A lifting chain is the backbone of modern rigging and material-handling systems.
From construction sites and shipyards to steel plants and offs

hore projects, lifting chains provide the secure connection between heavy loads and cranes.
Engineered from quenched and tempered alloy steel, a properly selected lifting chain guarantees both performance and safety in demanding lifting operations.

1. What Is a Lifting Chain?

A lifting chain is a specially heat-treated alloy chain used to connect, hoist, or move heavy objects.
Unlike common industrial or decorative chains, lifting chains are manufactured and tested according to international safety standards such as EN 818, NACM 96/84, and ASME B30.9.
Each chain link is proof-tested and stamped with a grade mark that indicates its minimum breaking force and working load limit (WLL).

Typical materials:

Alloy steel (20Mn2, SCM440, or 23MnNiMoCr5-4) – provides strength and toughness.

Surface treatment – black oxide or electrophoretic coating for corrosion protection.

Grades – the most common are G80, G100, and G120, each representing higher tensile strength.

2. Why Lifting Chains Are Essential

Compared with wire-rope or synthetic slings, lifting chains offer several unique advantages:

Extreme durability – chains withstand heat, abrasion, and impact.

Adjustable length – by using shortening hooks or grab hooks, chain slings can adapt to different loads.

Compact storage – chains are flexible and occupy less space.

Reliable traceability – each chain batch can be traced through serial numbers and test certificates.

Because of these features, lifting chains are widely used in manufacturing, steel mills, mining, transportation, and offshore engineering.

3. Understanding Chain Grades and Working Load Limits

Selecting the correct lifting chain grade is vital for safety and efficiency.

All grades must be used within their Working Load Limit (WLL), which depends on the chain size, number of legs, and lifting angle.
For example, a 13 mm G80 single-leg sling may have a WLL of 5.3 t at 0–45°, while the same in G100 increases to about 6.7 t.

4. How Lifting Chains Are Used

Lifting chains are often assembled into chain slings—single, double, three-leg, or four-leg configurations—equipped with master links and hooks.

Common applications include:

Construction and Infrastructure – lifting precast concrete, beams, and machinery.

Shipbuilding and Offshore – handling anchors, molds, and steel sections in marine environments.

Mining and Heavy Industry – moving excavator parts, crushers, and conveyor systems.

Logistics and Warehousing – loading and unloading heavy cargo.

Each sling configuration must be selected according to the load’s shape, weight, and center of gravity.

5. Safety and Inspection Guidelines

Safety is the foundation of every lifting operation. Following these best practices ensures reliable performance:

Inspect before every lift – check for wear, elongation, cracks, or corrosion on Never overload – stay within the certified WLL for the chain grade and size.

Monitor angles – wider sling angles reduce the effective capacity.

Protect edges – use corner guards to prevent chain damage.

Temperature limits – avoid use above 200 °C for G80 and 400 °C for stainless variants.

Record inspections – maintain regular test reports for traceability.

Proper maintenance extends the service life and prevents accidents caused by fatigue or misuse.

6. Global Standards and Certification

Modern lifting chains are regulated by strict international standards:

EN 818 – European standard defining mechanical properties and test methods.

NACM 96/84 – North American specification for welded alloy chain slings.

ASME B30.9 – U.S. safety standard for slings.

ISO 1834 & ISO 3076 – global guidelines for short-link chains.

Manufacturers such as TOPONE CHAIN test every chain to 2.5 × WLL proof load and provide CE, TÜV, and ISO 9001:2015 certification.

7. Choosing the Right Lifting Chain Manufacturer

When selecting a lifting chain supplier, consider:

Material Quality – only quenched and tempered alloy steel should be used.

Production Control – automated welding, heat treatment, and 100 % proof testing.

Certification – CE, TÜV, GS, and ISO approvals ensure compliance.

Customization – different chain sizes, surface finishes, and sling assemblies.

After-Sales Support – technical documentation and inspection guidance.

A trusted supplier ensures not only product reliability but also workplace safety.

Conclusion

A lifting chain is more than a simple link assembly—it is a precision-engineered safety component.
Choosing the correct grade, maintaining inspection routines, and sourcing from certified manufacturers are key to safe and efficient lifting.
With advanced manufacturing, strict quality control, and international certifications, TOPONE CHAIN provides durable G80, G100, and G120 lifting chains trusted by industries worldwide.