Chain slings are the rigging answer for foundries, steel handling, and any lift where heat, abrasion, or impact would destroy wire rope or synthetics. Only alloy chain — Grade 80, 100, or 120 — is rated for overhead lifting. Here's how to configure and care for them.
Grade 80 vs Grade 100
Grade 100 is roughly 25% stronger than Grade 80 at the same chain size, which usually means one size smaller and lighter chain for the same working load limit — a real difference for riggers handling bridles all day. Grade 80 remains the economical standard with a huge installed base of fittings. Both are heat-treated alloy steel with embossed grade marks (8/80/800 or 10/100/1000) on the links. Grades 30, 43, and 70 are for load securement only, never overhead lifting.
Configurations & Ratings
Chain slings are described by legs and end fittings: SOG (single, oblong master, grab hook), DOS (double, oblong, sling hooks), and so on through quad-leg bridles. Capacity depends on legs and angle — a double-leg sling at 60° carries 1.732× the single-leg rating, at 45° 1.414×, at 30° only 1×. Three- and four-leg slings are rated as three legs unless the lift is engineered for equal loading. Adjustable slings use grab hooks to shorten legs — note that some grab hook styles de-rate the chain, while cradle-style grab hooks preserve full rating.
Temperature Service
| Chain temp | Grade 80 effect |
|---|---|
| Up to 400°F | Full rating |
| 400–500°F | Temporary reduction per manufacturer |
| Over 1000°F | Remove from service |
Chain used hot must follow the manufacturer's temperature de-rating table, and permanently reduced ratings apply after exposure above thresholds.
Inspection & Removal
Per ASME B30.9: remove for missing tag, stretch (measure reach against the tag), bent/gouged/nicked links, wear beyond the manufacturer's minimum link thickness, cracks, weld splatter, heat discoloration, or hook damage (throat opening spread more than 15%, twist over 10°). Measure — don't eyeball — wear and stretch on periodic inspections, and keep records.
Bridles Assembled to Spec
We assemble Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain slings — single through quad leg, any reach, with certs. Give us capacity, reach, legs, and end fittings in the quote form at the top of the page — pricing and lead time during business hours.