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Alloy lifting chain
Identifying a compliant alloy chain sling made from short link chain
How to read chain tags and chain grade markings.
A Working Load Limit (WLL) tag helps you to identify:
- the size of the assembly
- the working load limit (direct and reeved values)
- the grade of chain
- the manufacturer's test certificate.
The WLL tag allows you to check if it is the correct sling for the job you're about to do.
A WLL tag should have the following information:
- manufacturer's name or marking
- the grade of the chain and components
- the size of the chain and components
- application sling or multi leg
- the WLL at different angles of lift
- serial number
- Date of Test stamped on the tag.
All alloy chain slings made to AS3775.1 must have serial or test number which correlates to the proof load applied by the manufacturer and shows the date of testing.
Information on chain tags
Chain grades
The grade and the manufacturers mark is to be stamped on the link of chain at:
- every 20th link
- 1 metre intervals (whichever is less).
Markings are as follows:
- T = Grade 80
- 8 = Grade 80
- V = Grade 100
- 10 = Grade 100
Note: Before Grade T-80 and V-100, there was Grade 'L' and Grade 'P'. These grades were the original lifting chains but are rarely used.
Grade 80, 100 and 120 are rated significantly higher than the WLL for Grade L (40) and Grade P(50) chains.
Chain markings
The illustration below shows how to measure the size in millimetres of the chain.
Chain size diameter mm
The chart below shows the progression of steel grades and working load limit changes:
| Size mm | Grade L | Grade P | Grade T-80 | Grade V-100 | Grade 120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 | – | – | – | .63t | – |
5 | – | – | – | 1t | – |
6 | .4t | .79t | 1t | 1.4t | – |
7 | – | – | 1.5t | 1.9t | – |
8 | .64t | 1.28t | 2t | 2.5t | 3t |
10 | 1t | 2t | 3.2t | 4t | 5t |
13 | 1.7t | 3.38t | 5.3t | 6.7t | 8t |
16 | 2.58t | 5.12t | 8t | 10t | – |
18 | – | – | – | 12.5t | – |
19 | – | – | 11.2t | 14t | – |
20 | 4.03t | 8t | 12.5t | 16t | – |
22 | 5.06t | – | 15t | 19t | – |
23 | – | – | – | 21t | – |
26 | 5.81t | – | 21.2t | 26.5t | – |
28 | – | – | – | 31.5t | – |
32 | – | – | 31.5t | 40t | – |
Table: Steel grades and WLL changes chart