You pick a single leg lifting chain when the lift runs straight up-and-down and you need simple control with clean traceability. But environments change, so you choose between G80 alloy steel and G80 stainless (304/316) based on corrosion, heat, hygiene, and inspection needs. This guide explains what truly changes, how Working Load Limits (WLL) compare, which standards you should cite, and how welds, finish, and maintenance affect service life—so you select the right single-leg chain and move confidently from plan to pick.

Single Leg Lifting Chain—What Stays the Same

A certified single-leg sling speaks one rating language from hook to load. Links carry a grade stamp (“8” for Grade 80) and size; the sling tag lists WLL by hitch (vertical = full WLL) and includes serial/batch and manufacturer ID. Hooks, shackles, and the master link carry their own WLL marks. For rule sets you reference ASME B30.9 or EN 818-4; both require minimum breaking force that meets or exceeds 4× WLL for chain sling assemblies. You read the metal, you photograph the marks, and you file the certificates with the sling record.

G80 Alloy vs G80 Stainless—What Actually Differs

Base metallurgy

G80 Alloy Steel (typical 20Mn2): quenched and tempered for high strength and toughness in general lifting.

G80 Stainless (304/316): corrosion-resistant austenitic steel that a manufacturer qualifies to Grade 80 through controlled welding and heat treatment, then proof-tests to the stated WLL.

Corrosion behavior

Alloy shrugs off abrasion and sparks but needs routine cleaning and a light oil film, especially near salt.

Stainless resists pitting and staining in splash zones, washdown, and chemical mist when you keep surfaces clean and avoid chloride traps.

Temperature envelope

Alloy follows a published derating curve at high temperatures; you log any heat exposure.

Stainless holds strength well in wet or cold service; you still follow the maker’s temperature limits and note work-hardening effects from repeated bending.

Hygiene and finish

Alloy in black-oxide or phosphate hides grime and reads clearly under shop lights.

Stainless supports hygiene programs and reduces contamination risk on food, pharma, or cleanroom modules.

Magnetism

Alloy responds strongly to magnets.

Stainless (304/316) often shows low magnetism; welding and cold work can increase it slightly—verify if your site restricts magnetic tools.

Welds and fabrication

Alloy welds and heat treats within mature production windows.

Stainless G80 demands tight welding procedures (heat input, purge control) and post-weld treatment so the chain meets Grade 80 tensile and ductility targets; request weld procedure and proof-test records.

Side-by-Side—Single Leg G80 Alloy vs G80 Stainless

Always follow the sling tag; the lowest-rated component limits the assembly.

WLL Reality Check—Numbers You Verify, Not Guess

When the tag states Grade 80, single leg lifting chain in stainless or alloy carries the same vertical WLL for the same diameter because the grade defines the mechanical target, not the color or alloy family. However, you still read the table on the tag and the WLL marks on fittings, then you log the serial/batch for traceability.

Example WLL Snapshot*

*Use your sling tag and data sheet for exact values before any lift.

Where Each Single-Leg Choice Wins

Pick G80 Alloy when you rig around hot work, abrasive steel, or heavy impact. The chain shrugs off sparks, takes guards well on sharp radii, and reads clearly after a long shift.
Pick G80 Stainless when the lift enters salt, washdown, or hygiene-critical space. The chain resists pitting and cleans fast, and matching stainless hooks and shackles reduce galvanic attack. In chemical mist or coastal yards, stainless also keeps records cleaner because surfaces stay readable longer.

Hooking, Tagging, and Setup—Keep One Rating Language

Master link: seat it freely in the crane hook and keep inside width ≥ 5× chain diameter so the latch clears.

Hook choice: use self-locking hooks for wind, vibration, or pauses mid-air; keep spring-latch sling hooks for short, sheltered moves.

Shackles: when you connect to padeyes, run the pin through the hardware and face the bow toward the chain so the pin carries pure shear.

Edge protection: guard any sharp corner before you pick—stainless resists corrosion, not cutting.

Records: photograph the grade mark on the link, the WLL on the hook body, and the full tag; file proof-test and inspection sheets with the job.

Inspection—Short, Measurable, Repeatable

You finish the same checks before the first lift and you log them with photos.

Tag & traceability: confirm grade (G80), vertical WLL, serial/batch, and maker ID.

Elongation: measure five consecutive links under light tension; retire legs that exceed the manufacturer’s elongation limit.

Crown wear: gauge link diameter; retire legs at the published wear limit.

Surface condition:

Alloy—look for peening, deep scratches, and heat tint near hot work.

Stainless—look for pitting or crevice tracks around weld toes and under clamps; clean and re-inspect if you find residue.

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

Shackles & pins: check threads and straightness; fit cotters on bolt-type pins.

Welding and Heat-Treatment Notes You Should Ask About

Because stainless sits in austenitic grades (304/316), welds and heat input control final strength and ductility. Ask for:

Weld procedure specs (purge, filler, heat input limits) and post-weld treatment notes.

Proof-test certificate that ties the sling’s serial to the G80 WLL.

Corrosion tests or surface prep instructions for splash and washdown duty.
With those documents in hand, you confirm that the stainless single-leg sling meets the same mechanical targets as alloy G80 for the stated size.

Common Mistakes and Fast Fixes

Trusting color over stamps: you read the tag and the steel; finish only helps housekeeping.

Mixing grades: you keep chain, hooks, shackles, and the master link in the same grade family; the lowest grade rules.

Skipping guards: you add corner protection first; corrosion resistance never equals cut resistance.

Ignoring temperature notes: you follow the maker’s curve for alloy and stainless, and you log any heat event.

Forgetting galvanic pairs: with stainless chain, you match stainless hardware where practical to reduce corrosion cells.

Conclusion

Read stamps, verify WLL on the tag, match grades across every component, and select G80 alloy or G80 stainless by the environment—and your single leg lifting chain will handle daily lifts with clean control—contact TOPONE CHAIN today for certified single-leg G80 alloy and G80 stainless chain slings with full documentation.