Chain slings are essential lifting devices in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. They are made of metal chain links and come in multiple types and sizes to accommodate different lifting applications.
Considering all these factors, you can choose the right chain sling for your needs and ensure the safety of your lifting operations.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure the safe use of chain slings in your workplace.
If you are looking for a reliable and durable wire rope sling, Contact Holloway Houston today. We offer various slings to meet your needs, and our satisfaction guarantee backs our products.
Start with load weight and the number of attachment points on the load - these two factors determine minimum leg count and capacity requirements. From there, specify chain diameter, grade, leg length, and hook style. For loads in corrosive, chemical, or high-temperature environments, those conditions factor into material and fitting selection as well. Holloway Houston can help build a specification from those inputs. Call 888-496-4700 or View The Full Catalog Online.
Grade 80 is widely used in general industrial applications and serves as the baseline alloy grade for overhead lifting. Grade 100 provides around 25% greater strength at the same chain diameter, which translates to a lighter assembly handling a heavier load. The chain grade must match the end fittings - an undersized or mismatched hook degrades the rated capacity of the entire assembly, not just that component.
Inspection covers the full assembly - every chain link, master link, connecting link, hook, and the identification tag. Common removal triggers include bent or twisted links, visible cracks, elongation beyond manufacturer limits, deep gouges, corrosion pitting, heat discoloration, and any tag that is missing or no longer legible. Pre-use visual checks are performed before each job. Periodic inspections follow a schedule based on the frequency and severity of use. For professional inspection services, Holloway Houston Offers Certified Rigging Inspections.
WLL - Working Load Limit - is the rated capacity of the sling assembly under the specific conditions shown on the tag. For chain slings, that rating accounts for the number of legs, the sling angle assumed, and the hitch type. The WLL on the tag is distinct from proof-test values and breaking strength - those are different load concepts. The tag's WLL is what governs the maximum load for a given lift.
The content provided is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Holloway Houston, Inc. is not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.