Yoke Grab Hooks
Grab hooks are the shortening hardware on chain sling assemblies, the narrow throat captures an individual chain link to adjust leg length without cutting or rigging additional chain. They also turn up in load-securing chain setups, anchor chains, and tow chain connections where a positive, chain-specific catch is needed.
About Yoke Grab Hooks
Yoke manufactures grab hooks in Grade 80 and Grade 100 forged alloy steel, matched to the chain grades in common use on ASME B30.9 chain sling assemblies. Holloway Houston stocks Yoke grab hooks covering chain sizes from 7/32 inch through 1/2 inch with WLL ratings that match the parent chain grade at each size.
A grab hook has a narrow throat that captures a chain link positively, the link cannot slip through sideways. This is the feature that makes grab hooks work as shortening hooks: the chain runs through to the link at the desired length, and the grab hook throat captures that link, holding the shortened leg at the adjusted length for the lift.
Yoke grab hooks are forged from Grade 80 or Grade 100 alloy steel, matching the chain they attach to. The WLL is stamped on the hook body along with the grade designation and manufacturer marking per ASME B30.10 (Hooks). Yoke's ISO 9001 process covers forging, heat treatment, and proof testing.
The narrow throat is also what limits grab hook use: they are not designed for connections to rings, eyes, or other hardware that won't seat in the narrow throat. Standard chain link geometry is what the throat is sized for.
Types of Yoke Grab Hooks
Grade 80 Grab Hooks
Grade 80 grab hooks match Grade 80 chain sling assemblies for leg shortening and load securing applications. The WLL rating at each chain size matches the rated WLL of Grade 80 chain at the same link size, typically from 1.0 ton (7/32" chain) through 7.1 tons (1/2" chain). Marked with grade identifier "8" or "80" per ASME B30.10.
Grade 100 Grab Hooks
Grade 100 grab hooks carry higher WLL at the same chain size compared to Grade 80, matching Grade 100 chain sling assemblies. Where the sling assembly uses Grade 100 chain throughout, the grab hook is Grade 100 to maintain the full assembly WLL at the shortening connection. Marked with grade identifier "10" or "100."
Latch-Type Grab Hooks
Some Yoke grab hook models include a spring latch at the throat to retain the captured chain link during load maneuvering. The latch prevents the chain from working out of the grab hook throat if the hook loses tension momentarily. Latch-type grab hooks are used in applications where multi-leg chain sling legs change tension during the lift, such as tandem crane picks or uneven load shapes.
Yoke Grab Hook Sizes and Working Load Limits
Chain sizes covered: 7/32 inch through 1/2 inch (Grade 80 and Grade 100)
Working Load Limit Range (Grade 80):
- 7/32" chain: 1.0 ton.
- 5/16" chain: 2.1 tons.
- 3/8" chain: 3.2 tons.
- 1/2" chain: 7.1 tons.
Working Load Limit Range (Grade 100):
- Higher WLL at each chain size, per Yoke product documentation
Material:
- Forged alloy steel.
- Quenched and tempered.
Marking per ASME B30.10:
- WLL.
- Grade.
- Manufacturer ID.
- Lot number.
Why Yoke for Grab Hooks
Grade matching is the same issue with grab hooks as with repair links and master links, a grab hook that doesn't match the chain grade limits the assembly WLL at the shortening connection. Yoke's Grade 80 and Grade 100 grab hooks are both clearly grade-marked and WLL-stamped, removing the identification ambiguity that comes with unmarked or mixed-grade hardware.
ISO 9001 certification and proof testing with a traceable certificate per lot means the documentation is in hand without a follow-up supplier request.
Holloway Houston offers rigging inspection services covering chain sling assemblies including grab hooks and shortening hardware per ASME B30.9 and ASME B30.10 standards.
Shop by Product Type
- Yoke Grade 100 Grab Hooks
- Yoke Latch-Type Grab Hooks
- Yoke Grade 80 Grab Hooks
Yoke Grab Hook Applications by Industry
- Jobsite rigging : Chain sling leg shortening on multi-leg assemblies for structural steel picks where load geometry requires unequal leg lengths.
- Oil and Gas : Chain sling shortening on turnaround rigging where the leg length needs adjustment between picks without re-rigging.
- Heavy Manufacturing : Foundry and steel mill chain sling grab hook use where chain slings are adjusted frequently for varied load dimensions.
- Load Securing : Grab hooks in transport chain securing systems where chain length adjustment per load height is standard practice.
- Mining : Chain sling grab hooks on surface and underground rigging where leg length adjustment between heavy equipment picks is routine.
Why Holloway Houston for Yoke Grab Hooks
Holloway Houston stocks Yoke grab hooks in Grade 80 and Grade 100 alongside master links, clevis hooks, repair links, and the rest of the Yoke chain sling hardware line. Sourcing the full chain sling assembly complement from a single order simplifies documentation, one proof test certificate package covers the assembly.
Over 65 years in the rigging business, operating from Houston with same-day shipping on in-stock Yoke products.
Complete Your Chain Sling Assembly
- Yoke Hooks : Clevis and shank hooks for chain sling leg termination in single and multi-leg assemblies.
- Yoke Master Links : Grade-matched master links for the top connection on chain sling assemblies.
- Yoke Chain Repair and Connecting Links : Grade-matched repair and connecting hardware for Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain slings.
Grab Hook Safety and Awareness
Grab hooks in chain sling service fall under ASME B30.10 (Hooks) for the hook itself and ASME B30.9 (Slings) for the chain sling assembly they serve. OSHA 1910.184 applies to slings in general industry.
- Per ASME B30.10, grab hooks are marked with WLL and grade. A grab hook without legible markings is not suitable for sling service.
- Pre-use inspection covers the hook body for cracks or deformation, the throat for wear (throat opening beyond the manufacturer's limit indicates a hook that can no longer capture the chain link positively), and the latch (if present) for proper spring function.
- Grade matching matters. A grab hook that doesn't match the chain assembly grade reduces the sling WLL at the grab hook connection. Yoke grab hooks are marked with grade identifier to prevent mismatching.
- Grab hooks are not rated for connection to rings, eyes, or shackle bows, the narrow throat geometry is matched to chain link wire diameter only.
- A grab hook that has been shock-loaded or loaded beyond its rated WLL warrants removal from service and inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
A grab hook has a narrow throat that captures a chain link to hold the chain at a specific position. In chain sling assemblies, grab hooks serve as shortening hooks, the chain runs to the link at the desired length, and the grab hook throat captures that link to hold the shortened leg at the adjusted length for the lift. Grab hooks also appear in load-securing chains and tow chains where a chain-specific catch is needed.
A clevis hook has an open throat and a clevis jaw designed to accept chain links, rings, and other hardware for load connection. A grab hook has a narrow, nearly-closed throat specifically sized to capture an individual chain link by width, it is not designed for rings, eyes, or other hardware. Clevis hooks terminate the leg; grab hooks shorten it.
Yes. ASME B30.9 rates chain sling assemblies to the lowest-grade component. A Grade 80 grab hook in a Grade 100 chain assembly limits the assembly WLL at the grab hook position. For shortening that maintains the full assembly WLL, the grab hook grade matches the chain grade throughout.
Yoke grab hooks at Holloway Houston cover chain sizes from 7/32 inch through 1/2 inch in both Grade 80 and Grade 100. WLL at each chain size is published in the Yoke product data. Holloway Houston can source larger chain sizes on request.
Latch-type Yoke grab hooks are available with a spring latch at the throat to retain the captured chain link when the hook loses tension. Standard grab hooks without latches are available for applications where latch retention is not specified.
ASME B30.10 (Hooks) covers inspection of hooks in load-handling applications. For chain sling assemblies, ASME B30.9 (Slings) governs the full assembly inspection interval and removal-from-service criteria. OSHA 1910.184 applies in general industry.
DISCLAIMER
Grab hooks are load-bearing chain sling components. Selection and use in chain sling assemblies call for training consistent with ASME B30.9, ASME B30.10, and applicable OSHA standards. The information on this page is provided for general product awareness and does not replace manufacturer documentation or site-specific rigging procedures.