4000 3200 5600 4000 8400 6000
13 6500 5200 9100 6500 13650 9750
22 20000 16000 28000 20000 42000 30000

23. MEASUREMENT OF CHAIN

24. SELECT THE CORRECT CHAIN SLING
Chain slings are available in a range of material grades, sizes and assemblies.
Determine the maximum WEIGHT of LOAD
Determine the TYPE of sling required (by the configuration of the load, endless, single, two, 3 or
4 leg)
From the WLL charts, determine the size of the body chain for the sling. (Consideration the
effect of the ANGLE shown)
Select the matching ATTACHMENTS required (i.e. with shortening clutches, hook, master link)
Determine he REACH required to give the desired angle.
For use at temperatures exceeding 200ºC or below minus 40ºC refer to the suppliers instructions.
Where slings may come into contact with chemicals, particularity acdids or acidic fumes, consult
the supplier.

25. CHAIN SLING INSPECTION
The inspection schedule should be based on frequency of sling use, severity of service
conditions, nature of lifts being made and experience gained on service life of slings used
in similar circumstances
FREQUENT INSPECTIONS- a visual inspection for damage, which should be performed
each day the sling is used.
PERIODIC INSPECTION- must be recorded and maintained for each individual sling
(OSHA and LOLER at least one every 12 months- bs). A complete link by link and
component inspection.
INSPECTION
1. Clean chain prior to inspection, to more easily see damage or defects.
2. Hang chain vertically, if practical, for preliminary inspection. Measure reach
accurately.Check this length against reach shown on tag. If present length is greater
than shown on tag, there is a possibility that the sling has been subjected to overloading
or excessive wear.
3. Make a link-by-link inspection of the chain sling for:
 Excessive wear.See table.
 Twisted, bent, gouged, nicked, worn or elongated links
 Cracks in the weld area or any portion of the link. Transverse marking are the
most dangeous.
4. Check master links and hooks for all of the above faults- hook especially for excessive
throat opening.
5. Sling showing any of the faults described above should immediately be removed from
service and returned to the manufacturer for repair.
In general, any linear reduction in section of 10% or more is cause for removal of the
attachmente from use.

26. CHAIN SLING INSPECTION
PRE-USE EXAMINATION OF CHAIN SLINGS
• Check ID Number, colour code, and SWL is adequate
• Inspect slings, remove twists
• Check for stretch/deformation in the individual legs
• Distortion of the master link.
• Check each leg along its entire length for distortion (bends, twists, elongation and
nicks)
• Check for wear between links and between chain links and load pins
• Check for heat damage and/or chemical attack
• Examine end terminations- e.g. Hooks ( opened more than 10% or other deformation,
ineffective safety catches) and conectors...
• Ensure safety catches function and all load pins secure
• Wear between chain links and between chain links and load pins.
• Mechanical damage
• Corrosion more than 10% of the material thickness.
• Evidence of fiel welding or weld spatter
• Colour change caused by heat damage is perceived.
NOTE: It is recommend that chain slings should not be used for dynamic lift operations.

27. CHAIN INSPECTION
Look for streched, gouged,
bent or worn links and
componets, including hooks,
with open throats, cracks or
distorsion. If damaged,
remove from service.
Twisted Links, Deformed
Hardware
Wear Nicks, Stretch
Cracks

28. CHAIN INSPECTION-DAMAGES
WORN LINK
Excessive wear and a reduction of material diameter, especially at the bearing
points. See table for minimum allowable mm/ink thickness.
To prevent keeping load weights within the rating of the slings being used will give
the maximun sling wear life.
GOUGED LINKS
Indentations on an otherwise smooth link surface.
To prevent, protect sling from heavy loads being dragged or dropped onto the
chain.
HEAT
Discolored areas of chain. To prevent high temperatures to affect alloy chain
strength at 400ºF. Use table of reductions.
STRETCH
Indicates the sling has been extremely overloaded or subjected shock loading.
Links that do not hinge freely with adjacent link are stretched and must be taken
our of service, however, stretch can occur without this indicator
BENT LINKS
Occurs in only one or two adjacent links. Links will have an irregular shape when
compared to other links. To prevent, load edges must be padded to protect both
chain and load because are usually the result of the chain going around the sharp
edge of a load during a lift.
WELD SPATTER
Metallic bumps on any link of chain. To prevent the heat from weld spatter can
adversaly affect the stregth of a chain link. Slings must be shielded from welding
operations.

29. CHAIN INSPECTION-DAMAGES
NICKS AND GOUGES WEAR AND CORROSION
They usually are located in surfaces under Corrosion,it results in a reduction of link cross-section.
compressive stress. They are perpendicular Wear can occur in any portion of a link that is subject to
to the direction of stress. rubbing contact with another surface. Check the
bearing points of interlink contact and outsides of
straight side barrels which may be abraded from
dragging chain along hard surfaces or from under
loads.

30. CHAIN INSPECTION DAMAGES
KNOT IN CHAIN WELDED CHAIN CORRODED

31. INSPECTION CRITERIA FOR CHAIN SLING
Stretch
Wrought iron Max. 4%
Steel and alloy Max. 5%
Turn/twist
All chain Max. ½ turn in 12ft
Wear
Wrought iron Max. 6 ¼% reduction
Steel and alloy Max. 8% reduction
Mechanical damage
Cracks, nicks, score marks
Tensile area Max. 1 ½%
Compressive area Grind out and reject as for wear
Corrosion
Severe corrosion Reject as for wear
Heat effects
Unplanned use in hot Environment Reject if above 350 Degrees C

32. MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF CHAIN
High temperatures
• C – care of chain sling
• H – heat
• A – apply the correct WLL
• I – identification
• N – never use damage chain sling
CARE
-Be stored on a rack, in order to extend their life.
-Clean periodically, as dust and grift can accelerate wear.
-During use, chain slings should not be dragged over abrasive surfaces.
Loads should not be rested on the chain sling to avoid damage.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance are minimal. Keep chain slings clean and protect from corrosion,
dry area (no subject to chemical attack, or extreme temperatures)
Balance and abrutp movement Knots, Twist & Kinks Sharp Edges

33. STORAGE/HOUSEKEEPING
Store slings properly on an A-Frame ( on a rack), not lying on the ground, and
protect chain sling from corrosion during storage.
POOR HOUSE KEEPING

34. CHAIN SLING – SLINGING PRACTICE
BE AWARE OF MISUSE
• When using shortening clutches, always make sure the chain is correctly seated in the clutch prior to taking the
strain.
• Never knot the chain to shorten it
• Be aware that the capacity of the chain sling decreases when:
– The angle between the legs increases and,
– The sling is in a choked mode.
ALWAYS
• Ensure the chain is free from twists before loading.
• Use within the rated loads. Apply the correct mode factor.
• Secure redundant legs back in the master link to avoid snagging when travelling the load. Back hook free legs
to the master link to avoid lashing legs which might accidentally become engaged or become a hazard
• Allow personnel ride on loads
NEVER
• Shorten the sling by knotting the chain
• Join the chain using a bolt
• Weld grade 80 chains or components
• Hammer a chain to straighten a link
• Subject the sling to dynamic or shock loads
• Use defective slings or accessories
• Leave suspended load unattended. In a emergency cordon off the area.
• Overload slings due to the weight of the load or the mode of use.
• Trap slings when landing the load.
• Drag sling ove floor or attempt to pull trapped slings from under loads.

35. SAFE USE OF CHAIN SLING-HOOK
GRAB HOOKS
A conventional grab hook is designed to be hocked back onto the chain in
a choker arrangemet. The full WLL can be achieved if the hitch angle is
30º or greater.
WLL of assembly must be derated by 25%, figure shows why the link in
the slot of a conventional grab hook is stressed more than the adjacent
links. In addition to carrying its share of the straight tension load, the link
must also withstand an additional bending caused by contact with the hook
saddle. The links usually fractures in this arrangement at about 75% of the
chain‘s normal breaking load.
With the CRADLE STYLE GRAB HOOK, the outriger‘s craddle action
reduced bending distortion of the link in the chain slot and the chain
typically develops full stregth
BENT/WORN/CRACKED HARDWARE
Wear of hooks and other fittings usually occurs at the bearing points.
Hooks bent more than 10% from the plane of the unbent hook. Hooks
opened more than 15% of the normal throat opening.
Never point load hooks of lift with hardware on a load edge

36. SAFE USE OF HOOK OF CHAIN SLING
INSPECT HOOKS PRIOR USE
Discard hooks that are worn more than 10% of the original dimension
Discard hooks that have an increase in throat or slot opening more than 15% of the original
opening
Discard hooks that are bent or twisted than 10º degrees from the plane of the unbent hook
Replace load pins that are permanently distorted
Replace damaged cotter pins
Replace damaged hook latches , distorted or bent. Make sure spring will force the latch against the
tip of the hook
Replacement load pins to be obtained from the manufacturer of the hook
Do not point load hooks-load should bear on the bowl of hook. The latch must never support the
load.
When attaching more than one sling to the hook of the applianace use a shackle to join the slings
and avoid overcrowding the hook.

37. SAFE USE OF CHAIN SLING

38. SAFE USE OF CHAIN SLING
Where chain has to pass round a sharp corner, use suitable packing to give the chain some
protection.
To ensure a level lift the crane hook should be vertically above the CG of the load. If in doubt,
lift just clear of tilts, land the load and re-position the sling
Always have a prepared landing site ready to receive the load.
Where appropriate use tag lines to control the load.
When lifting operations are finished,slings must be stowed on a purpose made rack where they
will be safe from damage.

39. SAFE USE OF CHAIN SLING
• The use of packing is required with chains No packing – result
on supported loads.
damaged link
• Chain links can be damaged when passed
around sharp edges with no packing.
• A common bad practice is to ―batten down‖
in order to make the chains grip the load
more securely – this simply destroys the
chain.
• The correct slinging technique should be
employed. In this instance double wrap
choke hitch.

40. SAFE USE OF CHAIN SLING
• Chains should always be loaded in a
straight line and only shortened by using a
shortening clutch.
• They must never be shortened by knots or
by twisting them.
• The master link must fit on the crane
hook.
• When chains are not in use they should
always be hooked back to the master link.
• Bearers should always be used to ensure
the chain can be withdrawn safely on
supported loads. If the load is landed onto
the chains it will damage them

41. SAFE USE OF CHAIN SLING
• When using chains to lift end heavy loads Equal load in each leg
conduct a trial lift.
• If the load tilts place the load down.
• Re sling the load and lift again.
• If the load is still not level repeat as often as
necessary until load is level.
• This will ensure safety and an equal loading
in the sling legs.
Increased angle • Be aware of other forces acting upon the load.
• As the included angle increases the clamping effect
of the chains upon the load also increases.
Increased clamping • If the load is fragile it could be damaged/destroyed
force by the forces imposed upon it.