7 Important Factors You Must Consider When Choosing ...

There is a reason why industrial lifting slings are popular for lifting heavy loads in industries like construction, oil and gas, steel mills, and automobile. Don&#;t let their simple design fool you. They offer unparallel safety, flexibility, and longevity. From giant windmills to containers, chain slings can be used to lift just about anything.

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However, you will need to choose the right type of industrial chain slings to ensure safety and efficiency. Before we get into what you should consider when selecting alloy chains, let&#;s see what type of slings you can use.

Types of Industrial Chain Slings

Unlike synthetic slings, chain slings are made from high-quality metal alloys, usually steel. They can withstand extreme temperatures, impact, chemicals, and UV light. Thanks to their durability and flexibility, you can use industrial lifting slings in manufacturing, foundries, oil and gas extraction, steel mills, and other severe work environments.

There are three common types of slings, based on the number of alloy chain legs.

1. Single-Leg Alloy Chain slings

As the name suggests, single-leg alloy chain slings consist of only one chain supporting the load. That&#;s why these chains are more suitable for lifting evenly distributed loads. They are commonly used in foundries and manufacturing plants.

2. Double-Leg Alloy Chain slings

Double-leg alloy chain slings come with two strands of chains. The two separate links provide better support to the attached load. Some sling manufacturers also offer adjustable double-leg slings. They render more flexibility when lifting heavy loads.

3. Multi-Leg Alloy Chain slings

Multi-leg alloy chain slings have three or four links. They are the strongest of alloy chains, having the capacity to lift extremely heavy loads. You can find them in all types of heavy industries.

Important Factors To Consider When Choosing Chain slings

The flexibility and durability allow you to use chain slings for vertical, choker, or basket hitches. You can use different variations of master links, slings, and hooks, to build lifting and rigging assemblies as required.

But, as strong as they come, these slings do have limitations. Moreover, lifting heavy loads is a dangerous task that can lead to serious injuries should things go south. So, you have to be very careful when selecting a chain sling.

Here&#;s what you mustn&#;t forget.

1. Know What You Are Lifting or Rigging

First, you need to understand what the intended load is and how you want to lift it. It&#;ll help you plan the entire lifting and rigging operation to a tee. So, start digging into the shape, size, strength, and weight of the load. The more details you can get, the better.

2. Understand Where the Center of Gravity of the Load Is

The center of gravity of the load is a crucial factor. If you know the center of gravity, arranging the slings and other lifting devices becomes a lot easier.

As a cardinal rule, the master link or the hook (connected to the crane or hoist) should be directly over the center of gravity. Otherwise, the load will be out of balance, resulting in accidents and/or injuries. Most likely, you will have to adjust the load repeatedly until you can find its center of gravity.

3. Check the Lifting Points

In addition to the center of gravity, you need to know how to attach the load to the lifting devices. Most heavy loads, such as containers, come with lifting points.

But, when lifting points are absent, you have to consider where you can attach the slings. Firstly, the lifting points you select must be strong enough to bear the weight of the load.

Secondly, if the load is delicate, choosing synthetic slings that you can wrap around it is a good idea. It&#;s the best way to protect the load from excruciating pressure alloy chains would put on it during the lift.

Make sure to choose suitable slings depending on your load, lifting environment, and the type of chains you are using.

4. Make Sure to Select the Right Grade

Selecting the right grade is equally important. Carbon steel chains have lower grades (usually 30, 40, and 70), which are not suited for overhead lifting and rigging. But, you can use them for tying down and bundling loads.

However, steel alloy chains have higher grades, most common being 80, 100, 120. Both OSHA and ASME recommend these grades for overhead lifting applications.

Moreover, selecting the right grade can increase your lifting efficiency and reduce the risk of accidents. While you can use a thicker Grade 80 chain, a Grade 100 but thinner chain will be easy to use. In other words, you need to get a grip on alloy chain grades.

5. Consider the Temperature

You can use alloy chain slings for lifting loads at high temperatures. They can withstand temperatures up to ° Fahrenheit. However, continuously exposing these chains to high temperatures (more than 400° Fahrenheit) will affect their strength.

Sling manufacturers often recommend decreasing the working load limits in such conditions. Make sure to check the user manual for manufacturer&#;s instructions in this regard.

6. Find Out the Working Load Limit of Chain Slings

You will need to check the working load limit (WLL) of each chain sling. You must never exceed the recommended WLL. Different factors will affect the WLL of a chain sling. These include but are not limited to:

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Chain Slings Suppliers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

• The weight and the size of the load. Usually, heavy loads need chains with higher WLL.
• The size of the chain will also affect the WLL. Make sure to check the manufacturer&#;s recommendations before use.
• The angle of lift affects the WLL as well. The working load limit of the same chain would be considerably less for a straight lift (90° angle) compared to a 60° angle lift.
• Temperature affects the WLL as it goes up. Usually, above 500° Fahrenheit, every 100° Fahrenheit rise in temperature corresponds to a 10% decrease in WLL. However, you need to check the manufacturer&#;s manual to be sure.

7. Inspect The Alloy Chains

Lastly, you must inspect each alloy chain daily or before using it. Usually, a visual inspection is enough to know whether the chain is safe to use. Assign a qualified person for the same.

During the daily inspection, look for:

• Excessive wear and tear.
• Cracks or nicks in the weld area.
• Gouged and stretched links.
• Bents or cuts.
• Any other kind of physical or chemical damage.
• Make sure to check the master and coupling links and hooks for wear and tear.

Furthermore, check the identification tag, which bears the serial number, manufacturer&#;s details, size, grade, and working load limit. It should be legible. If the tag is missing or illegible, either replace it or stop using the chain slings.

In addition to the regular inspection, you also need to perform documented periodic chain sling inspections by an expert. Depending on the frequency of use and work environment, you can check the chains:

• Monthly or quarterly for severe use.
• Annually for normal use.
• And as recommended by experts for special use/work conditions.

In Conclusion

Alloy chains are an integral part of lifting heavy loads. However, as your safety and efficiency are at stake, you will have to consider a few things before using them. With these tips, you will be able to choose the right chains for your project.

If you are looking for industrial lifting devices, HHI can help. We offer a wide range of rigging and lifting hardware for clients across industries. Feel free to reach out to us or check out our online store today!

Whether you are moving heavy objects in the mining, engineering, transport, construction or agricultural sectors, we stock various types of equipment to suits your unique needs and requirements.

Lifting equipment provides ultimate safety and convenience in commercial and industrial work environments, enabling users to lift heavy objects and materials safely and efficiently. Keble&#;s Trading stocks a range of lifting chains and slings, among other products, all adhering to strict Australian safety and quality standards, namely AS .2.

Here are 5 tips to help you choose the right lifting chain or lifting slings for your operations.

(1) Understand The Intended Application

When using lifting chains and slings, it is important that you design a system that will suit the intended application. You will need to consider the following:

• The maximum load to be lifted by the apparatus;
• The shape of the load to be lifted;
• The size of the sling and leg assembly required to appropriately lift the load;
• The overall length from the link to the hook;
• The associated components such as links and hooks;
• The angles of the load points; &#; and
• Appropriately tagging and servicing the apparatus on a periodic basis.

If you need help choosing an appropriate chain sling, we can help you. Tell us what you need to do or achieve, and we can help provide some guiding tips.

(2) Different Chain Grades

Different chain grades determine the load strength and bulkiness and weight of the chain and fittings. We stock PWB Anchor Grade100 range chains and Auslift Grade80 range chains. The difference between Grade80 and Grade100 chains is that the former type is crafted from heat-treated steel that has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Its strength makes it ideal for lifting heavy items overhead. The Grade100 chains is a newer product that generally provides higher work load limits (WLL) than approved Grade80 chains. If a chain can lift a heavier load, this means that fewer or shorter chain sling legs will be required or the sling can be made lighter to lug around. We also supply the Cromox Grade60 stainless steel lifting slings suitable for water applications.

(3) Diverse Components

We stock various components to help you complete a fully functioning chain or sling. We stock oblong links, sling hooks, safety latch hooks, grab hooks, swivel hooks, and much more to suit your needs. (Also available in stainless)

For example:

• A larger oblong link is used when you require more than 2 sling legs to lift something.
• A grab hook has a reinforced saddle which limits twists and bends in the chain.
• A safety hook is fitted with a spring-loaded latch which provides added security during the lifting operation.
• A sling hook features a generous throat opening for easy removal of loads.

(4) Superior Quality Equipment

For heavy duty alloy lifting chains, we stock high tensile alloy steel chains that have been manufactured to meet your industrial lifting requirements. Crafted to satisfy the requirements in Australian Standard and , our alloy chains and associated equipment are ready for immediate use.

To ensure that your chain slings and components last for a reasonable amount of time, check the following.

• Store chains and components in a dry place.
• Lightly oil chains and components if kept idle for prolonged periods.
• Always inspect a chain sling before use to ensure it is free from damage or wear.
• Ensure that the load is evenly distributed on all sling legs.
• Ensure that the chain is free of twists and is protected from any sharp corners on the load.
• Commence the lift slowly, taking up the slack gradually.
• When lowering, avoid the possibility of crushing the chain by ensuring that the load does not land on it.

(5) Check Testing Certification

Our chains and slings have been fabricated from quality alloy steel parts. We ensure that our products are crafted to the highest standard so that you can have peace of mind knowing that your chain or sling will perform to specifications as stated by the manufacturer.

We use our internal 100T test bed to certify and audit customised slings to ensure they are suitable for lifting. This helps our customers feel confident that the product they are customising or repairing is suitable for service.

Established for over 30 years, Keble&#;s Trading has the expertise and network to source premium quality alloy products for commercial and industrial projects throughout Australia. Based in Victoria, we continue to serve our customers with reliable, effective and long-lasting products that have been crafted to suit various applications and can be tailored to suit your requirements. For superior quality lifting chains, lifting slings and lifting equipment, visit us at one of our four stores or call us on 067 687.

Need a new lifting chain or lifting sling? Share below which product we stock suits your requirements the best.

About Keble&#;s Trading &#; Lifting Equipment Experts

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