What are chain slings and what are they used for?
Grade 8, 10 and 12 chain slings – discover the differences, applications and practical tips for selecting the right lifting equipment.
Chain slings – basics, construction, and standards
Chain slings are specialist lifting equipment designed for the safe lifting, handling, and transportation of heavy loads using overhead cranes, gantry cranes, hoists, and other lifting devices. They are widely used in construction, heavy industry, steel manufacturing, energy, logistics, and any application where heavy components must be lifted safely and efficiently.
The main advantages of chain slings are their high mechanical strength, excellent resistance to abrasion, mechanical damage, and high temperatures. Compared to webbing slings or wire rope slings, chain slings perform better in demanding working environments where loads have sharp edges, are exposed to elevated temperatures, or where there is a high risk of mechanical wear.
Modern chain slings are manufactured using Grade 8, Grade 10, or Grade 12 lifting chains and must comply with the requirements of EN 818 and EN 1677. These European standards define the strength characteristics, manufacturing quality, and safety requirements for chain slings and their components. Selecting the correct chain grade and sling configuration is essential to ensure safe lifting operations, maximise service life, and maintain the reliability of the entire lifting system.
Types of Chain Slings
Depending on the intended use, different types of chain slings are available. The most commonly used are single-leg, two-leg, three-leg, and four-leg chain slings. The selection of the appropriate configuration depends on the load weight, the number of lifting points, and the working conditions.
Chain Sling Construction – What Components Make Up a Chain Sling?
A chain sling features a modular design, allowing its configuration to be tailored to the type, weight, and lifting requirements of the load. All components are manufactured from high-strength alloy steel and comply with the requirements of EN 818 and EN 1677, ensuring reliable performance and safe lifting operations.
Master Link
The master link connects the chain sling to the lifting device, such as an overhead crane, gantry crane, or hoist. It serves as the primary connection point and carries the load transferred through the entire sling assembly.
Chain Legs
The chain legs are the primary load-bearing components of the sling. They are manufactured from Grade 8, Grade 10, or Grade 12 lifting chain, depending on the required working load limit (WLL). Chain slings are available in single-leg, two-leg, three-leg, and four-leg configurations.
Intermediate Links and Connecting Links
Intermediate links and connecting links join the individual components of the sling assembly. Their modular design allows damaged or worn components to be replaced individually, reducing maintenance costs and extending the service life of the sling.
Chain Sling Hooks
Hooks are used to attach the sling securely to the load. Depending on the application, chain slings can be fitted with standard hooks, self-locking safety hooks, shortening hooks, swivel hooks, or other specialised hook types designed for specific lifting operations.
Shortening Clutches and Additional Components
Shortening clutches allow the effective length of the chain legs to be adjusted without removing links, making it easier to lift uneven or asymmetrical loads safely. Additional components, such as couplers and specialised fittings, further increase the versatility of the chain sling.
The modular construction of chain slings makes them durable, easy to inspect and maintain, and suitable for a wide range of lifting applications in construction, heavy industry, manufacturing, logistics, and material handling.
Grade 8, Grade 10, and Grade 12 Chain Slings
Chains used in lifting slings are classified according to strength grades, which define their working load capacity and tensile strength:
- Grade 8 – the standard grade, commonly used in industrial applications.
- Grade 10 – offers a higher working load capacity with the same chain diameter.
- Grade 12 – designed for the most demanding applications where compact dimensions and maximum strength are required.
Choosing the correct grade is essential for ensuring both safety and service life.
Standards and Certifications
Chain slings must comply with European quality and safety standards. The most important standards include:
- EN 818 – covers chains and chain slings.
- EN 1677 – applies to components such as hooks, master links, and connecting links.
All components should be properly marked (e.g., batch number, grade, manufacturer) and supplied with documentation confirming compliance with the relevant standards. This ensures that the sling meets stringent safety requirements and can be used safely in lifting operations.
Applications of Chain Slings
Chain slings are used for lifting and transporting heavy loads in construction, heavy industry, steelworks, power generation, and logistics. Thanks to their high resistance to mechanical damage and elevated temperatures, they are widely used in environments where webbing slings or wire rope slings may not provide sufficient durability.
| Grade | Material strength | Load capacity for the same diameter | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | ok. 800 MPa | standrad | industry, construction |
| 10 | ok. 1000 MPa | +25 % in relation to grade 8 | heavy loads |
| 12 | ok. 1200 MPa | +50 % in relation to grade 8 | extreme conditions, heavy industry |
How to Choose the Right Chain Sling
Selecting the right chain sling is essential for ensuring safe lifting operations, maximising the service life of your lifting equipment, and maintaining compliance with lifting safety standards. Before choosing a chain sling, consider the following key factors.
1. Determine the Weight of the Load
The first step is to identify the exact weight of the load to be lifted. The sling's Working Load Limit (WLL) must always exceed the actual load weight. It is also important to consider the sling leg angle, as increasing the angle between the legs reduces the effective lifting capacity.
2. Select the Number of Chain Legs
The number of chain legs depends on the load's design and available lifting points:
Single-leg chain slings are suitable for loads with one lifting point.
Two-leg chain slings provide greater stability and are commonly used for balanced loads.
Three-leg and four-leg chain slings are designed for large, heavy, or irregularly shaped loads that require multiple lifting points for safe handling.
3. Choose the Appropriate Chain Grade
Grade 8 chain slings are the industry standard for most lifting applications. Grade 10 offers a higher Working Load Limit (WLL) while maintaining the same chain diameter, whereas Grade 12 is designed for demanding applications where maximum strength and reduced weight are required.
4. Select the Right Hooks and Components
Choose sling components that match your lifting application. Options include self-locking safety hooks, shortening hooks, swivel hooks, master links, and connecting links. Selecting the correct fittings improves both safety and operational efficiency.
5. Consider the Working Environment
The operating environment should also influence your selection. If the sling will be exposed to high temperatures, abrasive conditions, corrosive environments, or loads with sharp edges, choose a chain sling and components specifically designed for those conditions. Regular inspections should always be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and applicable safety standards.
Tip: Never exceed the sling's Working Load Limit (WLL), and inspect the chain sling before every lifting operation. Stretched or cracked chain links, bent or damaged hooks, excessive wear, or signs of deformation indicate that the sling should be removed from service immediately.
