Because of their adaptability and durability, you can use chain slings for vertical, choker, or basket hitches. If needed, you can construct lifting and rigging assemblies using various master links, slings, and hook variations.

These slings do have some restrictions, despite how powerful they are. However, carrying heavy objects is risky work that, if something goes wrong, can result in catastrophic injury. As a result, choosing a chain sling requires excellent consideration. You can select the proper lifting chain slings with the help of professionals. 

Here is what you should consider when choosing chain slings:

Know what you are lifting or rigging

To begin with, you must understand the anticipated load and the intended lifting technique. It will help you meticulously plan the entire lifting and rigging process. To start, investigate the load’s size, shape, weight, and strength. 

Understand where the centre of gravity of the load is

Indeed, the load’s centre of gravity is essential. The placement of lifting chain slings and lifting device setup is made much simpler if you are aware of the centre of gravity.

The master link or the hook attached to the crane or hoist should always be directly over the centre of gravity as a matter of principle. Otherwise, the load will be imbalanced, which could lead to mishaps or injuries. It will likely take several adjustments to the load before you can locate its centre of gravity. 

Check the lifting points

You must be familiar with how to attach the load to the lifting devices in addition to the centre of gravity. Lifting points are typically included on big loads like containers.

However, you must consider where the slings can be attached if lifting points are not there. The lifting issues you choose must first be able to support the weight of the load.

Second, selecting synthetic lifting chain slings that you can wrap around the weight is a good option if it is fragile. It is the most effective approach to shield the load from the unbearable pressure that alloy chains apply to it throughout the lift. 

Make sure to select the correct grade

The proper grade choice is critical. Lower grades of carbon steel chains, including 30, 40, and 70, are unsuitable for overhead lifting and rigging. Yet you can use them to bundle and tie down loads.

Higher grades, most frequently 80, 100, and 120, are available for steel alloy chains. Many safety regulations advise these grades for use in overhead lifting applications.

Choosing the proper grade can also improve lifting efficiency and lower injury risk. While a Grade 80 chain can be used, a Grade 100 chain that is thinner will be simpler to use. In other words, you need to understand the different grades of alloy chains.

Final thoughts

When lifting large loads, alloy chains are a critical element. But before using them, remember a few things because your efficiency and safety are on the line. You will be able to select the ideal chains for your project with the help of these suggestions.

Calling specialists will be of help if you’re looking for lifting chain slings for industrial use. Discover professionals who provide a variety of rigging and lifting gear to clients in various sectors. If they have an online store, feel free to visit their site or contact them.

Heavy materials must be lifted and transported from one station to another in the construction or transportation industry. Lifting clamps is a tool used to load and unload materials quickly. We can use lifting clamps for both indoor and outdoor applications. They are made of steel and covered with a corrosion-resistant substance to avoid corrosion. It n many sectors like construction sites, industries, mining industries and steel factories. There are plenty of options for lifting clamps. When you choose a plate lifting clamp, make sure that they are in the correct size and fit the load without making any modifications to the clamp. Let’s find out the ideas for choosing a lifting clamp:

Metal hardness

If the metal is complex, the clamp cannot penetrate the steel, and it can’t be able to do its job. For metal of hardness above 300 Brinell, you need non-marring clamps. It has a smooth jaw and a higher grip to grip the plate without slipping. It will also not leave marks on the scale, so you can use it to lift soft materials. It will be of more use when lifting plates are polished and sensitive to marks. For metal with hardness below 300 Brinell, use clamps with teeth. They must be sharp and adequately sized to penetrate the steel and lift the object.

Attitude of lifting

The attitude of lift refers to how you want to lift the plates. If you’re going to lift it vertically, use a vertical plate lifting clamp to lift objects up and down. Vertical plus 90-degree clamp turns the plate from flat 90degree and back. An additional lock is a safety feature to maintain constant pressure on the plate so that if any obstruction comes, the clamp won’t unlock.

Jaw opening

Clamps have jaws opened on the label. If a plate fits in the jaw, it is not the appropriate clamp for the plate. If the plate gets thicker, it can get stuck in the jaw. Following the jaw range recommendation given on the clamp’s tag is better.

Environmental condition

The environment in which you use the clamp is essential to consider. The factors that affect the use of the clamp, like the chemical conditions and temperature, must be considered. If the temperature is too cold, the clamp’s metal becomes brittle, leading to clamping failure. So, choosing the suitable clamp for the right job is essential. You cannot use certain plate lifting clamps in sandblasting environments. It is because, in some cases, the sand will get stuck and affect the threads. Choose clamps that can withstand the environmental condition you intend to work.

Confirmation

You must read the clamps manual before you confirm the suitable clamp. Inspect the clamp to check its condition. Check whether the teeth are sharp and the bolts are tight. Now use a plate lifting clamp and conduct a test lift to identify the witness marks left on the plate after a load is applied.

To sum it up

Lifting clamps are tools used to lift heavy objects. Clamps have extensive applications in various fields. When you buy a clamp, make sure that you look for factors like hardness, the jaws, the environmental conditions and the attitude of lifting. Choose the correct clamp to safely lift the objects.

Lifting operations are executed in all areas of the iron and steel plant. In such operations, we require reliable materials for the safety of the workers. Steel wire ropes are a crucial material since everything depends on its performance.

Steel wire rope is commonly called steel cable. They are constructed of several thin strands of steel wires wound into a helix. The multiple steel wires that form separate strands are laid in a helical pattern around a core. The commonly used layout is six strands. For example, the number of wires in each strand is 6 * 19, 6 * 36, 6 * 61. The structure provides flexibility, strength, and the ability to resist bending. Different applications of the material, strand, and wire structure provide different benefits.

Wires are building blocks of a steel wire rope. The strands are helically placed together around a centre, which is called a core, to form a wire rope. The design strands affect the properties, like resistance to abrasion and fatigue resistance. Selecting the proper wire rope for a lifting operation needs careful considerations.

Components Of Wire Rope

There are 3 basic components in the design of a steel wire rope. They are:

• Wires produced from steel that forms a singular strand
• Multi-wire strands laid in a helical pattern around a core
• The core

Wires

They are the basic and smallest components of wire rope, and wires make up individual strands of rope. Wires are made from various metal materials such as steel, iron, and stainless steel. The wires are manufactured according to certain grades related to strength, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, resistance to wear, and curve of wire. Forming a strand of the correct size and characteristics needs high precision. The wire can be coated but is commonly available in an uncoated or bright finish.

Strands

Strands of a wire rope include two or more wires arranged and twisted in a specific arrangement. These individual strands are laid in a helical pattern around the core of the steel wire rope. Strands made of larger diameter wires have high resistance to abrasion, while strands of smaller diameter wires are more flexible.

Core

The crux of a steel wire rope is the prime feature. It is presented in the centre of the steel wire rope. It supports the strands in the rope to maintain their relative position under bending and loading stresses. Cores can be made from various materials, including synthetic or natural fibres and steel.

Advantages Of Steel Wire Ropes

• Increased resistance to corrosion
• Increase in resistance to abrasion
• Low contact pressure
• Higher flexibility
• Bigger metallic area
• Large surface area
• Resistance to metallic damages
• Reduced mechanical stress on rope and sheave.
• Cost reduction because of reduced rope abrasion and increased service life at less expense

Causes Of Failure:

Some common causes of steel wire rope failure are:

Kinking- This results in rope deformation and localised wear.

Overloading- Causes accelerated wear, rope crushing, abrasion, and complete rope failure.

Whipping- Whipping a line results in squared-off broken wires.

Improper spooling- Results in crushed and distorted ropes.

Accidents caused by falls are the leading cause of mortality in the construction sector. As heavier items are hoisted as work progresses, the lifting slings may fail, resulting in catastrophic falls. To prevent such terrible events during your construction job, use the proper lifting slings to transfer, position, and raise a weight. Choosing lifting chains and slings should be simple if you understand how they work, what environment they should be used, and how much weight they should lift.

You want to choose the finest lifting sling that will provide the best service for your building project. As a result, while selecting lifting clamp, these variables must be taken into account.

The Weight And Fragility Of The Load

Know the weight of the load you plan to lift ahead of time. It will assist you in selecting the lifting chains and slings with the appropriate strength. For example, if you are lifting large generators or tanks, you may use synthetic web slings to support the load and keep it from being damaged. If you utilized wire rope slings instead, your tank or generator would be scratched. Remember that the goal is to raise an item while protecting it from harm during the lifting operation. The larger items are usually composed of hard metals, making them easier to hoist using rough lifting slings like alloy chain slings.

Center Of Gravity Of The Load

The form and design of a load will reveal its centre of gravity. When lifting, the load will swing in a powerful push if you miss the centre of the weight, causing harm to persons and property. Consider lifting slings with the greatest flexibility for lifting irregularly shaped items. Synthetic slings are ideal for these irregularly shaped items since they can readily wrap around the object and conform to its contour.

Are The Objects Abrasive, Sharp-edged, Or Hot?

During the building process, you may need to lift certain items with sharp edges. Sharp-edged items may rip lifting chains and slings, such as synthetic rope slings and synthetic round slings. If this occurs, a catastrophic fall will occur, and the item will be ruined. Consider using alloy chain slings or wire rope slings for sharp-edged and abrasive items.

Lifting chains and slings should be purchased from a reputable rigging supply company to ensure the highest quality. This is, of course, after considering the lifting sling’s environment and the kind of weights you want the lifting sling to hoist. You may also ask the rigging and supply company to assist you in sorting through the many kinds of lifting clamps. With their expert advice, you can be certain that you are making the right choice when it comes to lifting slings. 

It is critical to evaluate the application’s different characteristics when choosing the appropriate steel wire rope and then priorities these properties. It is also crucial to be informed of the applicable rules and regulations. 

Tensile Strength

The tensile strength of a steel wire rope is determined by its size, wire tensile strength, and structure. The Randers Reb product catalogue lists the minimum guaranteed tensile strength for several rope types.

A steel wire rope should never be exposed to a load greater than 50% of its breaking strength.

Abrasion Resistance

Steel wire ropes with thick outside wires are abrasion-resistant. Lang lay ropes are more resistant to abrasion than standard lay steel wire ropes. Wires with higher tensile strength may also help to improve abrasion resistance.

Bending Fatigue Resistance

The strand’s bending fatigue resistance and flexibility increase as the number of wires increases. Lang lay steel wire ropes are more resistant to bending fatigue than standard lay steel wire ropes. 

Resistance To Corrosion

Wires that are galvanized and rustproof provide high corrosion resistance. Corrosion resistance may also be improved by lubricating with specific kinds of grease or oil. It is recommended that strands with thick outer wires be used if the steel wire rope is exposed to severe corrosive effects.

Elongation

Steel wire ropes with fewer wires, the most excellent elasticity modulus. Therefore, this steel wire rope is perfect for manropes. However, it cannot be used to run over sheaves or blocks. Thus, 6×7 or 6×19 steel wire rope, either with a steel core or with specific unique constructions, should be utilised if just a modest degree of elongation is needed while passing over sheaves.

The Standard For Rotation Resistance

Steel wire rope with a regular lay offers more resistance to rotation than steel wire rope with a lay. A steel wire rope with a steel core spins slower than one with a fibre core. Low-rotation and rotation-resistant steel wire rope is the kind of rope that offers the most resistance to rotation.

Crushing Resistance

A steel core offers more excellent strand stability than a fibre core, which is why a steel wire rope with a steel core has a lower chance of flattening. In addition, flattening/crushing resistance is higher in strands with fewer, thicker wires. 

Resistance To Vibrations

Vibrations transmit shock waves through the steel wire rope from wherever they originate, absorbed by the steel wire rope at some point. In certain instances, they cause localised destruction of the steel wire rope. This may happen, for example, when the steel wire rope meets a sheaf/block or enters the drum, as well as at the end terminals. Steel wire ropes with the highest flexibility also have the highest vibration resistance in general.

Resistance To Pulsation

Variations in the tension of a steel wire rope may decrease its life expectancy depending on the magnitude and frequency of the changes. Steel wire ropes with the highest elasticity, in general, can handle intermittent loads better. However, end terminals or fittings should be used with caution, as their pulsation resistance is just as essential as choosing the appropriate steel wire rope.

If you plan for your next lifting project, you will require a new set of lifting equipment. Apart from chain slings and wire ropes, round slings are also efficient for heavy lifting duties. Choosing the right type of lifting equipment is very important for the success of your projects. If you are new, you must understand the applications of different lifting equipment, including round slings. Here are some things which you should consider while choosing the perfect lifting sling for your work:

Factors To Consider For Making The Right Choice

Generally, choosing the right lifting sling is dependent on a number of factors. Here are the points to focus on while making your choice:

• The Centre of Gravity
• The Working Load Limit
• Number of Attachment Ends 
• Environmental factors
• Height Restrictions 
• Safety Protocols
• Quality of the Lifting Slings
• The material used to Manufacture Lifting Skills
• The Purpose of its Use
• Additional Fitting Requirements 
• Flexibility
• Suitability for rigging 

What Is A Round Sling? 

A round sling is a continuous loop of yarn. They are usually made of highly tensile polyester. They can be colour coded and are very durable. Round slings can lift and transport heavy loads ranging from 1 to 30 tonnes. All sorts of load-bearing round slings have a protective sleeve of polyester on them, ensuring their durability. Round slings are available in different grades, with different weight capacities. Lifters mostly prefer round slings for rigging. 

Advantages Of Using Round Slings

When it is for the important purpose of lifting, you require products that are reliable, strong and ensure safety. For meticulous tasks, round slings or web slings are mainly recommended as it has several advantages :

• Multi-purpose

Round slings can be used for various purposes. Whether it consists of secure rig bridles to pull, drag or move industrial products or equipment, round slings are suitable for the job. 

• Customised

Round Slings can be customised as per its requirement. Slings can be in the form of cables, chains, ropes or webs. Metal devices like hooks, links, rings or shackles can be connected to it. The overall length of a sling can also be adjusted. Longer slings are used when there’s a requirement of greater range. Typically the length of a sling is about 2.0 to 3.3 feet. 

• Durable & Sturdy

Round slings are strong and light and can be easily handled without much strain. A tubular jacket usually protects heavy load-bearing core yarns. Polyester made round slings are flexible. It is believed to be an ideal material for modern slings as its stretch capacity is lower. They are splinter-free and don’t get easily damaged. 

• Flexible And Safe

Modern round slings are flexible and safe. High-performance round slings have seamless edges, which prevents them from rupturing. The slings are flexible enough to conform with the load and shape, allowing it to grip easily and safely. 

So whether it is for lighter or heavy lifting jobs or moving goods or industrial products, round slings can be a brilliant choice for you.