In modern material handling and construction work, the choice of rigging equipment plays a crucial role in safety and efficiency. From flexible lifting strops to durable lifting chains with hooks, each type of rigging gear serves a specific purpose. Understanding the difference between synthetic strops and alloy rigging chains helps buyers and operators choose the right solution for their lifting application.

1. What Are Lifting Strops?

Lifting strops (also called lifting slings or polyester webbing slings) are fabric-based lifting devices designed for light to medium-duty lifting. They are made from polyester, nylon, or high-strength synthetic fibers.

Advantages of lifting strops:

Lightweight and easy to handle

Won’t scratch or damage delicate surfaces

Flexible and ideal for irregular shapes

Affordable and simple to store

Best suited for:

Machinery maintenance

Workshop lifting

Light construction jobs

Equipment positioning

However, lifting strops have limitations — they are more vulnerable to sharp edges, chemical exposure, and heat, and they wear out faster than chains under heavy-duty usage.

2. What Are Lifting Chains with Hooks?

Lifting chains with hooks are assembled from alloy steel chains combined with clevis hooks, sling hooks, or self-locking hooks. These form a strong lifting system for heavy materials.

Advantages of lifting chains with hooks:

Very high load capacity

Excellent abrasion and heat resistance

Adjustable length (using shortening hooks)

Suitable for harsh or outdoor environments

Can be assembled as 1-leg, 2-leg, 3-leg or 4-leg slings

These chains are typically manufactured from G80 or G100 alloy steel and are proof-tested according to EN 818 or ASME B30.9 lifting standards.

3. What Are Rigging Chains?

Rigging chains refer to all types of alloy steel chains used in lifting, load securing, and heavy transport applications. Unlike general-purpose utility chains, rigging chains are engineered specifically for overhead lifting.

Rigging chains can also be paired with:

Hooks

Master links

Coupling connectors

Shortening clutch links

This makes them versatile for construction, mining, shipbuilding, and industrial lifting.

4. When to Choose Chains vs Strops

5. Safety Considerations

Regardless of the lifting method, safety comes first:

✅ Always check WLL (Working Load Limit)
✅ Inspect hooks and links before lifting
✅ Avoid shock loading
✅ For strops: protect from edges and high temperature
✅ For chains: follow correct sling angle rules

Conclusion

Both lifting strops and lifting chains with hooks play an important role in rigging, but they are designed for different types of lifting tasks.
When softness and flexibility are needed, strops are ideal.
When maximum durability and strength are required, rigging chains are the preferred solution.

As a professional manufacturer of industrial lifting solutions, TOPONE CHAIN provides certified G80/G100 alloy lifting chains and complete rigging systems for construction, mining, manufacturing, and marine applications — ensuring safety, strength, and long service life.