Introduction to Chain Lifting Slings

Chain lifting slings are essential rigging tools designed to provide safe and efficient lifting solutions across a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and shipping. Made from robust chains, these lifting slings are engineered to handle heavy loads and demanding environments, making them a reliable choice for professionals. Available in various sizes and configurations, chain lifting slings can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each lifting operation. Chain slings are more tolerant to cuts and temperatures, some of our slings are adjustable, further enhancing their versatility. When selecting the right sling, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the weight and size of the load, the type of lift required, and the environmental conditions in which the sling will be used. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can ensure that your chain lifting slings provide the safety and performance needed for your rigging requirements.

Chain Sling Materials and Construction

Rigging chains are constructed from high-strength alloy steel, specifically engineered to deliver outstanding durability and performance in tough working conditions. Most commonly, grade 100 chains are used, offering a superior combination of strength and resistance to wear, which is crucial for maintaining workplace safety and compliance with OSHA regulations. Grade 100 slings are becoming the industry-standard grade for chain sling manufacturing and are approved for overhead lifting. The construction process involves assembling these chains with a variety of rigging hardware, such as hooks, master links, and other fittings, to create a lifting sling that meets rigorous industry standards. The quality of both the materials and the assembly directly impacts the sling’s reliability and rated capacity, making regular inspection and maintenance essential. Ensuring your rigging is in top condition not only supports compliance with safety regulations but also maximizes their lifespan and performance, even in challenging environmental conditions.

What is a chain sling used for?

Chain Lifting Slings are used in rigging to lift large, and often heavy loads using mobile, overhead or tower cranes. We offer a wide selection of slings and accessories to meet various lifting requirements. Chain slings are made from grade 80, 100, and 120 chain, which is designed to stretch and elongate, providing additional safety and durability during lifting operations.

Alloy chain slings are a highly durable and strong lifting solution for demanding tasks, providing reliability and strength for tough industrial applications.

Offering significant advantages over wire rope slings and synthetic slings, chain systems can be fully adjustable and easily repairable making them the primary choice for professional riggers. Chain rigging slings are available as adjustable and non-adjustable systems made from chain, offering versatility for different lifting scenarios. Multiple leg slings, including single-leg, double-leg, and multi-leg configurations, allow you to tailor the sling's capacity and suitability for specific lifting tasks. Designed to be used in various different applications, our Adjustable Chain Slings offer a completely versatile solution for lifting experts and those performing lifts of a varied nature.

Be sure to compare different chain sling options to ensure you select the best choice for your lifting needs.

Application Use-Cases

Common industries using our chain slings include: steel fabrication, precast concrete, marine, crane operations, Construction, Offshore & Subsea, Maritime & Shipyard, Mining & Excavation, Entertainment Rigging, Nuclear, Energy & Utilities, Truck & Vehicle Recovery, Metalworking and Manufacturing industries to mention a few. From basic straight pulls to complex lifts, our slings offer strength and peace of mind in the most extreme environments.

Why SlingSmarter™?

✔️ Assembled & Tested in the USA (using imported components)

✔️ SlingSmarter™ is based in the USA, with US assembly and testing

✔️ Grade 100 Alloy Chain

✔️ Built to Order in 24 Hours

✔️ All chain slings are proof tested and include a proof of certification to meet industry standards

✔️ Each sling undergoes a proof test for safety and compliance

✔️ SlingSmarter™ can supply both standard and custom chain sling products for any lifting need

✔️ Wide variety of product types available, including single-leg, double-leg, and adjustable slings

✔️ Custom Configurations Available

✔️ Fast Nationwide Shipping

✔️ Trusted brands like William Hackett used in our rigging hardware

✔️ Customers enjoy a reliable and high-quality experience with our lifting solutions

✔️ Contact our team for more information or support

✔️ Reach out today for quotes or assistance

What are the different types of Chain Slings?

There are four (4) different types of Slings available that make up the standard system. Alloy steel chain slings are available in grades such as 100 and 120, which are suitable for overhead lifting and comply with industry standards like NACM, ASTM, and OSHA. Each type of sling has a specific working load limit and load limit, which should always be checked before use to ensure safety and proper selection. Sling capacities are often listed in lbs to indicate the maximum safe loads. For a comprehensive overview, refer to the table of sling types and capacities.

1-Leg/Single Leg

Commonly referred to as a 'Drop Chain' or 'Choker Chain'. The straight pull sling is ideal for single point lifts and grabbing around things.

2-Leg/Two Leg 

Commonly referred to as 'Chain Brothers' or 'Double Chains'. The two leg sling is perfect for lifting loads that require more than one lifting point.

3-Leg/Three Leg 

Triple leg slings are often used in applications with three lift points, are less common and are currently available on request.

4-Leg/Four Leg

Also known as 'Quad Slings' or 'Quad Chains' these four-leg slings can be used to lift pretty much every type of load, our most popular configuration when combined with adjustable grab hooks for maximum versatility.

Custom Chain Sling Options

Every lifting operation has unique requirements, and custom chain slings are designed to meet those specific needs. Whether you need a particular chain size, length, or a specialized configuration, custom options allow you to select the right combination of chains, fittings, and number of legs for your application. Grade 100 chains are often chosen for their strength and reliability, especially in overhead lifting scenarios. By working closely with the SlingSmarter™ team, you can discuss your requirements and receive expert guidance on the best custom solution for your project. Custom chain slings can be tailored for heavy-duty or specialized lifting tasks, ensuring that your rigging equipment is perfectly matched to your operational needs and safety standards.

What is the OSHA standard for Chain Slings?

1910.184 - Slings, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Materials Handling and Storage

How is the reach/length of Lifting Chains Measured?

All Chain Slings are measured from the load-bearing point at the top (on the masterlink) to load-bearing point at the bottom (the hook), commonly referred to as “from where the load sits in the bottom hook to the top underside of the masterlink where the crane hook sits.” Some master links and hooks feature a larger opening to accommodate bigger or thicker loads, ensuring secure attachment and load management. Shackles are sometimes used in conjunction with chain slings for secure attachment and accurate measurement.

Hook Types You Can Choose

Sling Hook with Safety Latch- a spring loaded safety catch prevents unintentional disconnecting, this is also known as the ‘standard’ hook type if you were to buy a basic chain and not ask for anything in particular.

Self-Locking Hook- with a centrally pivoting motion these hooks lock and cannot be opened whilst under lifting pressure, the favorite choice for professional riggers.

Other end fittings we offer on special request:

Foundry Hooks, Grab Hooks and Oblong Master Link. Adjustable grab hooks allow users to shorten the sling by sliding links into the hook, making it easy to fit different lifting requirements. Chain slings are often used in combination with hoists for safe and efficient lifting operations.

What to avoid when using Chain Slings?

1. Never leave loads unattended
2. Never yank or pull a trapped sling from under a load
3. Avoid shock loading and impact loading or jerking, this causes excessive stress on the rigging
4. Do not expose the lifting chains to chemicals (unless specifically approved by our brand in writing)
5. Do not twist chain links
6. Never lift on the point of the hook
7. Never stand under a load suspended above

Never heat-treat or weld the chain or components, this will massively reduce the capacity and potentially damage the sling. Exposure to high temperature or extreme temperatures can have a significant effect on chain slings, causing a reduction in their strength and working load limit.

For optimal chain sling safety, always inspect slings for damage, wear, or deformation before each use.

Always follow the guidance of rigging professionals.

Chain Sling Maintenance and Storage

Maintaining your chain slings is crucial for ensuring ongoing safety and optimal performance. Regular inspections should be performed to check for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage to the chains and fittings. Any components that show excessive wear or are not functioning properly should be replaced immediately to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards. Proper storage is equally important—chain slings should be kept in a clean, dry area, away from excessive heat, chemicals, or other harsh environmental conditions that could compromise their integrity. Lubricating the chains periodically helps prevent rust and extends the life of your rigging hardware. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and storage guidelines to ensure your chain slings remain reliable and ready for use whenever needed.

Chain Sling Terminology Acronyms & Designations

Some manufacturers use Acronyms to designate the specifications of a rigging chain and this explains how it works. These acronyms help identify different types of rigging chains used in lifting operations, highlighting their strength, durability, and the specialized fittings that ensure safe and efficient lifting.

There are 3-4 Letters used to identify the sling specification.

FIRST LETTER (Identifies how many legs of chain):S = SingleD = DoubleT = Triple Q = Quad

SECOND LETTER (Identifies the top fitting type): G = Grab HookS = Sling Hook L = Latch lock Hook (Self Locking Hook)O = Oblong Ring (masterlink) F = Foundry Hook

THIRD LETTER (Identifies the bottom fitting type): G = Grab HookS = Sling HookL = Latch lock Hook (Self Locking Hook)O = Oblong Ring (masterlink) F = Foundry Hook

Note: there will only be 2 letters for a single leg system.

FOURTH LETTER: If the chain is Adjustable and features grab hooks or adjustment clutches/shortenersit will feature a 4th letter A = Adjustable

For more detailed information on chain sling terminology and specifications, please contact our team.