Coupling Links
Coupling links provide a mechanical connection for attaching chain sling legs, hooks, and hardware components without welding, allowing easy replacement and assembly changes. Holloway Houston offers Grade 80 and Grade 100 coupling links from YOKE, Crosby, Gunnebo, Van Beest, and KWB.
Coupling Links for Chain Sling Assemblies
A coupling link, also called a connecting link, is a two-part mechanical link that opens to receive a chain link or fitting and closes with a locking pin or screw mechanism. Once closed and locked, it performs as a link in the chain: it transmits the working load from one component to the next in the assembly.
Coupling links are used at connection points in a chain sling assembly where the link needs to be removable, typically between the chain leg and a hook, between chain legs and a master link, or between components in a sub-assembly. The alternative is a welded link, which cannot be removed without cutting.
Chain grade determines which coupling link is compatible. Grade 80 coupling links are matched to Grade 80 chain slings and hardware. Grade 100 coupling links match Grade 100 chain systems. Using a lower-grade coupling link in a higher-grade chain system creates an unmatched weak link at the connection point. Coupling links at Holloway Houston fall under ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware), which governs rigging hardware used in load-handling operations. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 applies in construction.
Types of Coupling Links
YOKE Grade 80 Half Coupling Link (8-054 Series)
The YOKE 8-054 Grade 80 half coupling link is a screw-type connecting link for Grade 80 chain systems. The 3/8-inch size carries a WLL of 3.15 tons. The half coupling link design provides a compact, field-removable connection for chain sling leg termination and sub-assembly connection. YOKE manufactures to ISO 9001 standards with full B30.26 compliance.
Crosby S-1325A Grade 100 Chain Coupler
The Crosby S-1325A is a Grade 100 connecting link covering sizes from 6mm through 5/8 inch. WLL range at Holloway Houston:
- 6mm: 3,200 lbs
- 1/4": 4,300 lbs
- 5/16": 5,700 lbs
- 3/8": 8,800 lbs
- 1/2": 15,000 lbs
- 5/8": 22,600 lbs
The S-1325A is built to Crosby's Grade 100 standards for use with Grade 100 chain sling systems. Proof-tested at the factory.
Gunnebo Berglok BL-8 Grade 80 Chain Coupler
The Gunnebo Berglok is a self-locking coupling link for Grade 80 chain. The locking mechanism closes the link with a spring-loaded ball lock, no threading required. The Berglok is designed for field installation and removal without tools. Available at Holloway Houston in four sizes:
- 7/8": 4,500 lbs
- 10mm: 7,100 lbs
- 13mm: 12,000 lbs
- 16mm: 18,000 lbs
Gunnebo Coupling Link G-8 Grade 80
The Gunnebo G-8 Grade 80 coupling link is a standard threaded connecting link for Grade 80 chain systems. Holloway Houston stocks seven sizes from the G-8 series, covering chain diameters from 10mm through 32mm. WLL data verified against Kito Crosby (Gunnebo parent) product catalog:
- G-10-8 (10mm chain): 7,100 lbs / 3.2t
- G-13-8 (13mm chain): 12,000 lbs / 5.4t
- G-16-8 (16mm chain): 18,000 lbs / 8.2t
- G-18/20-8 (18/20mm chain): 28,300 lbs / 12.8t
- G-22-8 (22mm chain): 34,200 lbs / 15.5t
- G-26-8 (26mm chain): 47,700 lbs / 21.7t
- G-32-8 (32mm chain): 72,300 lbs / 32.8t
Note: Holloway Houston's Magento catalog displays a non-chain-diameter size field for these products. The chain diameter and model numbers above are sourced from the Kito Crosby (Gunnebo) product catalog. WLL figures match EN 1677:2008 at 4:1 design factor.
Van Beest (Green Pin) Connecting Links, MJ and MJS Series
Van Beest produces two connecting link series at Holloway Houston: the MJ Grade 80 standard connecting link and the MJS Grade 80 round/web sling connecting link.
MJ Grade 80 - WLL range:
- 1.12T through 32.8T
MJS Grade 80 (round/web sling connector):
- 2T through 5.4T
Van Beest also stocks the COS Grade 80 round/web sling connector:
- WLL 2T , 3.2T , 5.4T
Van Beest (Green Pin) UMJ and UMJT Grade 100 Connecting Links
The UMJ Grade 100 connecting link runs from 1.4T to 16T . The UMJT Grade 100 variant, with a locking T-pin mechanism, runs from 2.6T to 6.8T . Grade 100 connecting links are compatible with Grade 100 chain sling systems.
KWB Grade 100 Chain Coupling Links
KWB Grade 100 coupling links cover the light-to-mid range with sizes from 7/32 inch through 1/2 inch:
- 7/32": Priced at
- 9/32": 4,300 lbs
- 5/16": 5,700 lbs
- 3/8": 8,800 lbs
- 1/2": 15,000 lbs
KWB Grade 100 links offer a cost-effective option for Grade 100 chain sling applications in the smaller size range.
Coupling Links by Grade, Size, and WLL
Grade 80 Coupling Links at Holloway Houston:
| Brand | Series | Size Range | WLL Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| YOKE | 8-054 Half Coupling Link | 3/8" | 3.15 ton |
| Gunnebo | Berglok BL-8 | 7/8"–16mm | 4,500–18,000 lbs |
| Gunnebo | G-8 Coupling Link | 6mm–32mm | 7,100–72,300 lbs |
| Van Beest | MJ Connecting Link | Light–Heavy | 1.12T–32.8T |
| Van Beest | MJS Sling Connector | 2T–5.4T | 2T–5.4T |
| Van Beest | COS Sling Connector | 2T–5.4T | 2T–5.4T |
Grade 100 Coupling Links at Holloway Houston:
| Brand | Series | Size Range | WLL Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosby | S-1325A | 6mm–5/8" | 3,200–22,600 lbs |
| Van Beest | UMJ Grade 100 | Light–Heavy | 1.4T–16T |
| Van Beest | UMJT Grade 100 | 2.6T–6.8T | 2.6T–6.8T |
| KWB | Grade 100 Coupling Link | 7/32"–1/2" | 15,000 lbs |
Brands We Carry
Holloway Houston is an authorized distributor for YOKE, Crosby, Gunnebo, Van Beest (Green Pin), and KWB in the coupling links category. The multi-brand inventory gives buyers a range of options across chain grade, size, and coupling mechanism.
YOKE manufactures the 8-054 Grade 80 half coupling link series with ISO 9001 certification and full B30.26 compliance. YOKE is a Taiwan-based manufacturer with a complete rigging hardware line.
Crosby's S-1325A Grade 100 chain coupler is the established Grade 100 connecting link at Holloway Houston, covering sizes from 6mm to 5/8 inch with WLLs from 3,200 lbs to 22,600 lbs.
Gunnebo (Sweden) provides both the Berglok self-locking design and the G-8 standard coupling link for Grade 80 systems. The Berglok's tool-free field installation and removal is a working feature on assembly lines and in field rigging where link changes happen regularly.
Van Beest (Green Pin) covers Grade 80 standard connecting links (MJ series), round/web sling connectors (MJS, COS), and Grade 100 links (UMJ, UMJT), the broadest sub-catalog in the coupling links section.
KWB Grade 100 coupling links complete the small-to-mid Grade 100 range at competitive price points.
Shop by Product Type
- YOKE Grade 80 Half Coupling Links (8-054 Series).
- Crosby S-1325A Grade 100 Chain Couplers.
- Gunnebo Berglok BL-8 Grade 80 Self-Locking Coupling Links.
- Gunnebo G-8 Grade 80 Coupling Links.
- Van Beest (Green Pin) MJ Grade 80 Connecting Links.
- Van Beest (Green Pin) MJS Grade 80 Sling Connecting Links.
- Van Beest (Green Pin) COS Grade 80 Sling Connectors.
- Van Beest (Green Pin) UMJ Grade 100 Connecting Links.
- Van Beest (Green Pin) UMJT Grade 100 Connecting Links.
- KWB Grade 100 Chain Coupling Links.
Coupling Link Applications by Industry
- Rigging and Lifting : Chain sling assembly and sub-assembly, connecting sling legs to master links, and terminating chain at hooks or shackles in overhead and crane-assisted lifting.
- Construction : Field rigging where chain sling components are assembled and reconfigured on the jobsite. Coupling links allow sling leg replacement without rebuilding the entire assembly.
- Oil and Gas : Process plant rigging, vessel maintenance, and turnaround work where chain slings are part of the standard lifting equipment package. Grade 100 links match the higher-strength chain slings common in heavy industrial use.
- Mining : Equipment maintenance and material handling in mining environments where alloy chain slings are the rigging standard. Grade 80 and 100 coupling links match the chain grades in service.
- Heavy Manufacturing : Foundry, steel mill, and fabrication shop lifting where chain slings see repeated use and link replacement is a scheduled maintenance task.
- Offshore : Chain sling components in offshore rigging assemblies. Van Beest (Green Pin) has strong offshore presence, their connecting links appear in offshore equipment packages where Green Pin's brand recognition aligns with operator specifications.
- Shipbuilding and Marine : Chain sling assembly and outfitting work in shipyards and marine construction where component-by-component rigging assembly is common practice.
Why Holloway Houston for Coupling Links
Holloway Houston stocks coupling links from five manufacturers - YOKE, Crosby, Gunnebo, Van Beest, and KWB - covering Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain grades across a WLL range from 1.12 tons through 32.8 tons in the Gunnebo G-8 line (G-32-8, 32mm chain). The 48 SKUs in the catalog give buyers access to the specific grade, size, and coupling mechanism for their chain sling system without having to compromise on a close match.
The multi-brand inventory also covers different coupling mechanisms: the Gunnebo Berglok's tool-free self-locking design for fast field changes, the Van Beest T-pin (UMJT) for secure Grade 100 connections, and standard threaded couplers across multiple brands and grades.
Holloway Houston ships from Houston, Texas. Our rigging specialists can confirm grade compatibility, chain size match, and WLL for specific assembly configurations before the order goes out.
How to Select the Right Coupling Link
Selecting a coupling link means matching three things: the chain grade, the chain size, and the WLL requirement.
Chain Grade: Grade 80 coupling links are matched to Grade 80 chain. Grade 100 coupling links match Grade 100 chain. The coupling link's rated WLL is based on the chain grade it is designed for. Using a Grade 80 coupling link in a Grade 100 chain assembly reduces the assembly's effective WLL to the lower-rated component.
Chain Size: Coupling links are sized to match specific chain diameters. A coupling link sized for 3/8-inch chain will not properly engage a 1/2-inch chain link. The chain diameter determines the compatible coupling link size.
WLL: Confirm the coupling link's rated WLL meets or exceeds the maximum intended load in service. The WLL is marked on the coupling link per ASME B30.26. Manufacturer documentation provides the WLL table by size and grade for each model.
Coupling Mechanism: Standard threaded couplers (most models) are locked by threading the pin closed. The Gunnebo Berglok uses a ball-lock mechanism for tool-free field use. The Van Beest UMJT uses a T-pin for a different lock style on Grade 100 links. Specify the mechanism that fits the assembly and field conditions.
Coupling Link Safety and Awareness
Coupling links are load-bearing rigging hardware governed by ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware). OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 applies to rigging equipment in construction. The following awareness points apply to coupling link selection and inspection:
- Coupling links are marked with the working load limit per ASME B30.26. Links with legible markings are the only ones suitable for service.
- Before each use, inspect the coupling link for cracks, deformation, corrosion, and pin engagement. A pin that is not fully closed and locked is not transmitting load through the intended load path.
- The chain grade of the coupling link is typically matched to the chain grade of the assembly. Mixing grades creates a weak link at the coupling point.
- The chain size is matched to the coupling link size. A coupling link that does not fully engage the chain link it is connecting is not seated in the load-bearing position.
- Worn coupling links, showing visible wear, elongation, or deformation, warrant replacement. ASME B30.26 covers removal criteria for rigging hardware based on dimensional wear and visible damage.
- Coupling links are not rated for shock loading. Shock loads, abrupt loading events from dropped loads or sudden engagement, may exceed the rated WLL even when the static load is within the rating.
- Keep proof test documentation with the assembly or in the job file. Some operators and offshore clients require traceable documentation for rigging hardware in service.
Complete Your Rigging System
- Master Link Assemblies : Complete multi-leg sling connections with master links and sub-assembly links above the chain legs.
- Chain Slings : Complete assembled chain slings with hooks, links, and master links.
- Rigging Shackles Rigging Shackles : Connect chain sling assemblies to crane hooks and load attachment points.
- Shank Hooks : Hook terminations for chain sling legs in single and multi-leg assemblies.
Frequently Asked Questions
A coupling link is a removable two-part link that connects chain sling components, typically joining a chain leg to a master link, a chain leg to a hook, or two chain components to each other in an assembly. Unlike a welded link, a coupling link can be opened and closed, allowing chain sling components to be swapped, replaced, or reconfigured without cutting. The link closes with a pin or locking mechanism that holds it at the rated WLL when properly engaged.
Grade 80 and Grade 100 refer to the chain and hardware grade standards, Grade 100 chain and hardware carry a higher WLL at the same physical size than Grade 80. A Grade 80 coupling link is rated for use in Grade 80 chain sling assemblies. A Grade 100 coupling link matches Grade 100 chain systems and carries a higher rated WLL at the same chain diameter. The coupling link grade is matched to the chain grade in the assembly.
The coupling link catalog at Holloway Houston runs from 1.12 tons (Van Beest MJ Grade 80, smallest size) through 32.8 tons (Gunnebo G-32-8 Grade 80, 32mm chain). The Crosby S-1325A Grade 100 line covers 3,200 lbs to 22,600 lbs. KWB Grade 100 links run through 15,000 lbs at 1/2 inch. For specific sizes and WLLs, call 1-888-496-4700 or browse the full catalog online.
The Gunnebo Berglok BL-8 is a self-locking Grade 80 coupling link. The locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded ball that snaps into a detent position when the link is closed, no threading or tools required. Opening the Berglok calls for deliberate manual action to disengage the ball lock. This self-locking design is preferred in applications where fast field installation and removal is a priority, and where threaded couplers could work loose if not properly tightened.
Van Beest produces the MJS Grade 80 and COS Grade 80 connecting links specifically for use with round and web slings, these have a wider, flatter bearing surface than standard chain-type coupling links. Standard coupling links sized for chain are not the right match for synthetic sling terminations. For synthetic sling connections, specify the MJS or COS sling connector series.
ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware) governs coupling links and connecting links used in rigging, covering design, marking, inspection, removal from service, and safe use. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 applies to rigging equipment in construction. Coupling links at Holloway Houston are manufactured per these requirements and marked with the WLL and manufacturer identification.
DISCLAIMER
Coupling links are load-bearing rigging components. Proper selection, inspection, and use call for training consistent with ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware) and applicable OSHA standards including 29 CFR 1926.251. The information on this page is provided for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific lift planning.