How Does G80 Chain Work? Explore the Mechanics behind Grade 80 Alloy Steel Chains

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For several years, lifting and rigging chains have been a staple in the market, primarily because of their remarkable strength, longevity, and user-friendliness. All of our alloy steel rigging and lifting chains undergo heat treatment to provide exceptional load capacity and resilience. However, not all steel rigging chains are suitable for overhead lifting, making it essential to identify the correct type for specific rigging tasks. The three primary grades of alloy steel chain approved for overhead lifting are:

1. Grade 80 Alloy Steel Chain
2. Grade 100 Alloy Steel Chain
3. Grade 120 Alloy Steel Chain

These specialized grades are perfect for overhead lifting attributed to their notable strength, resistance to abrasion, and their capacity to extend up to 20% without breaking under excessive stress. Nonetheless, any elongation during a lift is impermissible. This safety consideration sets alloy steel chains for lifting slings apart from other types, like those used in hoists.

At Tri-State Rigging Equipment, we specialize in crafting lifting slings and assemblies with certified overhead lifting chains. We also supply bulk alloy steel rigging chains for your various needs.

Besides G80, G100, and G120 alloy steel rigging chains, we offer Grade 70 transport chains, commonly utilized in the transportation sector. Should you need further assistance or unsure about your requirements, feel free to consult our rigging product specialists via call or email.

Exploring the Grade 80 Lifting Chain

Known by various names such as Grade 8, Grade 800, G80, or G800 rigging chain, Grade 80 is the initial grade approved for overhead lifting and slings. It is heat-treated to achieve the necessary strength for overhead applications, offering excellent abrasion resistance. Historically dominating the lifting industry, G80 chains are applicable across tasks requiring chain grades from 30 to 80. Additionally, Grade 80 chains work effectively in temperatures up to 400°F without diminishing their load capacity. In environments up to 1000°F, there may be a reduction in working load limit. Look for an 8, 80, or 800 embossed on the chain for identification.

Understanding the Grade 100 Lifting Chain

Grade 100 chains share similarities with Grade 80 chains but offer a 25% higher working load limit for the same size. This ergonomic advantage allows riggers to use smaller chain sizes under the same load conditions. G100 chains have surged in popularity due to their superior strength and abrasion resistance. Just like G80, G100 chains are effective up to 400°F with no working load limit reduction, and up to 1000°F with some reduction during and after the lift. Identify Grade 100 chains by looking for a 10, 100, or 1000 embossed on the chain.

The Advanced Grade 120 Lifting Chain

Grade 120 represents the latest advancement in lifting chains, boasting 20% more strength than Grade 100, and 50% more than Grade 80. Recognized for its exceptional capabilities, G120 chains are increasingly favored in the industry. Ideal for rugged applications where chain size and weight are crucial, G120 allows usage of smaller chains without compromising the working load limit. Identification marks typically include a 12, 120, or 1200 embossed on the chain.

Utilizing Grade 70 Transportation Chains

Grade 70 chains, also known as transport or trucker's chains, are formed of heat-treated carbon steel. Predominantly used in the trucking industry for tie-downs on trailers, G70 is not suited for overhead lifting. These chains, complying with California Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation standards, are also used in towing, logging, and security applications. Featuring a gold chromate finish, G70 chains are corrosion-resistant and easily recognizable.

Best Practices for Using Lifting and Rigging Chains

Regardless of the chain type, adherence to standards from the National Association of Chain Manufacturers (NACM) is crucial:

• Never transport or suspend loads over people with chains.
• Periodically inspect chains for:
  • Cracks
  • Gouges
  • Wear
  • Stretch
  • Nicks
  • Suitability
• Performance of alloy steel chains can decline in excessive temperatures or chemically active environments.
• Consult the manufacturer before using chains outside recommended temperature ranges to adjust working load limits accordingly.
• Retire chains if their thickness falls below the minimum value specified.
• Assembly ratings are capped by the weakest component's working load limit.

Tri-State Rigging Equipment provides and distributes lifting steel chains, including Grades 70, 80, 100, and 120, reaching clients in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with focus areas including Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma.

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Transportation and Rail | Rigging | By Henry Brozyna | Feb 20, 2020

Chains have been an integral part of many industries for over a millennium, offering versatility and reliability in lifting, tensioning, and securing materials. Historically, any available chain would suffice for jobs such as lifting or towing. However, safety procedures and standards were lacking.

For more details on the G80 Chain, please contact us.

Today's heightened safety concerns have led to the differentiation of chains by material and grade, tailored for specific tasks. Organizations like the ASTM, ASME, and OSHA have introduced safety standards for chain manufacturing, testing, usage, and inspection.

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Decoding Chain Grades

A key safety measure was establishing chain grades based on ultimate breaking strengths, resulting in classifications like G30, G43, G70, G80, and G100 among others. For instance, G80 implies a maximum stress of 800 newtons per millimeter squared.

Working Load Limit (WLL) of Chains

Identifying appropriate chain types for overhead lifting was another crucial safety step. Moving loads introduces various forces beyond just the weight requiring careful consideration of the chain's working load limit. For ground movements, friction assists the chain. For aerial lifts, gravity significantly increases the load demands on the chain.

Selecting the Right Chain for Your Application

Grade 80 and 100 alloy chains are recommended for overhead lifting. ASTM requires these chains to stretch a minimum of 20% before breaking, ensuring durability. Note that no stretch is permissible during actual use.

Grade 70 carbon chains are designed for tie-down and securing loads rather than lifting. These chains have a distinctive gold chromate finish for corrosion resistance but are unfit for overhead lifting applications.

Always use alloy chain slings for overhead lifting unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.

While Grade 70 is often preferred for load securing, other grades may also be suitable depending on tension requirements. For more information, refer to standards from FMCSA, CVSA, or WSTDA.

Download this Guide for convenient access at your worksite.

Investing in Proper Training

Proper training is essential for correctly sizing and using any chain type for various applications. Check out our upcoming courses for more insights.

Columbus McKinnon offers a robust video library and safety webinars on load securement for additional learning.

Contact us to discuss your G100 Chain needs. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the best options for your requirements.