Grade 80 chain slings are just one of the many types of lifting sling available for lifting and moving loads safely and efficiently. If you are only performing lifts of a certain capacity, because you don’t have loads that are bigger, or you don’t have a crane that can take a higher capacity, then a grade 80 chain sling will be the best option to choose. There is no point buying a heavier duty chain sling with a higher capacity, as it will be bigger, bulkier, and will cost more. Grade 80 chain slings will be sufficient for many lifting operations and the chains themselves should be of a very high quality when full certified, giving you a piece of equipment that is highly reliable and dependable on site and when used in conjunction with cranes.
Grade 80 chain slings come in different configurations which will make them more adaptable for lifting a variety of loads. They can have between one and four leg attachments which means they are highly customisable even in the most basic sense; a chain sling can be used for a wide variety of lifts and can perform a variety of functions too.
As well as the arms, there are also a number of other customisations available with chain slings. These can be selected at the time of ordering, when you order from a good manufacturer that has a comprehensive and user friendly website, where you can browse the different slings available, look at the different functions and choose the best options for you. Some of the most common customisations include:
- Sling end fittings – there is the choice of sling hooks with safety catches, C hooks, and safety locking hooks
- Effective working length – for most grade 80 chain slings, there will be working lengths between 1m and 10m available
- Shorteners – at the point of ordering, it is possible to add shorteners if you want to
Chain slings are an effective alternative to wire rope slings that are highly customisable too, and with the variety of options available, often an 80 grade chain sling will be perfect for the job. The load factor and number of legs required are the key considerations, that need to be carefully thought about before placing an order.
As with any item of equipment intended for heavy lifting and use with other lifting systems, safety is key and due diligence must be carried out when buying grade 80 chain slings. This will involve assessing safety, so familiarise yourself with safety factors and features ahead of ordering. The slings themselves should use high quality fittings and should have a metal tag with identification on it. Certification should also be supplied on assembly. Always order from a well known and established supplier that offers grade 80 chain slings from good brands, so that you can be assured of quality ahead of your chain sling arriving. The supplier should preferably be very knowledge and experienced about all kinds of lifting equipment.