Lifting Equipment LTD News

CHAIN SLINGS

CHAIN SLING

This article discusses some common facts about chain slings, their different variations, where and why they are used and some important safety factors to consider when deciding on which type of chain hoist to use.

Chain slings are used to lift and move large, heavy and/ or awkward loads, and are usually used in combination with an electric hoist, in conjunction with some kind of A-frame, jib crane, overhead crane or gantry system. Often seen in steel mills, foundries and dockyards.

Chain slings are flexible, long lasting, easy to inspect and repair, easy to store and forms easily around the load.

Chain slings are a very versatile piece of lifting equipment, as they can be assembled in many combinations and with different types of hitches to secure many different types of loads. Chain slings are available in different leg combinations, single leg, double leg, 3, or 4 legs  or an endless chain sling, these chain slings can also be used in a variety of different types of hitches, depending on what you need to lift, there is the choke hitch, which forms a loop that tightens as the load is lifted, A straight lift for lifting a balanced load from a single point, a basket hitch in which a single leg is hooked back to form the basket. These hitches can also be used with 2,3 and 4 leg chain slings but may affect the working load limit, so discuss these cases with the manufacturer if unsure.

Care must also be taken when using a chain sling to ensure that the angle of the chain leg does not go over 60 degrees from vertical, nor less than 15 degrees, as the load will become unstable. The safe angles of use can usually be obtained from the supplier or lifting specialist.

Chain slings can also be used with a range of fittings such as open hooks, hooks with safety catches, etc. it is worth noting that the chain sling should always sit freely in the dish of the hook, never balanced on or near its tip.

Chain slings can be shortened by the use of a shortening hook, they should never be knotted or twisted.

Chain slings are made from alloy steel, they are robust and not only can they lift large loads, but are resistant to very high and low temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor use. They are also resistant to some chemicals, but check if using with acid or other corrosives.

It is most important however to inspect your chain hoists at regular intervals, looking for signs of cracks, link distortion, and wear and tear, and have them thoroughly load tested and  inspected at half yearly intervals by a competent person. Most chain damage can be easily repaired by specialists, who upon repair will test and re certificate the chain sling, making it very economical as compared to throwing it away and replacing with new.

There are many different variations on chain slings and the hitches used so choose carefully and most importantly, safely, discussing your needs with a specialist in lifting will help you choose wisely.

More News Articles

Over the next few weeks we will be listing details of three different types of ratchet lever hoists, ranging from250 k...

BEAM CLAMPS - Safety, Inspection and storage.A beam clamp is a device from which a load is hung; the beam clamp is atta...

JIB CRANESJib cranes are used in many industries, most often in factories, car garages, docks, construction, or anyw...

MOBILE GANTRY / A - FRAMELifting heavy loads does not necessarily mean having to install expensive, permanent structu...

LIFTING MAGNETSLifting magnets are the ideal way to lift any ferro magnetic material, they are commonly used in steel w...

PLASTIC IMPREGNATED ROPE (PIR)Plastic impregnated ropes are used for severe applications where the rope is exposed to ...

CHAIN BLOCKS / MANUAL CHAIN HOIST, SAFETY TIPS.Chain blocks / manual chain hoists should be used with caution, clo...

CHAIN BLOCK / MANUAL CHAIN HOISTDuring this news page we will examine some basic facts about manual chain hoists, and...

HOW TO HANDLE WIRE ROPES, SAFELY.When using and handling wire ropes there are many safety aspects to consider, to pre...

CHAIN SLINGThis article discusses some common facts about chain slings, their different variations, where and why ...

THE TRALIFT TE ELECTRIC HOISTHere at lifting equipment ltd we can supply you with the tralift electric hoist which...

TIRFORSHere are some different tirfor models which we can supply, if you require any more information please don\'t hesi...

HOW DOES A TIRFOR WINCH / WIRE ROPE PULLING MACHINE WORK?The tirfor principle;A tirfor, often called a tirfor winc...

SCAFFOLD HOIST / BUILDERS HOISTDuring this editorial we will examine what a scaffold hoist is, what it is used for...

WIRE ROPE MINIFOR ELECTRIC HOISTHere At lifting equipment limited we are now able to offer you the minifor wire rope elec...

WIRE ROPESHere at lifting equipment limited we are able to supply you with a wide and varied range of wire ropes from c...

ELECTRIC HOISTS, common factsElectric hoists are powered devices used to lift lower and move heavy objects.Electric ho...

HAND HELD PLUS (remote control) and SHACKLE LOADCELL informationTHE HANDHELD PLUS:This remote unit connects to the load...

CRANE SCALES / WEIGHERSJUMBO WEIGHER TRADE AND JUMBO WEIGHER ATEX MODELS JUMBO WEIGHER TRADE CRANE SCALE:...

JUMBO WEIGHER & JUMBO WEIGHER FOUNDRY CRANE SCALESJUMBO WEIGHER:This heavy duty jumbo weigher crane scale ca...