Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Turnbuckle and Rigging screw?

With a Turnbuckle the threaded ends are visually exposed where as a Rigging screw has a bottle type body enclosing the threaded ends.

What is the Australian Standard for Turnbuckles and Rigging Screws?

The current Australian Standards for Turnbuckles and Rigging Screws is AS 2319.

Can a Rigging screw or Turnbuckle be used for lifting?

Yes, however they need to be stamped on the body with the WLL. If there is not WLL stamped then they cannot be used for lifting.

What grades do they come in?

The most common grades of steel that Turnbuckles and Rigging Screws are made out of are Grade L, Grade P, Grade S and commercial grade. Commercial grade is not designed for lifting.

Can they be used as a part of a height safety static line?

Yes, however a rated turnbuckle or rigging screw needs to be used with a min rating of 21kN

Where are Turnbuckles and Rigging screw commonly used?

Both turnbuckles and riggings screws are more commonly used in guying and rigging applications.

What types of Lifting Points are available?

There are bolt or weld types of Lifting Points and they can be swivel or fixed.

What is the Australian Standard for Lifting Points?

The Australian Standard for lifting points is AS 2317 and it is currently under review to now cover G80, G100 and G120 lifting points.

Do Lifting Points need to be load tested once installed?

Any lifting point then is secured in place by friction, welding and adhesive should be load tested, screw in type lifting points should be installed as per manufacturer’s requirements.

What is the difference between a Chain Block and a Chain Hoist?

A Chain Block is a manual lifting device. A Chain Hoist is a power-operated lifting device.

What is the difference between a Chain Block and a Lever Block?

The mechanics inside are similar however a chain block is designed to lift vertically whereas a lever block was designed to be used horizontally and vertically. There are a few chain blocks that can be used outside of the 5 degrees of vertical but manufacturers' user guide needs to be followed and de-rating may need to be applied.

What lengths do Chain blocks come in?

Chain blocks come standard in 3m and 6m height of lift. Other height of lifts can be made as required.

What lengths do Lever Blocks come in?

Lever blocks come standard in 1.5m and 3m but can be re-chained in other lengths if required.

What is overload protection?

This is a feature that is available in some brands of chain and lever blocks to prevent the user from overloading the block.

What are the best lever blocks for harsh environments?

It really depends on the environment - what works underground might not be great for subsea or other corrosive environments. Contact us and speak with a technical representative to discuss what block would suit your needs best.

Can a chain block be used while the operator is to the side or above the block?

Most common chain blocks do not allow for overhead or side use as the design limitation of the hand/pocket wheel does not allow for it. The Yale 360 handwheel rotates a full revolution allowing the user to use from all angles.

What is the best Chain block to use to drift a load?

The Yale 360's design allows the user to operate the blocks and angles outside the 5 degrees and stay outside of the danger zone. Ranger recommends the Yale block for drifting loads, refer to manufacturers guide for this.

What is meant by general purpose chain?

General purpose chain is more commonly referred to as Proof Coil Chain. It is made in a variety of link sizes for a wide range of industrial and agricultural non-lifting purposes eg, fences, barriers, roof supports, etc. Proof Coil Chain comes in two link formations; regular and long. It does not have a stamping every 0.5m.

What is Calibrated chain?

A chain is calibrated when each link is pulled to an exact length and pitch. This is necessary when it is used within a sprocket wheel. Calibrated chain is fitted to devices such as hoists and chain blocks so it aligns with the internal gears and runs smoothly. Calibrated hand chain is also used to operate manual chain blocks, manual geared trolleys, roller doors etc.

What is Grade L and P chain?

Grade L & P are chains that are designed for lifting. Grade L chain is more commonly used as anchor chain and lifting chain in galvanising factories due to the environment in which they are used the lower grade steel that make this chain holds up better in these corrosive environments.

Do you have hand chains suitable for roller doors?

5mm long link calibrated hand chain which is electro zinc plated is best suited for roller door type applications.

Can you buy individual links of chain?

Chain is manufactured in a continuous length on automated chain making machines which do not allow individual links to be manufactured. If individual links are required, you must purchase double the amount of links needed and cut every second link.

Does Ranger supply stainless steel chain?

Yes, Ranger supply stainless steel chain for a whole range of applications, please contact your nearest branch and speak with one of our technical sales team to advise what product would suit.

What is Flail Chain?

Flail Chain is used to remove bark from timber. It is specifically hardened to wear well in an abrasive environment.

What shackles are best for use with heavy lift Round slings?

Wide Body Sling Shackles are the best Shackle to use with Round slings especially when it is a heavy lift (30t+). The wider body increases the angle of the sling around the shackle which minimises the heat caused within the sling.

How often do my slings needed to be inspected?

Current Australian Standards state Round and Flat slings need to be inspected every 3 months.

When do I need to use Sling protection?

Whenever there is a sharp or abrasive corner sling protectors should be used. When the D-to-d ratio is quite small sling protectors can be used to increase the angle as well as protect the sling.

What sling protection should I use?

There is a whole range of sling protectors on the market and a whole range of costs. Depending on what is being lifted and the WLL the right protector may change. It is best to contact your local Ranger branch to discuss the needs with one of our staff.

What is Transport Chain made for?

Made for use as a load restraint in the transport industry for use as a tie down, its properties are that is it quite strong and does not have any stretch in it.

What standards does transport chain come under?

Conforms to Australian Standard AS 4344 - Cargo Restraint Systems - Transport Chain and Components”.

What markings are on Transport chain?

Chains are clearly marked with their lashing capacities and can be supplied in bulk quantities or in the form of load binding kits, with a range of suitable grab and claw hooks.

What tiedown is best to use?

This all comes down to what is being tied down and how abrasiving the load is. Straps are very easy to use and do not mark the load but can be easily cut. Chain is strong but is heavy and needs strong load binders to tie down loads, this can cause damage to the load.

What is the safest load binder to use?

The Maxi Binder and the Ergo Webdog are the safety load binders to use.

Can I buy corner protectors to protect against damage?

Yes, Ranger can supply heavy duty edge protectors for use with chain or lighter weight ones for use with ratchet straps.

How can I tell the difference in the range of chains?

When chains are manufactured they are marked or stamped with a manufacturer's mark and/or its grade at regular link intervals (usually no more than every 0.5m). Grade 80 chains are marked with an 8, 80, 800 or T. Grade 100 chains are marked with a 10, 100 or a V. Although chains are usually sold in different colours, colour is does not have any relation to the grade of chain.

Can I use G80 & G100 chain in a corrosive environment?

G80 & G100 chain and fittings should not be used in acidic or other corrosive environments. Please contact your nearest Ranger branch for more information about the use of our chains in these types of environments.

What is the Australian Standard for G80 & G100 Chain?

G80 & G100 chain is manufactured to conform to the mechanical properties specified in Australian Standard AS2321. Always refer to Grade 80 Working Load Limit and Grade 100 Working Load Limit charts.

What are the markings on chains?

Each manufacturer may mark their chain in a different manner to distinguish its grade or type. However, most rated lifting chains should at least have its grade marked at regular link intervals.

Is there an Australian Standard to cover G80 & G100 Chain Slings?

Factory assembled chain slings are tested and tagged in accordance with AS 3775. Learn more about the relevant Australian Standards here >

Can I weld G80 & G100 Chain?

No, do not weld G80 & G100 Chain or fittings to another material or try to join them. The heat applied during the welding process would be detrimental to the product and would adversely and significantly compromise its performance.

Can I galvanise or plate G80 & G100 Chain?

G80 & G100 Chain and fittings must never be hot-dip galvanised, mechanically galvanised or electroplated, except by the original manufacturer. The heat that would transfer to the product during the galvanising or plating process would be significantly detrimental to the product.

Are G80 & G100 chain and fittings heat treated?

G80 & G100 chain & fittings are heat treated under strict supervision during the production process. They do not require periodic heat treatment and must never be reheated by customers or end-users.

What is the difference between Grade 80 Chain and Grade 100 Chain?

Grade 80 chain is the most commonly used and available lifting chain for sling configuration within the Lifting Industry. Grade 100 Chain has a 20% higher lifting capacity and was specifically developed in Europe to reduce the weight of the assembled chain slings.

What is De-Rating?

De-rating is a reduction in the Working Load Limit (WLL) of a chain (or of a sling or component) with a consequent revision of its Safe Working Load (SWL), due to factors including how it is used, what it is used for, its surface finish and the work environment.

What is a safety latch or a trigger?

A safety latch is a spring-loaded latch that prevents the load from being unintentionally disengaged from the hook. A Trigger is the locking device found on the back of a self-locking hook that prevents the hook from unlocking.

Can I reeve chain with a Grab Hook?

Yes, however the strength of the chain may have to be de-rated by 25% for reeving depending on the style of grab hook and how it sits on the chain link.

How often should I check my chains?

There are two types of inspections as defined by Australian Standards: In-service and Periodic. In service - The user should check a chain sling before each use to ensure it is free from damage and wear. Periodic - Australian standard statuses on their frequency of use. Ranger for the table and the exact wording for competent person.

Is it possible to purchase chain slings assemblies that have no mechanical joining devices?

Ranger can provide fully welded chain sling assemblies that have no mechanical joining devices. Prices and lead times are available upon request.

Can I use my G80 or G100 Chain Sling as a tow chain?

Yes, if the sling is tagged with its WLL you can use it for towing. You must ensure you know tow load and never exceed the WLL under any circumstances. However, once the chain sling has been used as a towing chain, the sling can not be used for lifting again.

Why? The force put on a chain sling when towing cannot be accurately measured. Using a manufacturer tow sling is the best option.

Under what heat conditions can G80 & G100 Chain Slings be used?

Where temperatures are likely to be higher than 200C reductions in the working load limits of Grade 80 & Grade 100 Chain Slings should be applied. Talk to our team as each manufacturer could be different.

Can G80 & G100 components be used together in one chain sling?

Yes, however the WLL of the weakest component of the chain sling needs to be adhered to and this needs to be the WLL stated on the tag.

What standards do shackles relate to?

The Australian Standard for Shackles is AS 2741

What Grade of steel are Shackles made of?

The most commonly found Shackles are made from Grade S steel. They also come from other grades such as G80.

Can I use my Shackle to lift on the side?

A Shackle is not designed to lift on the side or at the 45 degree angle but if this cannot be avoided WLL reductions need to taken into account.

What is the max angle I can use my Shackle at?

Bow Shackles have a maximum design angle of 120 degrees and must not be exceeded. A Dee Shackle is designed for only vertical lifts.

Can I use Shackles in a corrosive environment?

Grade S shackles should not be used in acidic or other corrosive environments. Please contact your nearest Ranger branch for more information about the use of our Shackles n these types of environments.

Under what heat conditions can Shackle be used?

Where temperatures are likely to be higher than 200c reductions in the working load limits of Shackles need be applied. Contact Ranger for advice.

What Shackles are best for heavy-lift use with Round slings?

Wide Body Sling Shackles are the best Shackle to use with Round slings especially when it is a heavy lift (30t+). The wider body increases the angle of the sling around the Shackle which minimises the heat caused within the sling.

Do I need to be trained to wear a harness?

Yes, under Australian Standard if you are work at a height where you are at risk of falling you are required to wear a harness and to complete an accredited Working at Heights course.

What is the Australian Standard for harnesses?

The Australian Standard for Harnesses is AS 1891.1

When do I need to wear a harness?

Under Australian Standards when you are working at a height of 2 meters or more and there is a risk of a fall.

What harness can I wear when welding?

When welding the use of a harness and lanyard manufactured out heat resistance webbing is required as general purpose harness are manufactured out of polyester and will burn if any contact with weld splatter.

What is the difference between fall arrest and fall restraint?

Fall restraint means we can work at height with no risk of falling but all this equipment must still be rated for fall arrest, in fall arrest this means we are working where there is a risk of falling and all equipment used should rated to reduce the load on a person and limit the amount of fall were possible.

When do I need to work in fall restraint?

Wherever possible you should try to work in fall restraint meaning take out the possibility of a fall.

Can I work at heights without a harness?

The only way you can work at heights without a harness is when any chance of a fall is completely eliminated. This can be done with scaffolding, handrails etc.

How often am I required to have equipment inspected?

Under Australian Standards AS1891 all equipment should be inspected prior to use and every six months by a competent person.

What is a Height Safety Engineered System?

A system that is installed permanently on a roof or a structure that has been engineered to allow people to walk along the roof or structure freely. The system could be wire rope or a rail system. The system generally works in tandem with anchor points being installed for access.

Who can I get to install a Height Safety System and walkway on my roof?

Ranger are certified installers for a range of installed systems. Please contact your nearest Ranger branch to discuss your needs with one of our technical specialists.

How often do I need to have my height safety engineered system inspected?

Most systems are required to be inspected yearly and, depending on the environment that they are installed in, more frequent inspections may be required.

What is an anchor point?

An anchor point, or anchorage, is one component of a personal fall arrest system, which is designed to prevent injury to workers should they fall from their worksite. This refers specifically to the point at which an anchoring device is affixed, fastened, tied, or otherwise connected to a support location.

What is an engineered product?

Engineered products are manufactured items that have been designed for a specific reason or task. An in-house engineer has determined all calculations and stresses to ensure the item is correctly designed for the specific task and meets the required Australian Standard requirement.

What is the Australian Standards for engineered products?

Engineered products for lifting falls under the Australian standard AS 4991.

Can I make my own lifting device?

Yes, as long as the correct engineering process has been performed, the stress analysis calculations have been determined and verified and all the other requirements in the standards are met. We would suggest you discuss your project with us so we can advise you accordingly.

Why does it have to be tested?

The engineering calculations and any mechanical points need to be verified by a physical load test to ensure they are correct and that no permanent deformation is present.

How often does it need to be inspection?

As required by Australian Standard, engineered products need to be checked at a maximum interval of 12 months. More regular inspections are recommended if the engineered product is frequently.

Do engineered products have to be registered with SafeWork Australia?

No. However man riding/handling equipment and cages need to have the design registered with SafeWork Australia.