FAQs: Lifting Chains, Slings, and Fittings

When chains are manufactured they are marked or stamped with a manufacturers 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.

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.

G80 & G100 chain is manufactured to conform to the mechanical properties specified in Australian Standard AS2321.

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.

Factory assembled chain slings are tested and tagged in accordance with AS 3775.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 state the chains slings need to be inspected by a competent person based on their frequency of use. See Ranger for the table and the exact wording for competent person.

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

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. 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.

Where temperatures are likely to be higher than 200C reductions in the working load limits of G80 & G100 Chain Slings should be applied. Talk to our team as each manufacturer could be different.

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.

Grade 120 is a relatively new chain grade developed out of Europe to enable the user to achieve similar WLL as traditional Grade 80 but in one size smaller. G120 is 50% stronger than G80 and is 20% stronger than G100.

It is currently manufactured up to 16mm.

Currently there is no standard for G120 as the product is quite new. However, G120 is based around the G80 & G100 standards and fully conforms to the same requirements and the same qualities or limitations apply.

Grade 60 is a stainless steel grade of lifting chain.

G60 Stainless steel lifting chain is best suited to highly corrosive environments such as salt water or sewage treatment and food industries.