Introduction
In heavy lifting and load-securing work, few tools are as trusted as the chain sling. In German, the common term you’ll hear on job sites, in catalogs, and in standards is Anschlagkette. While English speakers typically say “chain sling,” understanding the German terminology is valuable because a huge portion of Europe’s rigging equipment, documentation, and standards reference it. This guide translates that expertise into practical advice—what an Anschlagkette is, why and when to use one, how to size and specify it correctly, and how to keep it safe over a long service life.
Whether you’re coordinating a lift in construction, outfitting a fabrication shop, or writing a method statement for a plant shutdown, the goal is the same: choose equipment that’s strong, predictable, and compliant—then use it correctly.
What Is an Anschlagkette?
Literally “attachment chain,” an Anschlagkette is a chain-based sling used for lifting, turning, or securing loads with cranes, hoists, or other lifting appliances. Unlike decorative or general-purpose chain, it’s made from high-strength alloy steel, is heat-treated, and is matched with purpose-built components—master links, hooks, shortening clutches—so the entire assembly can be certified for a known Working Load Limit (WLL).
Key characteristics:
- High-strength alloy steel: Typically Grade 80, 100, or 120 (also written G80, G100, G120). Higher grades deliver more capacity with the same chain size.
- Modular components: Replaceable hooks, couplers, and shortening devices allow repair and configuration changes without scrapping the whole sling.
- Traceability: Quality slings carry markings and certificates for chain grade, size, and WLL, enabling audits and safe documentation.
Why Choose Chain Slings Over Wire Rope or Synthetic Slings?
Each sling family has a sweet spot. Chain slings excel when toughness, heat resistance, or adjustability matter most.
Advantages of Anschlagketten:
- Durability and toughness: Resist cutting and abrasion better than synthetic slings and are less susceptible to crush damage than wire rope in harsh contact.
- Temperature tolerance: Chain slings can operate at higher temperatures (within grade-specific limits) where synthetics are unsuitable.
- Length adjustability: Shortening clutches (grab links) let you equalize legs and remove slack quickly.
- Repairable: Individual components can be replaced by competent persons, extending service life.
Limitations to note:
- Weight: Heavier than synthetics; extended handling may require lift-assist storage racks.
- Surface finish: Can mar delicate finishes unless protected with softeners or edge guards.
- Cost: Higher initial price than basic web slings—though often cheaper over the lifecycle.
Common Configurations
Chain slings are assembled in “legs” that connect the load to a master link.
- Single-leg: For straight picks on centered lifting points; simplest and often strongest per leg.
- Double-leg (2-leg): The go-to for balanced loads with two lifting points.
- Tri-leg (3-leg): Useful when load attachment points are not in a straight line; good stability.
- Quad-leg (4-leg): Adds redundancy and stability in large frames. (Important: load rarely divides perfectly across four legs; calculations need allowances.)
- Endless (chain loop): For choke hitches and wrap configurations in specific applications.
Hardware options:
- Hooks: Self-locking, clevis, or eye hooks; foundry hooks for larger throat openings; sling hooks with latches to prevent unhooking.
- Shortening clutches: Allow quick leg length adjustment; choose types rated for inline loading.
- Master links and subassemblies: Sized to the crane hook and compliant with the total sling WLL.
Grades, Sizes, and Working Load Limits
The chain grade (80/100/120) and diameter (e.g., 6–32 mm) determine the WLL. Higher grades provide greater capacity for a given diameter, helping reduce sling weight and bulk. Always consult the manufacturer’s WLL tables, which reflect the exact chain geometry and component ratings.
Temperature effects:
Derating applies at elevated temperatures. As a rule of thumb, Grade 80 can be used up to ~200–300 °C with minimal derating, but above that, capacity reductions and inspection requirements change. Different grades behave differently—check the technical sheet.
Chemicals and environment:
Chain slings resist many oils and fuels, but strong acids and caustics can attack steel. If corrosive exposure is possible, specify protective finishes or alternative materials and schedule more frequent inspections.
Safe Use: Pre-Use Checks and Operating Practices
Before every lift:
- Inspect visually: Look for bent, stretched, or cracked links; excessive wear flats; corrosion; seized or missing latches; deformation in hooks or master links.
- Check markings: Chain grade, diameter, and sling tag legible and correct.
- Confirm angle and reach: Dry-fit the sling to check geometry; adjust with shortening clutches rather than “creative” hitches.
- Edge protection: If passing over sharp edges, use corner protectors or softeners—even chain can be notched under high tension.
- No twists or knots: Legs must run straight. Clear snag points.
During the lift:
- Lift slowly to confirm balance; stop and lower if legs go slack or one leg overloads.
- Keep body parts clear of pinch zones; never ride the hook or load.
- Avoid shock loading; motion multiplies force.
After the lift:
- Store slings on racks, not on the floor; keep dry and lightly oiled if humidity is high.
- Record any incidents (overload, impact, chemical exposure) and pull the sling for formal inspection.
Inspection, Repair, and Retirement Criteria
A competent person should perform periodic inspections based on usage severity (monthly to quarterly for heavy use; at least annually in mild service). Typical discard/repair criteria include:
- Link wear: Common thresholds are around 10% reduction in nominal diameter—verify your manufacturer/standard.
- Stretching/elongation: Permanent elongation beyond the specified limit (often ~5%) is a retirement trigger.
- Cracks or nicks: Any crack is cause for immediate retirement. Small nicks may be acceptable only if within manufacturer limits—never grind links.
- Hook throat opening: If opened beyond the tolerance or if latches are missing/damaged, repair/replace the hook.
- Heat exposure: If the sling has been overheated (color tempering, weld spatter embedded), remove from service until assessed.
Only trained personnel with approved parts should repair chain slings; field welding on chain links is prohibited.
Real-World Applications
- Construction and steel erection: Frame picks, precast panels, and rebar bundles where edge protection and ruggedness matter.
- Shipyards and ports: Lifting engines, shafts, or containers off standard spreaders; chain’s adjustability simplifies odd loads.
- Foundries and steel mills: Elevated temperatures and abrasive environments suit chain slings.
- Fabrication shops: Frequent re-rigging and custom fixture lifts benefit from shortening clutches.
- Scrap, recycling, and demolition: Harsh contact, unpredictable edges, and dirty environments favor chain durability.
Common Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring angle effects: Using vertical-rated WLL on wide spreads leads to hidden overloads. Always apply the correct angle factor.
- Mismatched components: Mixing grades or unmarked hardware undermines the sling’s rating. Keep assemblies homogeneous and traceable.
- Using the hook tip: Loads must sit in the hook bowl, not on the latch or tip.
- Choking too tightly: Chain chokes can bite into themselves or the load; apply the manufacturer’s choke reduction factor and use proper hardware.
Documentation and Compliance
A professional setup includes:
- Certificates and declarations listing chain grade, size, WLL, and standards met (e.g., EN 818 series for short-link chain slings and EN 1677 for components).
- Unique ID/tagging for each sling and a register of inspections and repairs.
- Operating instructions available to rigging crews, including derating tables and temperature limits.
This paperwork isn’t bureaucratic overhead—it’s your safety and liability shield.
Buying Checklist
- Required WLL at the chosen sling angle and hitch.
- Number of legs and the need for shortening clutches.
- Hook types (self-locking, foundry, sling) and latch requirements.
- Master link sized to crane hook and sling capacity.
- Environment (heat, chemicals, edges) and necessary protections.
- Chain grade (G80/G100/G120) and diameter with handling weight in mind.
- Certificates, traceability, and availability of spares.
For a reputable source and more information, visit Anschlagkette.
Conclusion
The Anschlagkette remains a cornerstone of safe, efficient lifting because it blends toughness, adjustability, and long service life. Selecting the right configuration and grade, respecting sling angles, and maintaining rigorous inspection habits will pay dividends in safety and uptime. Use this guide as your blueprint: define the load, pick the right hitch and geometry, size with real-world factors in mind, and never compromise on component quality or documentation.
With the right chain sling—and the right practices—your lifts will be predictable, compliant, and confidence-inspiring from hook-on to set-down.
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