Chain slings are used in a variety of different industry, usually for rough, heavy-duty applications.
Chain slings are used in a variety of different industry, usually for rough, heavy-duty applications. You may be comparing the use of chain slings to other kinds of slings, and wondering which would best suit the task in hand. Slings can be made from a range of different materials, and are generally used for overhead lifting, together with a crane, a powered or manual hoist, or other lifting apparatus. Alternative materials approved for slings include metal mesh, synthetic materials (ropes, webbing and fibres), and wire rope. At UK Lifting Equipment, we have an extensive range of duke chain slings, and today we’re going to look at the use of them and consider why you might want to choose them for your project.
Application
When considering the appropriate sling to use for your job, you must think about the specific details of what requires lifting. There are a number of considerations here, including the weight of what needs lifting, the centre of gravity, and the geometry of the lift, including sling angles. You should think about the required reach, and the number of attachment points needed for a balanced lift. You also need to think about the space you are lifting in, the ambient conditions, and whether there are any clearance restrictions such as the height, as well as upper and lower fitting requirements.
Material
It is recommended to use alloy steel chains for any overhead lifting. In this industry, the most common grades of steel chain include 8, 10, and 12. As standard, at UK Lifting Equipment, we supply grade 8 chains, but we also stock grade 10 chains. The thickness of these chains can vary between 8mm thick to 32mm thick. The elements that make up these chains mean they have unique strength capabilities, as well as abrasion resistance and many more benefits. They also have visual indicators that warn the user when the sling is overloaded, which aren’t usually seen in synthetic or wire ropes.
Durability
Another key benefit of using steel chain slings is their durability over other options. They resist crushing, kinking, cuts and any other abrasions, as well as chemicals and UV radiation. They work well in oily or dirty environments, and can withstand extremely high and low temperatures, from around 200°C to -4°C, even beyond this if required. For these reasons, it has a long service life over other types of slings.
Versatility
Unlike slings made from other materials, steel duke chain slings are easily adjustable, making them more versatile. They can be constructed in the field, and also make for easy inspection. It’s also possible to repair chain slings if they do become broken or damages, whilst this can be difficult, or even impossible, with other kinds of slings. Here at UK Lifting Equipment, it’s possible to specify a choice of length, as well as the type of hooks, such as C hooks and self-locking hooks. The standard length is 1 metre, but it is possible to extend this to 10 metres or more when requested.
Contact Us
For any enquiries about our range of duke chain slings, or any other products, please get in touch with the team through our web contact form, or by emailing us at info@ukliftingequipment.co.uk. Alternatively, you can contact us by phone on 01777 800300 in order to speak to a member of staff directly. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have for us.
