Wide frames twist, padeyes miss heights, and windy routes punish sloppy geometry. Teams pick four way lifting chains when they need diagonal control plus stability at every corner, yet control only arrives when you plan angles, equalize legs with intent, and verify tension before travel. This field guide shows how to define “four way” correctly, how to choose the right head and fittings, and how to run a short setup and inspection routine that crews finish without guesswork.

What “four way” really means

“Four way” describes a chain sling with four active legs that share load while you control roll, pitch, and yaw. You do not assume perfect sharing; you plan conservatively as if three legs carry while the fourth stabilizes, then you trim until all four work. You keep one rating language across the system: grade and size on links, Working Load Limit (WLL) on hooks, shackles, master link, and shorteners, plus a sling tag that lists WLL by hitch and by angle with a serial or batch ID.

Geometry first—because angle drives tension

Angles change leg tension faster than any other variable, so you measure rather than guess. Target a 60° included angle between adjacent legs when the site allows; reopen tight angles with a spreader or by trimming long legs evenly.

Two steps that prevent overloads

1. Measure each leg’s angle from vertical with a card or an inclinometer.

2. Size legs from the sling tag’s angle table and let the lowest WLL in the path set capacity.

Quick angle card for four-leg planning (per active leg)

Tape this card to the spreader so crews size with numbers, not hunches.

Pick a head that matches motion

Different heads change how the rig behaves once the hook leaves the ground.

Single master link with four legs – Compact and fast in tight bays. Mount shorteners at the head so crews trim opposite legs without a re-rig.

Spreader with two two-leg bridles – Opens angles, clears tall topsides, and calms torsion during long travel.

Equalizer head with in-line swivel – Lets the system settle and bleed twist when routes and wind try to spin the load. Keep the swivel strictly in line.

Seat the master link freely in the crane hook and give the latch room to close; crowded throats cause pinch and chatter.

End fittings for four way lifting chains

Self-locking hooks at the load side for long travel, wind, or vibration; the latch locks under load and stays shut.

Spring-latch sling hooks only for short, protected moves.

Bow shackles where legs may sweep at the head or load. Run the pin through the hardware and face the bow toward the legs so the pin works in pure shear.

Shorteners / shortening clutches at the head for tidy length control; capture one full link centered in the pocket.

Equalize with intent, not eyesight

You cannot see equal tension; you create it.

1. Lay the rig flat; roll links so grade stamps face up; match leg lengths on the ground.

2. Tag legs A–D at the head and color-band pairs so crews trim the intended diagonals.

3. Snug, test-bump 150 mm, and read angles on both faces.

4. Trim opposite legs together in small steps until all four legs carry and the attitude matches the plan.

Four-way scenario planner — head, add-ons, and checks

Use the manufacturer’s tables for exact WLL pairings; the smallest stamp rules capacity.

Ten-minute setup that crews repeat

1. Stage the sling; separate it from tie-down gear; clean stamps.

2. Inspect master link, shorteners, hooks, shackles, and any swivel; replace scarred or cracked parts.

3. Seat the head in the crane hook; confirm latch travel and free swing.

4. Connect at the load; align eyes to the line of pull; seat hooks deep in the bowl.

5. Fit corner guards on every sharp radius.

6. Snug the rig and measure angles on both faces.

7. Trim opposite legs together; reopen geometry with a spreader if angles stay tight.

8. Test-bump 150 mm; pause; re-check angles, latch closure, and pin security.

9. Travel slowly with spotters on corners; correct for wind early.

10. Land straight; release tension; unhook in reverse; log photos of stamps, tag, and angle reads.

Inspection that finishes before the first pick

Keep checks short, measurable, and documented.

Tag & traceability – grade, size, WLL by hitch and angle, serial/batch, maker ID.

Link elongation – measure five consecutive links under light tension; retire legs that exceed the maker’s limit.

Crown wear – gauge link diameter at crowns; compare to the published wear limit.

Shortener pockets – flat faces, no peening, no sidewall cracks; seat one full link centered.

Hooks & latches – cycle latches ten times; verify throat opening and smooth closure; reject cracks at saddle or neck.

Shackles – check threads and straightness; prefer bolt-type pins for vibration and fit cotters.

Swivel – free axial rotation with no side-load scars.

Materials and finishes for real sites

You choose material for the environment, then you size from the tag.

Grade 80/100 alloy handles abrasion and sparks in shops and yards; wipe clean and keep stamps visible.

Zinc–nickel coated alloy tolerates coastal splash; rinse gear and oil pivots at day’s end.

Stainless (304/316) supports washdown and hygiene programs; match stainless fittings to reduce galvanic pairs.

Whichever route you take, you keep grades consistent across links, hooks, shackles, and shorteners; the lowest rating governs.

Mistakes you avoid with four way lifting chains

Guessing at angles. Measure both faces; numbers prevent surprises.
Relying on color. Read stamps and the tag; paint never proves grade.
Mixing grades. Keep the path in one family; the smallest WLL rules.
Half-link captures. Pocket a full link or rebuild the connection.
Using a swivel to hide misalignment. Keep the load path straight or redesign the head.

Conclusion

Plan angles with tools, pick a head that matches motion, trim diagonals in measured steps, protect edges, and document every check—and your four way lifting chains will move complex loads with calm, predictable control—contact TOPONE CHAIN today for certified four-leg chain slings, matched hardware, and full documentation for your next job.