What is lifting chains?
Lifting chains are industrial-grade chain slings designed for heavy load handling in lifting equipment systems. They include single-leg and double-leg (two-string) chain slings with hooks and load-bearing components. These chains are built to comply with safety standards and are suitable for rugged environments. They are used by procurement engineers, rigging specialists, and industrial lifting professionals seeking secure load attachment solutions.
Products you’ll find in this category
This category features chain slings of various constructions and leg configurations, including single-leg (1-string) chain slings and double-leg (2-string) chain slings. Variations also include “set” configurations that come complete with safety hooks and shortening devices. Sizes are defined by chain diameter, such as 6 mm, 8 mm, or 10 mm. Users can select from different lengths, with load information provided via load-capacity or working load limit tables.
Applications & industry use cases
Chain slings in this category are used in lifting, rigging, and securing loads in construction, manufacturing, shipyards and material handling. They're suitable for overhead lifting, crane hook operations, and load-lifting in harsh outdoor or extreme temperature conditions. They are accompanied by working load limit data, load charts, and safety hooks. They serve professionals in heavy industry who require durable chains for lifting steel, concrete components, or machinery parts.
Technical guide to lifting chains
Lifting chains are load-bearing assemblies made from high-strength alloy steel, designed to safely lift or suspend heavy objects. Key technical characteristics include chain grade (such as Grade 10), chain diameter (e.g. 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm), number of legs (single or double-leg configurations), and working temperature ranges (for instance −40°C to +200°C). Load capacity or working load limit (WLL) is specified for each configuration, often indicated in tons. Standards compliance is critical: CE marking is visible, and applicable standards govern hook types, safety factor, load-rating and marking. Variations such as single-leg versus multi-leg chain slings differ in angle capacity, load distribution and number of contact points. Secondary components like safety hooks and load bearing plates are integrated in many sets. Selection considerations include environmental exposure (temperature, moisture), application load types (static, dynamic, shock), compatibility with lifting hardware (hooks, master links), and inspection intervals. Tolerances for wear, elongation and hook deformation also factor into safe service life assessments.
Why buy lifting chains at MEMIDOS.
MEMIDOS is a global B2B platform specialised in industrial equipment, offering direct access to manufacturers and verified suppliers without intermediaries. By removing middle men, procurement of lifting chains can be more operationally efficient and competitive. A secure escrow-based payment system holds funds until the agreed order conditions, such as shipment, are met, ensuring protection for buyers while ensuring reliability for suppliers. Buyers are able to source high-quality industrial products with transparent specifications and supplier credentials. International procurement is simplified through consolidated standards, clear product data, and supplier verification.
Frequently Asked Questions about lifting chains
- What does “1-string” or “2-string” mean in a chain sling configuration?
- “1-string” denotes a single-leg chain sling (one chain leg from hook to load), while “2-string” refers to a double-leg sling (two legs providing two attachment points). The number of legs affects load distribution and angles, influencing the working load limit and how the load is balanced.
- How are chain slings graded and what does Grade 10 indicate?
- Grade 10 is a classification of alloy steel chain with specified mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness, and toughness. It governs load rating, durability, and compliance to standards. Chains graded to Grade 10 are suited for higher load capacities under defined safety factors and are tested at elevated temperatures and stress.
- What safety features are included with lifting chain sets?
- Sets often include safety hooks (such as GrabiQ safety hooks), shortening or adjustment devices, and load plates or tags showing working load limits. Load-charts and markings like CE are used to ensure traceability and to verify performance under expected load and environmental conditions.
- Which environmental factors impact the performance of lifting chains?
- Temperature extremes, moisture, corrosion, and exposure to acids or chemicals can alter chain strength, fatigue life, and safety factor. The listed working temperature ranges (for example −40 °C to +200 °C) and the chain material’s resistance to corrosion or surface finish are relevant to ensure safe use.
- How should industrial users select the correct working load limit (WLL) for a lifting chain?
- Selection is based on estimated load weight, number of sling legs, the angle of the sling legs relative to vertical, chain diameter, and any reductions due to wear or deformation. WLL charts or tables provided with each sling must be consulted, and the weakest component (chain or hook) determines overall capacity. Regular inspection must ensure tolerances remain acceptable.
