While lifting heavy loads successfully, one must use the right equipment. Chain slings happen to be one of the types of equipment that one uses to raise different kinds of loads. These chain slings are used in various construction sites and go through numerous industrial applications. These are temperature-resistant and flexible slings that are strong enough to handle a variety of loading conditions. One must follow adequate safety precautions in every aspect of the lifting scenario. Moreover, one can also use different kinds of chain slings for various applications. Some of these slings include single-leg slings, double-leg slings, and multi-leg slings.
Single leg slings
As the name suggests, the single-leg chain slings use single legs to support the lift. While one uses this particular type of slings, one needs to understand the application of even load distribution. You can use any single chain slings with links supporting sling hooks and master hooks, foundry hooks, and grab hooks.
With this type of chain slings, you can do limitless basket configuration. However, if you tend to use the grade 80 chains, you can achieve links with sizes that extend up to 22 mm. While with grade 100 chain slings, one can achieve links that are 32 mm thicker. Some of these slings have a weight capacity rating of 32000 kgs or more.
Double leg slings
In the case of the double-leg chain slings, one cannot expect two separate chain linkages. It, however, provides support for the lift. Again with these types of slings, one can have the option of using a grab hook, foundry hook, or sling hook. Some can be adjusted, while others have an endless double basket. The weight capacity of the double-leg chain slings can exceed up to 45 Tons for some models. The double-leg chain sling can come in a grade range of 80 to 100 versions, similar to single-leg chain slings.
Multiple leg slings
For extra lifting capacities of nearly hundreds and thousands of pounds, you need to use multi-leg slings. You need to configure it properly to make it function safely and correctly. This kind of sling consists of 3 or more of three slings. Understanding the sling capacity becomes very tricky when one uses the triple or quadruple chain slings.
However, the riggers should be aware of the rating of the chin slings based on the number of legs used and the angle that one should maintain to use the load. One should note that the three to four-legged alloy chain slings should rate at the same capacity. The chain has no elasticity and is a rigid material. Extensive testing is required to verify the configuration correctly. One should do it because the chain sling legs will rotate randomly among each other during the load shift when one tends to lift and transport it.
Understanding the proper angle of lift while using the multi-chain requires a lot of rigging practice. The distance between the lifting point and the destination of the ID tag should be equal, and the angle of the left should be 60 degrees. As the distance between the points increases, the capacity of the chain slings would decrease. It happens mainly when the angle of the slings gets closer to 30 degrees.
As soon as the angle of lift of the three-leg chain sling decreases, the actual weight increases. The chain slings leg at the point of 60 degrees measures 1.15 times the weight of the load. But at 45 degrees, it measures 1.41 times, and at 30 degrees, it measures two times the weight of the load. That is why one should never let chain slings lift any loads at a 30-degree angle or below.
Below 30 degree
If the chain sling goes below 30 degrees, it can weigh heavier than expected, while it makes a lift at 20-degree angles, then the weight will be 2.8 to times more than the weight of the load. However, at 10 degrees, the chain slings would experience 5.75 times excess than the weight of the load on each different leg.
Therefore one should understand these calculations while using chain slings.
Understanding the mechanism
While one is using any chain to build the sling, the tolerance for the chain can make the legs of the sling slightly shorter or longer than another. It happens in the case of multi-chain slings. Due to this, the National Association of Chain Manufacturers agrees to provide chains on the count of 3 to 4 chains rated simultaneously. Therefore, when lifting the load off The ground for the first time, the slings would undergo tension. At this point, it becomes crucial for the rigours to visually notice the number of legs loaded before one tries to lift the sling off the ground.
It is also essential to check the manufacturer's safety information and load chart before making any lift. It would be best if you were a qualified rigger to lift the load that you are rigging.
