Tips Which Will Make the Load-Lifting Easier With Chain Sling

Gone are the days when a group of 5-6 workers or even more used to lift the heavy loads manually. Now, there is no need to hire labour and increase the cost and duration of operations. The chain sling is now a new, advanced rigging solution that makes the operations so much easier. 

This sling is a durable, flexible, and versatile lifting device that consists of an interlinked high-grade metal chain. It is highly abrasion-resistant, which is why it is used for heavy-duty industries. They can especially lift complicated and weirdly structured devices, but if you want to enhance secure operations, which is a must when choosing a chain sling. Here are some of the tips that you must follow to enhance the efficiency of the load lifting solution. 

What is a Chain Sling?

The chain sling is a high-grade metal (grade 80- grade 100) used in material handling. It is used with cranes and hoists or other lifting equipment. They come in various configurations, like single-leg, double-leg,triple-leg, or quad-leg, which ensures safe moving of the heavy and most complicated products. 

Easier & Safer Load Lifting Chain Sling

• Choose the Right Chain Sling:

There are different types of chain slings with different specifications. Different weight loads and shapes require different chain sling configurations. Selecting the right setup improves the lifting balance and control. 

• Single-leg sling is apt for the vertical lifts

• Two-leg sling is apt for lifting a weird structure in a balanced state.

• The three & four-leg sling is ideal for bulky loads.

The 4-leg chain sling is one of the highest grades of rigging solutions, but it does not mean that the equipment can pick up 4 times the load as compared single-leg chain sling. The capacity of the chain sling depends on the sling angle and load distribution. 

• Know your Load Weight:

You must be at least aware of the object’s weight, which will be moved by the machine. Apart from that, it is also important to note the center of gravity. If the load is not evenly balanced, it may shift the tip during lifting, which may increase the risk of accidents. Make sure that the tip of the product is below the hook for lifting the equipment, which will make it stable, and the operations will be smooth. 

• Use the Correct Sling Angles:

The angle between the sling legs greatly impacts its lifting capacity. As the angle of the chain keeps decreasing, the sling spreads wider and the load on each sling increases.  The ideal angle that should be between each angle of the sling is 60° and 90°. However, you should make sure that the difference between the angles does not go below 30°. It will reduce the capacity of the equipment and its stress-bearing capacity. 

If you are unsure about the difference between the angles of each leg, you can determine it by using a load chart or an angular calculator, which will help you understand the distance between the angles of the chain.

• Inspection is a Must:

When you are dealing with heavy-duty load lifting solutions, you need to be very careful about their condition. Check for wear and tear and cracks before attaching the load to the machine.  If they are worn out, it can lead to accidents. Check for deformed hooks, cracks in the chain link, missing safety latches, and damaged tags, among others. If you find any signs of wear and tear, stop the operations and seek professional help. 

• Knotting the Chain:

The chain slings are rigid in structure; they are not designed to twist or tangle. It will weaken the equipment from the inside and deteriorate the quality of the operations. So, always make sure that the structure of the sling is completely straight during the operations. It will distribute the load evenly and can also lead to sudden failures. 

• Protect from Sharp Edges:

When the chain is in motion or when they are stored at a certain place, any sharp or pointy objects nearby can weaken its link. It can cause wear and tear, thus damaging the internal components. So, be aware in advance, so that such issues do not arise. Invest in high-grade padding or corner protectors, which will safeguard the chain from any sort of damage.

• Don’t Exceed the Working Load Limit (WLL):

Each of the chain slings has a certain capacity of load lifting loads, which is marked on the equipment by the manufacturer. So, the operator could clearly follow that guideline and should add load to the equipment according to that. Overloading can lead to permanent damage to the equipment. So, it is best to always check the load limit and never play the guessing game, as it will damage the machine.

• Use the Right Hooks & Attachments:

Using the wrong attachments and hooks can lead to uneven balance or mishaps. So, when you buy the machine, make sure that all the components are compatible and rated in accordance with the same equipment. The manufacturers can guide you regarding where to buy all the other components, like hooks, hoists, or any other accessories, which will be compatible with your load lifting solutions. It will help you make a better choice. 

Wrapping Up….

The chain slings are no doubt very strong, but to ensure smooth and efficient operations, it is important to take care of the slings. The operator should spend time checking through the chain sling to ensure that there are no mishaps and accidents. Also, you do not want to compromise on efficiency. ‘B.E.M. Co. Pvt. Ltd.’ has been a prominent chain sling manufacturer, and their premium quality chains go through quality checks. So, if you want your investment in the chain sling to serve you and be your partner in success in the long run, then do follow the above-mentioned tips.