Lifting Chains

4 Top Questions About Lifting Chains

Welcome to SlingSmarter, your trusted partner for lifting and rigging solutions! In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricate world of lifting chains, answering four common questions to empower you with the knowledge necessary for confident and safe lifting operations. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious newcomer, let's unravel the top 4 questions about lifting chains.1. What is the Lifting Chain Capacity? The lifting chain capacity, often referred to as the Working Load Limit (WLL), is the maximum load a lifting chain is designed to handle safely. This crucial specification ensures that the chain will perform reliably under normal working conditions. The WLL is determined by the chain's grade, size, and design. For accurate lifting, always ensure that...

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Chain Hook

Demystifying Chain Hooks: A Comprehensive Guide for Smarter Lifting and Rigging

Welcome to SlingSmarter, your trusted destination for lifting and rigging solutions! In this guide, we'll unravel the intricacies of chain hooks – an essential component in lifting and rigging operations. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice exploring options, understanding the types and functionalities of chain hooks is crucial for making informed decisions. The Anatomy of Chain Hooks: Chain hooks play a pivotal role in securing and lifting heavy loads, offering a versatile solution for a range of applications. Let's delve into the key components that define these crucial tools:1. Hook Type: - Clevis Hook: Features a clevis pin for easy attachment and removal. - Swivel Hook: Designed with a swivel mechanism, providing flexibility in load positioning. - Grab...

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Lifting Slings

The Ultimate Guide to Lifting Slings: Choosing the Right One for Your Needs

If you're in the market for a lifting sling or just curious about the different options available, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about lifting slings, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs. Understanding Lifting Slings: Lifting slings are versatile tools designed to secure and lift heavy loads in a variety of industries, from construction and manufacturing to shipping and logistics. Choosing the right lifting sling is crucial for ensuring both safety and efficiency in lifting operations. Types of Lifting Slings: Polyester Web Slings: Ideal for delicate loads. Resistant to UV rays and chemicals. Lightweight and easy to handle. Nylon Web Slings: High...

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Which Sling Hitch: Vertical, Choker, or Basket?

Which Sling Hitch: Vertical, Choker, or Basket?

A sling hitch is the type of method of slinging used to attach one item of rigging to another. There are three main types of sling hitch – vertical, basket, and choker – and here we will run through each type and discuss the purposes. Types of Sling Hitches Vertical Sling Hitches use vertical synthetic, wire rope or chain lifting slings to secure items together. The advantage of using this type of hitch it that it offers high strength and stability. It also allows for the greatest range of movement when hoisting items off the ground or from other elevated surfaces. Additionally, due to the low-profile design, vertical sling hitches can be utilized efficiently in more confined space situations, where...

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How to choose a lifting sling

Different Types of Lifting Slings: Choose The Right One!

Fulfilling a successful lift, and when we say successful we mean safe and efficient, is all in the planning. Have you weighed your item? How many attachment points do you need? What’s the clearance height? How high is the lift? What type of environment is the lift taking place?   How to choose the right lifting sling These are just a few of the questions that you must ask yourself before undertaking any type of lifting or rigging task. But here’s your first challenge… what type of sling do you need? It might seem like an easy answer, but we understand that sometimes there’s just too much choice, which leaves doubt in our minds.   The different types of lifting slings...

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Keep Safe: Understanding Sling Tag Requirements

Keep Safe: Understanding Sling Tag Requirements

Lifting Slings are among the most commonly used rigging equipment in construction and industrial settings. However, these items are also potentially dangerous if not properly inspected, tested and tagged, which is why it’s essential to ensure that each sling has a valid I.D. tag attached indicating all the necessary information for safe operation. In this blog post, we will explore what information must be included on a chain sling tag, as well as providing tips for safely using them. Read on to learn more about how you can stay safe when using chain slings! What Information Must Be Included on a Lifting Sling Tag? A sling tag is a steel or plastic tag (ours are steel!) attached to a sling that includes important...

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How to Measure a Lifting Sling

How to Measure a Lifting Sling

Measuring a lifting sling is an essential part of buying and using them safely. If you don’t get the right size, it can be dangerous and cause serious issues for your rigs. Luckily, it’s easy to measure the sling correctly with just a few simple steps. To determine the length of your sling, you will need a tape measure or ruler. Begin by laying out the sling flat on a level surface and extending it fully to its maximum length if possible. Then, measure from the bearing point of the oblong master link to the bearing point of the hooks (the underside of the top arch of the masterlink where the crane hook will sit to the bite of the hook...

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Vehicle Recovery Chain

How to Safely Recover a Vehicle Using a Vehicle Recovery Chain

Are you in need of help recovering a vehicle? (You should probably call a professional recovery company rather then doing it yourself) but lets say you are a professional and you're just looking for a few tips, so you're in the right place. A recovery using a chain sling is one of the most effective and safe methods that you can use (and it will fit nicely in your rigging box!). This guide will provide a step-by-step overview of how to safely perform a vehicle recovery using a set of chains, do consider however that every recovery is different and there for improvisations are often made based on the application, however the fundamentals usually remain the same. Firstly, it is...

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3 Reasons to STOP using Wire Rope Slings!

3 Reasons to STOP using Wire Rope Slings!

Despite their wide adaptation and availability, Wire Rope Slings do have several drawbacks that need to be considered when using them: 1. Wire rope absorbs water quickly and this can decrease its strength significantly - so it is recommended that they are used in dry conditions only. 2. Hauling these beats around is a big deal in itself, they can be sharp and rigid often making them difficult to manipulate to store or carry. Our chains are smooth, easy to handle and compact when storing (although we always recommend hanging your chains after use where possible). 3. Wire Rope Slings cannot be adjusted or shortened in length, once crimped they are often sized for life. With an Adjustable Chain Sling...

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How to lift a container

What can I use to lift a shipping container?

What is an ISO Shipping Container? ISO shipping containers are a standardized type of device used for international sea and land transport purposes. Usually made from corrugated steel and measuring either 20 or 40 feet in length, the ISO container is one of the most versatile systems for the transportation of goods used today. These containers can easily be loaded on ships, railway cars, and trucks, making them an incredibly efficient means of distribution. Plus, they provide a safe environment during transit to ensure proper protection for valuable items like food or electronics that could be damaged otherwise. With their immense utility, it's no wonder why they are often preferred container options in many industries. Shipping containers have been transforming...

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