Lifting Chains

A load with a single eye or pin can often be lifted with a single drop chain. Longer loads with a point at each end suit a 2-leg sling, whereas circular loads suit three legs spaced evenly. As for heavier items or anything with four corners, such as a trench box, a 4-leg sling is probably best. Give us a call if you'd like advice – our staff are knowledgeable and happy to help.

WLL is the Working Load Limit: the greatest load the sling may lift in normal service. It is the same figure as SWL, or Safe Working Load; WLL is simply the term favoured by modern standards. For multi-leg slings, the rating assumes the legs stay within 45 degrees of vertical, as WLL tends to decrease as legs spread wider. The governing figure is stamped on the ID tag fitted to the sling's master link.

Chain slings are lifting accessories under LOLER, so they need a thorough examination at least every six months and a check before each use. Every sling we send out carries an up-to-date test certificate – although it is important to note that the pre-use checks on site remain the responsibility of the employer using the equipment.

Grade 8 is the strength grade of the alloy steel the chain is made from, as set by EN 818. It is the standard grade for lifting chain in the UK. Higher grades such as Grade 10 can theoretically lift more for the same chain diameter but the working principles are the same.