Wednesday, 19th December 2018 Materials Handling

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Lifting Chains & Slings

Whether you are moving heavy objects in the mining, engineering, transport, construction or agricultural sectors, we stock various types of equipment to suits your unique needs and requirements.

Lifting equipment provides ultimate safety and convenience in commercial and industrial work environments, enabling users to lift heavy objects and materials safely and efficiently. Keble’s Trading stocks a range of lifting chains and slings, among other products, all adhering to strict Australian safety and quality standards, namely AS 1418.2.

Here are 5 tips to help you choose the right lifting chain or lifting slings for your operations.

(1) Understand The Intended Application

When using lifting chains and slings, it is important that you design a system that will suit the intended application. You will need to consider the following:

The maximum load to be lifted by the apparatus;
The shape of the load to be lifted;
The size of the sling and leg assembly required to appropriately lift the load;
The overall length from the link to the hook;
The associated components such as links and hooks;
The angles of the load points; – and
Appropriately tagging and servicing the apparatus on a periodic basis.

If you need help choosing an appropriate chain sling, we can help you. Tell us what you need to do or achieve, and we can help provide some guiding tips.

(2) Different Chain Grades

Different chain grades determine the load strength and bulkiness and weight of the chain and fittings. We stock PWB Anchor Grade100 range chains and Auslift Grade80 range chains. The difference between Grade80 and Grade100 chains is that the former type is crafted from heat-treated steel that has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Its strength makes it ideal for lifting heavy items overhead. The Grade100 chains is a newer product that generally provides higher work load limits (WLL) than approved Grade80 chains. If a chain can lift a heavier load, this means that fewer or shorter chain sling legs will be required or the sling can be made lighter to lug around. We also supply the Cromox Grade60 stainless steel lifting slings suitable for water applications.

(3) Diverse Components

We stock various components to help you complete a fully functioning chain or sling. We stock oblong links, sling hooks, safety latch hooks, grab hooks, swivel hooks, and much more to suit your needs. (Also available in stainless)

For example:

A larger oblong link is used when you require more than 2 sling legs to lift something.
A grab hook has a reinforced saddle which limits twists and bends in the chain.
A safety hook is fitted with a spring-loaded latch which provides added security during the lifting operation.
A sling hook features a generous throat opening for easy removal of loads.

(4) Superior Quality Equipment

For heavy duty alloy lifting chains, we stock high tensile alloy steel chains that have been manufactured to meet your industrial lifting requirements. Crafted to satisfy the requirements in Australian Standard 2321 and 3776, our alloy chains and associated equipment are ready for immediate use.

To ensure that your chain slings and components last for a reasonable amount of time, check the following.

Store chains and components in a dry place.
Lightly oil chains and components if kept idle for prolonged periods.
Always inspect a chain sling before use to ensure it is free from damage or wear.
Ensure that the load is evenly distributed on all sling legs.
Ensure that the chain is free of twists and is protected from any sharp corners on the load.
Commence the lift slowly, taking up the slack gradually.
When lowering, avoid the possibility of crushing the chain by ensuring that the load does not land on it.

(5) Check Testing Certification

Our chains and slings have been fabricated from quality alloy steel parts. We ensure that our products are crafted to the highest standard so that you can have peace of mind knowing that your chain or sling will perform to specifications as stated by the manufacturer.

We use our internal 100T test bed to certify and audit customised slings to ensure they are suitable for lifting. This helps our customers feel confident that the product they are customising or repairing is suitable for service.

Established for over 30 years, Keble’s Trading has the expertise and network to source premium quality alloy products for commercial and industrial projects throughout Australia. Based in Victoria, we continue to serve our customers with reliable, effective and long-lasting products that have been crafted to suit various applications and can be tailored to suit your requirements. For superior quality lifting chains, lifting slings and lifting equipment, visit us at one of our four stores or call us on 1800 067 687.

Need a new lifting chain or lifting sling? Share below which product we stock suits your requirements the best.