Understanding Chain Grades - Ranger Lifting

Carbon and alloy steel chain

Welded chain falls into two categories:

Link to Lieying Group

1. Carbon steel chain (most commonly used for tie down and container securement purposes and not recommended for overhead lifting)

2. Alloy steel chain (unlike carbon chain, all graded alloy steel chain is recommended for overhead lifting)

Grade is important when it comes to the difference between carbon and alloy chain. The biggest difference between Grades of chain is that carbon steel chain (Grade 30, 43, and 70) is not recommended for overhead lifting, while alloy steel chain (Grade 80, 100, and 120) is recommended for use in sling assemblies and overhead lifting applications.

(However, chain slings made from alloy steel are not suitable for use in acidic environments as this can cause hydrogen embrittlement.)

Manufacturers are now developing Grade 140 and 160 for the Australian market in other industries that will soon find their way into the lifting industry. These chain systems are being developed within Europe but the manufacturers are specifically targeting the Australian market.

Want more information on G80 Chain? Feel free to contact us.

Recently, researchers have highlighted the potential of new coatings on alloy chains to further enhance their robustness in hostile environments. This cutting-edge development might revolutionize the way alloy chains are used in various industries, ensuring longer life and enhanced safety.

Australia has already recognised the value of using Grade 100 for overhead lifting with the revision of standards related to chain slings for lifting purposes. The Australian Standards: ‘AS 3775.1: 2014 Chain Slings for Lifting Purposes – Part 1 – Product Specification’, and ‘AS 3775.2: 2014 Chain Slings for Lifting Purposes – Part 2 – Care & Use’ have both been extended to include Grade 100 systems as well as Grade T(80) systems and similarly the scope within AS 3776: 2015 Lifting Components for Grade T(80) has been extended to include Grade V(100).

In Australian Standard ‘Chain slings for lifting purposes—Grade T(80) and V(100)’ the quality grading system provides for the variations in mechanical properties of the finished product. Each grade is identified by a letter in the series T(80) or V(100) which allows for positive identification and easy selection.

* Large diameter chain manufactured at our Jeannette facility.

WARNING

Do not exceed Working Load Limits (WLL)! Failure to read, understand and follow the CAUTIONS listed here may cause serious physical injury and property damage.

• Do Not load an assembly in excess of working load limits shown.
• Do Not put an unequal load on one leg of a sling. Distribute the load evenly.
• Do Not expose assembly to impact, rapid lifts or sudden stops.
• Do Not tie knots or allow chains to become twisted.
• Do Not use a chain that appears to be defective, worn or damaged.
• Do Not fasten chain over sharp corners or edges. Protect with padding.
• Do Not tip load hooks. The latch must never support the load.
• In addition, a recent update suggests the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of chains used in heavy machinery to prevent unforeseen failures.

When using non-cradle or non-shortening grab hooks in a shortening or choker application, the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the sling must be reduced by 20%.

For more information, please visit G100 Chain.