A chain sling is the workhorse of industrial rigging. When you need to lift hot billets from a forge, extract a gearbox from a pit, or unload structural steel that has been sitting in the weather for months, chain slings will do what wire rope and synthetic slings cannot. They handle heat, resist abrasion, and — uniquely among sling types — can be repaired, re-tested, and returned to service after damage.
That durability comes with responsibility. Chain slings are rated, regulated, and inspected to a standard that does not forgive guesswork. In Australia, AS 3775.1 and AS 3775.2 govern the design, manufacture, and care of every lifting chain sling used commercially. The WHS Regulations add licensing obligations on top of that. This guide covers all of it: grades, configurations, WLL calculation, sling angle, inspection frequencies, and when a sling must come out of service.
What Is a Chain Sling?
A chain sling is a lifting assembly made from alloy steel short-link chain, fitted with a master link at the top and hooks, shackles, or rings at the lower ends. It connects a load to the hook of a crane, electric hoist, jib crane, or chain block, allowing the load to be lifted and moved.
The chain used in a lifting sling is not the same material as hardware-store chain or transport lashing chain. It is heat-treated alloy steel manufactured to AS 2321 (short-link chain) and graded for load capacity. The alloy steel gives it far higher tensile strength than carbon steel chain of the same diameter, and the heat treatment provides controlled toughness — the ability to deform before fracture, which gives a warning before failure rather than sudden, brittle break.
Chain slings have several properties that make them the right choice in demanding environments:
- Heat resistance. Standard G80 chain slings can be used at temperatures up to 200°C without de-rating. With de-rating, they can be used to 400°C — well beyond the limit of synthetic slings.
- Abrasion resistance. The solid steel links shrug off contact with rough edges, castings, and concrete that would quickly cut through synthetic slings or flatten wire rope.
- Repairability. A chain sling is the only sling type that can have damaged links replaced, be re-tested to proof load, and be re-certified for service. Wire rope slings and synthetic slings are retired when the assembly is compromised.
- Adjustability. Shortening clutches and grab hooks allow leg length to be varied on-site without extra equipment.
- Durability. Properly maintained, a chain sling can remain in service for years. Its condition is visually assessable and measurable with simple tools.
Chain slings are found in foundries, forges, steel fabrication shops, mining operations, heavy manufacturing, construction, and port and logistics facilities wherever loads are hot, sharp-edged, corrosive, or simply too heavy for synthetic alternatives.
Chain Sling Grades: G80, G100 and Why Grade 70 Is Not an Overhead Lifting Sling
Grade is the single most important marking on any chain sling. It tells you the type of alloy steel, the heat treatment standard, and the working load limit relative to chain diameter. There are four common grades you will encounter in an Australian industrial setting, and they are not interchangeable. For corrosion-resistant lifting in food, pharmaceutical and marine environments, the stainless equivalent is Grade 50 stainless steel chain to AS 4797 — manufactured from 316 stainless with approximately 50% the WLL of Grade 80 alloy at the same diameter. See our Stainless Steel Link Chain Guide for the full stainless lifting, marine and general-purpose link chain reference.
Grade 70 is gold or yellow in colour and is manufactured for transport and load securing only — never overhead lifting. It is not designed, tested, or certified to AS 3775.1. If you see a gold or yellow chain sling in a rigging set, it must not be used on any crane, hoist, or lifting device. Remove it from the area and replace it with a G80 or G100 sling immediately.
| Grade | Marking | Colour code | Tensile strength | Australian standard | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G70 | 7 / G70 on links | Gold / yellow | 700 N/mm² | Not AS 3775.1 | Transport chain and load lashing ONLY — never overhead lifting |
| G80 | 8 / G80 on links | Blue / grey (varies) | 800 N/mm² | AS 3775.1:2004 | Standard overhead lifting — the most common grade in Australia |
| G100 | 10 / G100 on links | Black / green (varies) | 1,000 N/mm² | AS 3775.1:2004 | Overhead lifting — approximately 25% higher WLL than G80 for the same chain diameter |
| G120 | 12 / G120 on links | Varies | 1,200 N/mm² | Outside AS 3775.1 scope | Specialist lifting — requires engineering assessment; not covered by the Australian standard |
The practical difference between G80 and G100 matters most where weight and reach are limiting factors. A G100 10 mm chain sling has a single-leg vertical WLL of 4.0 t, compared to 3.15 t for a G80 sling of the same diameter. If you are working in a confined space where a larger chain will not fit through the load attachment point, G100 lets you use a smaller, lighter chain while maintaining safe capacity.
Colour coding varies between manufacturers. Never rely on colour alone to identify the grade. Always read the WLL tag and the link markings. AS 3775.2 is explicit: if the tag is missing or illegible, the sling must not be used until it has been re-tagged by a competent person following re-testing.
Chain Sling Types and Configurations
Chain slings are classified by the number of legs — chain lengths running from the master link to the load. Each configuration suits different load geometries and lifting requirements.
| Configuration | Legs | Master link | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-leg (1-leg) | 1 | Single | Vertical lifts on symmetrical loads with a pre-fitted lifting lug or ring |
| Two-leg (2-leg) | 2 | Single or dual | Most common general-purpose configuration; beams, fabrications, machinery |
| Three-leg (3-leg) | 3 | Single or dual | Wide or irregular load bases; tanks, platforms, palletised equipment |
| Four-leg (4-leg) | 4 | Single or dual | Heavy, bulky loads where multiple attachment points are needed; see the 4-leg rule below |
A dual master link (DML) configuration has two master links — an upper master link that goes onto the crane hook, and a lower master link that connects the chain legs. This allows each leg to hang more freely and reduces point loading at the junction between legs. DML sets are preferred for multi-leg slings on heavy lifts where load balance is critical.
Leg length is specified at the time of manufacture. Standard lengths are typically 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, and 3 m, though custom lengths are available. All legs in a multi-leg sling should be matched length unless a shortening clutch is being used to compensate for an uneven load attachment point.
Chain Sling Components
Understanding the individual components of a chain sling helps you inspect it correctly and specify the right fitting for each application.
| Component | Description | Key standard |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting chain | Alloy steel short-link chain; the load-bearing element. Grade stamped on each link. | AS 2321 |
| Master link (top link) | Pear-shaped or oblong link that connects the sling to the crane hook. Larger than the chain links to accommodate the hook throat. | AS 3776 |
| Grab hook (claw hook) | Fixed hook that sits in a chain link, used for shortening or as a bottom terminal. No latch — relies on the link sitting in the saddle. | AS 3776 |
| Sling hook (latch hook) | Hook with a spring-loaded safety latch, used at the bottom of each leg to attach to the load's lifting point. | AS 3776 |
| Swivel hook | Latch hook with a swivel bearing allowing the hook to rotate under load without twisting the chain. Used where load rotation is anticipated. | AS 3776 |
| Shortening clutch (grab link) | Mechanism that allows one or more chain links to be gathered and locked, shortening a leg without kinking or damaging the chain. | AS 3776 |
| Omega link / connecting link | Oblong connecting link used to join chain sections, attach fittings, or create custom sling assemblies. | AS 3776 |
All components in an AS 3775.1-compliant chain sling assembly — hooks, master links, shortening clutches, and connecting links — must individually meet AS 3776. The sling's WLL is limited by the weakest component in the assembly, not just the chain itself. If you replace a sling hook with a non-rated hook from general hardware stock, the sling's certification becomes void.
Working Load Limit: What It Means and How It Is Calculated
The Working Load Limit (WLL) of a chain sling is the maximum mass that the sling is designed to lift safely under normal service conditions. It is expressed in tonnes (t) or kilograms (kg) and must appear on the sling's WLL tag.
The WLL is derived from the chain's minimum breaking force divided by a safety factor. For chain slings manufactured to AS 3775.1, the safety factor is 4:1. This means:
- Proof load (test load applied during manufacture) = 2× WLL
- Minimum breaking load ≈ 4× WLL
The safety factor is not a buffer for sloppy rigging. It accounts for dynamic loading, shock loads, load distribution uncertainty, and normal wear over the sling's service life. Every one of those factors erodes the margin. Rigging to 100% of WLL assumes ideal conditions that rarely exist in practice.
| Chain diameter | Grade 80 — Vertical WLL (1-leg) | Grade 100 — Vertical WLL (1-leg) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 1.12 t | 1.40 t |
| 7 mm | 1.50 t | 1.87 t |
| 8 mm | 2.00 t | 2.50 t |
| 10 mm | 3.15 t | 4.00 t |
| 13 mm | 5.30 t | 6.70 t |
| 16 mm | 8.00 t | 10.00 t |
| 20 mm | 12.50 t | 16.00 t |
These figures assume a vertical, straight lift with the load evenly distributed and no dynamic impact loading. The moment the angle changes from vertical, sling angle de-rating applies — see the next section. For multi-leg slings, the WLL from the table is multiplied by the number of effective legs and the appropriate angle factor.
A 2-leg G80 sling with 10 mm chain at 90° (legs straight down, vertical) has a WLL of: 2 × 3.15 t = 6.30 t. At 60° from horizontal (a 60° sling angle), the factor is 0.866, so WLL = 2 × 3.15 × 0.866 = 5.46 t.
For a full breakdown of WLL, SWL, MBL and MRC — including design factor calculations, sling angle derating tables, and the weakest link rule — see our SWL vs WLL vs MBL Guide.
Sling Angle and Load De-Rating
Sling angle is the angle each leg of a multi-leg sling makes with the horizontal. It is the variable most commonly misunderstood and most frequently responsible for overloaded chain slings.
As the sling angle decreases — as the legs spread further apart from the vertical — the tension in each leg increases for the same suspended load. At a 30° sling angle, each leg carries twice the load it would carry if it were hanging straight down. The load has not changed; the geometry has.
| Sling angle from horizontal | Load factor per leg | Effect on a 2-leg 3.15 t/leg sling |
|---|---|---|
| 90° (vertical) | 1.00 | WLL = 6.30 t |
| 60° | 0.866 | WLL = 5.46 t |
| 45° | 0.707 | WLL = 4.46 t |
| 30° | 0.500 | WLL = 3.15 t |
Never rig a chain sling below 30° from horizontal. At angles shallower than 30°, the mechanical disadvantage becomes severe and the risk of exceeding the chain sling's proof load increases rapidly. Australian rigging practice and the AS 3775.2 user guide both specify 30° as the minimum acceptable sling angle. If your load width or lifting point geometry requires a shallower angle, use a spreader beam to increase the effective sling angle.
To measure sling angle on site: use a digital inclinometer or angle finder on the sling leg, measured from horizontal. If you do not have an instrument, estimate using the ratio of the load width to the sling leg length. For a 2-leg sling, if the half-load-width equals the sling leg length, the angle is 45°.
Hitch Types: Vertical, Choke and Basket
How you attach a sling to a load — the hitch — determines the effective working load limit. The three standard hitches for chain slings each have different capacity ratings and suit different load geometries.
Vertical (straight) hitch: The sling hangs straight down from the hook to the load. The full single-leg WLL applies. The hook or bottom terminal attaches directly to a lifting lug, shackle, or ring on the load. This is the most controlled hitch: the load hangs precisely below the crane hook and the sling is under pure tension. Use vertical hitch when the load has a designed lifting point at its centre of gravity.
Choker hitch: The sling forms a loop around the load, with the bottom fitting passed through the top link or around itself. The effective WLL is approximately 75% of the vertical WLL for that leg. The choker hitch is useful for lifts where the load has no lifting lug — bundled steel, pipe, and structural sections are common examples. The choke tightens as the load is raised, which provides some control. Do not use a choker hitch on fragile, coated, or brittle loads where the choking action would cause damage or cracking.
Basket hitch: The sling passes under the load with both ends attached to the crane hook (on a single-leg sling) or to the master link. When the load is balanced and the basket is vertical, the effective WLL can be up to 200% of the single-leg vertical WLL. However, this full capacity only applies when the legs are vertical and the load is perfectly balanced. Sling angle de-rating applies to basket hitches in exactly the same way as to multi-leg slings. At a 45° angle, the basket WLL drops to 141% of the single-leg WLL. At 30°, it is 100% — no advantage over a straight vertical hitch.
Multi-Leg Chain Slings and the 4-Leg Rule
Adding more legs does not add capacity in a simple linear way, and the 4-leg rule is the reason why.
In a 2-leg sling, both legs carry approximately equal share of the load — particularly if the load's centre of gravity is centred beneath the master link and the sling is symmetrically rigged. The WLL of the 2-leg sling is therefore approximately 2× the single-leg WLL, adjusted for sling angle.
In a 4-leg sling, achieving equal load distribution across all four legs is practically impossible. Minor differences in load geometry, leg length, and attachment point position mean that two of the four legs will inevitably carry more of the load than the other two. Depending on the imbalance, one pair of legs could be carrying close to the full load while the other pair carries very little.
AS 3775.2 and the Safe Work Australia guidance on rigging address this directly: a 4-leg chain sling assembly is rated at 2-leg WLL for the same chain diameter and sling angle. This is not a mistake or a conservative safety margin on top of the real capacity — it is the correct engineering assessment of a system that cannot guarantee load sharing across all four legs.
| Configuration | G80 10 mm chain | WLL at 90° (vertical) | WLL at 60° | WLL at 45° |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-leg | 3.15 t/leg | 3.15 t | 2.73 t | 2.23 t |
| 2-leg | 3.15 t/leg | 6.30 t | 5.46 t | 4.46 t |
| 3-leg | 3.15 t/leg | 9.45 t* | 8.19 t* | 6.69 t* |
| 4-leg | 3.15 t/leg | 6.30 t (= 2-leg) | 5.46 t (= 2-leg) | 4.46 t (= 2-leg) |
*3-leg sling WLL assumes all 3 legs carry equal load — a reasonable assumption when the load has three symmetrically placed attachment points. Verify load geometry before rating at full 3-leg capacity.
The practical upshot: if you need more capacity than a 2-leg sling provides, go up in chain diameter or grade — not from 2-leg to 4-leg. A 4-leg sling adds redundancy (if one leg detaches from the load, the other three remain) and gives you more attachment points, but it does not increase your rated lifting capacity.
Australian Standards for Chain Slings
Two Australian Standards directly govern chain slings. Any sling used for overhead lifting in a commercial or industrial setting in Australia must comply with both.
AS 3775.1:2004 — Chain slings for lifting — Grade 80 (T8) and Grade 100 (T) chain — Product specification and selection. This standard covers the design, manufacture, and testing of the chain slings themselves. It specifies chain material, heat treatment, link geometry, WLL tables, proof load requirements, marking, and tag requirements. A chain sling marked to AS 3775.1 has been proof-tested to 2× WLL and is certified by the manufacturer. This is the standard your supplier should be able to demonstrate compliance with for every sling.
AS 3775.2:2014 — Chain slings for lifting — Grade 80 (T8) and Grade 100 (T) chain — Care and use. This standard covers the end-user's obligations: pre-use inspection, periodic inspection frequencies, storage requirements, maintenance, record-keeping, and rejection criteria. If you own or operate chain slings in Australia, AS 3775.2 is the standard that governs your day-to-day practice.
Additional standards that touch chain sling use:
- AS 2321:2005 — Short-link chain for lifting. Governs the chain used in the sling assembly.
- AS 3776:2006 — Shackles, hooks, swivels, rings, links and other lifting components. Governs the fittings attached to the chain.
- AS 4991:2004 — Lifting devices: periodic inspection and testing. Broad standard covering inspection of all lifting gear, including chain slings.
- WHS Regulations 2017, Part 5.1 — Plant and equipment requirements, including registration of mobile cranes and tower cranes. Chain slings attached to registered plant must comply with these regulations.
Compliance is not optional. The Safe Work Australia Model WHS Regulations require that all plant and equipment used for lifting be designed, manufactured, maintained, and used in accordance with applicable Australian Standards. A non-compliant chain sling — one with a missing WLL tag, a damaged link, or an expired inspection — creates personal liability for the person directing the lift and the business operating the equipment.
Dogging Licence Requirements in Australia
In Australia, attaching a chain sling to a load and directing a crane or hoist operator to perform a lift is classified as dogging — a High Risk Work (HRW) activity. It requires a Dogging (DG) licence issued under the WHS Regulations.
The WHS Regulations define dogging as selecting and placing slinging tackle to attach a load to a crane or hoist, and directing the operator of the equipment from the point of attachment. If you are selecting the sling, fitting it to the load, and telling the crane operator when to lift, you are dogging — regardless of how informal the arrangement seems or how simple the lift appears.
A Dogging licence is obtained through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that delivers the relevant unit from the Rigging and Scaffolding training package (RIISAM201 or equivalent). Assessment includes both written and practical components. The licence is issued by the relevant state or territory WorkSafe authority and is nationally recognised across all states and territories.
When does the dogging licence requirement apply? In most Australian jurisdictions, it applies to any lift using a crane or hoist in a workplace where the WHS Regulations apply — which covers virtually all commercial and industrial settings. Some states have specific exemptions for low-risk activities or for owner-operators on their own property; check with SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, or your relevant authority for the exact scope in your jurisdiction.
The dogging licence also covers the pre-lift planning that directly affects chain sling selection: assessing the load, identifying the centre of gravity, calculating sling angle requirements, and selecting a sling with adequate WLL. These are not informal judgement calls — they are documented engineering decisions that the licensed dogger is responsible for.
For businesses purchasing chain slings, the licence requirement has a practical implication: the person selecting, fitting, and directing lifts must hold a current DG licence. If your maintenance team routinely uses a chain block and chain sling to extract motors and gearboxes, those team members need to hold dogging licences. AIMS can supply slings; the licensing obligation sits with the operator.
Chain Sling Inspection: Frequencies and What to Check
AS 3775.2:2014 sets legally recognised inspection requirements for chain slings used in Australia. There are two distinct inspection types: pre-use inspection (every time the sling is used) and periodic inspection (at intervals determined by frequency of use).
Pre-use inspection is a visual check performed by the person about to use the sling before every lift. It takes approximately 60 seconds on a clean, unloaded sling. The sling is physically handled and inspected link by link for the rejection criteria listed in the next section.
Periodic inspection is a formal inspection conducted by a competent person — a qualified rigger or a person with documented training in chain sling inspection to AS 3775.2. AS 3775.2:2014 Table 3 specifies the following frequencies:
| Frequency of use | Maximum inspection interval |
|---|---|
| 1–5 lifts per week | 12 months (annual) |
| 6–25 lifts per week | 6 months |
| 26–200 lifts per week | 3 months |
| More than 200 lifts per week | 1 month |
These are maximum intervals — more frequent inspection is always acceptable and advisable in harsh environments or after any incident. An inspection record must be maintained for each sling, recording the date of inspection, the name and qualification of the inspector, the inspection result, and the date the next inspection is due. This record must be available for review at the workplace.
During a periodic inspection, the competent person should check all of the following:
- Each chain link for wear, measured with a vernier caliper at the point of maximum wear
- Each chain link for elongation, distortion, bending, or twisting
- Each chain link for cracks, nicks, or gouges — any sharp-edged notch is a stress concentration and a rejection criterion
- Surface condition: pitting, corrosion, chemical attack
- Master links and connecting links for deformation, wear at the hook contact points, and cracks
- All hooks for opening of the throat, deformation of the latch, and corrosion
- All shortening clutches for free operation and wear
- WLL tag for legibility and secure attachment
- Chain markings (grade stamps) for legibility
When to Remove a Chain Sling from Service
AS 3775.2:2014 specifies definitive rejection criteria. A chain sling showing any of the following must be removed from service immediately and must not be used again until the defect is rectified by a competent repairer and the sling is re-tested:
Wear beyond limits: Any chain link worn to 90% or less of its original diameter — i.e., a 10% or greater reduction in link cross-section measured with a vernier caliper. For a 10 mm chain, this means removal at 9 mm or below. Wear is typically most severe at the inner face of links that bear against hooks or connecting hardware.
Elongation: Any permanent stretch in the chain as a whole, or in any individual link. If links that were once square look oblong, or if the chain does not return to its rest length after unloading, it has been loaded beyond its elastic range. Elongation indicates the chain has experienced plastic deformation and must not be returned to service.
Distorted, bent, or twisted links: Any link that is not in its original plane. A kinked link concentrates stress at the bend point and significantly reduces the link's strength. Twisting is often caused by the chain rotating under load or being stored tangled.
Cracks or nicks: Any crack, regardless of size. Alloy steel chain is susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement, particularly in the presence of acids or hydrogen-containing environments. Even a fine surface crack is a rejection criterion with zero tolerance.
Pitting and corrosion: Surface rust that can be removed with a wire brush, leaving the base metal intact and to correct dimensions, is generally acceptable. Pitting that has removed material, or corrosion that has altered link geometry, is a rejection criterion.
Chemical exposure: Any sling suspected of contact with acids, caustic solutions, hydrogen-containing atmospheres, or unknown chemicals must be removed for expert assessment. Do not assume a sling is serviceable after chemical exposure without an engineering evaluation.
Missing or illegible WLL tag: A sling without a legible tag showing WLL, grade, and configuration must not be used. It cannot be identified, and its inspection history cannot be confirmed.
Damaged or deformed hooks: Any hook whose throat opening has increased, whose latch is bent, broken, or missing, or whose hook point shows signs of bending is a rejection criterion.
When a sling is removed from service, mark it clearly as condemned — cable tie a warning tag to it, cut off the master link if you have the means, or segregate it in a clearly marked area away from serviceable slings. Do not place a condemned sling back in the sling rack on the assumption that someone else will know not to use it.
Temperature Limits and De-Rating
Chain slings are the preferred sling type in high-temperature environments precisely because alloy steel retains significant strength at temperatures that destroy synthetic and wire rope slings. However, that strength is not unlimited, and AS 3775.2 imposes mandatory de-rating above 200°C.
| Temperature range | WLL adjustment | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Up to +200°C | None | Use at full rated WLL |
| +200°C to +300°C | Reduce WLL by 10% | De-rate before use; document in lift plan |
| +300°C to +400°C | Reduce WLL by 25% | De-rate before use; inspect after every use |
| Above +400°C | Do not use | Remove from service for assessment by competent person |
| Below −40°C | Consult manufacturer | Low-temperature embrittlement risk; seek engineering advice |
The temperature in question is the temperature of the load surface in contact with the chain, not the ambient air temperature. A 350°C forging in a foundry has a surface temperature that will quickly heat the chain links in contact with it. The chain's temperature at the contact point matters, not the temperature of the room.
After any use above 200°C, the sling must be inspected by a competent person before its next use. Heat exposure accelerates grain boundary changes in the alloy steel that can reduce toughness without obvious visible signs. This inspection is not optional — it is an AS 3775.2 requirement.
One important note on synthetic sling sleeves: some chain slings are supplied with plastic or rubber sleeves on the lower leg sections to protect the load finish. Those sleeves have their own temperature limits — typically well below 200°C — and must be removed before any high-temperature application.
Chain Sling Tags and Identification Markings
Every AS 3775.1-compliant chain sling must be permanently tagged with a WLL tag before it leaves the manufacturer. The tag is typically stainless steel, laser-engraved or stamped, and attached to the master link in a way that cannot be removed without deliberate effort.
AS 3775.1 specifies the minimum information the tag must display:
- Grade (G80 or G100)
- Chain diameter in millimetres
- Number of chain legs
- Working load limit (WLL) in tonnes for each rated configuration and angle (e.g., "1-leg: 3.15 t vertical; 2-leg: 6.30 t at 90°; 5.46 t at 60°")
- Sling leg length in metres
- Manufacturer's name or brand
- Compliance marking (AS 3775.1:2004 or equivalent)
- Serial number or batch number enabling traceability to the test certificate
The link markings on the chain itself — the grade stamp embossed or stamped on the side of each link — are a separate and additional requirement. On a correctly manufactured G80 chain, every link (or every third link, depending on chain size) should show the grade stamp "8" or "G80". On G100 chain, "10" or "G100".
A tag that shows only "Grade 80" without a WLL figure is not a compliant AS 3775.1 tag. A tag with a WLL figure but no sling angle information does not give the user the information needed to select the correct configuration. If you receive slings with incomplete tags, return them to the supplier and request fully compliant documentation and re-tagging before use.
AIMS stocks Austlift and Garrick chain slings supplied with stainless steel, laser-engraved WLL tags and full AS 3775.1 test certification. Certificates are available on request for every batch.
How to Fit and Use a Chain Sling Correctly
The best chain sling in the world does not protect a load if it is fitted incorrectly. These are the fundamental correct-use principles.
Select before you attach. Before touching the sling, confirm: the load's weight (from drawings, data plates, or calculation — never estimate); the location of the centre of gravity; the rated lifting points on the load; the required sling configuration; and the WLL required accounting for sling angle and hitch type. A licensed dogger makes these assessments as part of every lift plan.
Inspect before you use. Run the pre-use inspection described above before every lift, even if the sling was inspected yesterday. Damage can occur in storage or between uses.
Seat hooks and links correctly. The hook's saddle — the curved bottom of the hook throat — must bear on a chain link, not on the tip of the hook or on the latch. A hook point-loaded on its tip will deform and potentially open under load. Close latch hooks fully on every use.
Never cross-load a hook. Hooks are designed to carry load through their throat, aligned with the hook's plane. Side loading — where the force is applied at an angle to the hook's plane — severely reduces hook capacity and can open the throat. If your rigging geometry requires force at an angle to the hook, use a shackle as an intermediate connection instead.
Protect sharp edges. Although chain is more resistant to edge cuts than synthetic slings, a load with a very sharp or thin edge can still create a stress concentration in the chain link in contact with it. Use softeners (timber, rubber, or steel wear plates) at sharp corners on heavy or high-value loads.
Do not twist the chain. Each leg should hang in a natural, untwisted fall from the master link to the load. A twisted chain sling has significantly reduced capacity because the twist adds bending stress to the links. If a sling leg has a natural twist from storage, straighten it before use.
Lift smoothly. Take up the slack gradually until the sling is taut, pause to check load balance and sling position, then continue the lift. Dynamic loading — jerking the load off the ground — can impose forces two to three times the static load on the sling and crane.
Never drag a load with a chain sling. Chain slings are rated for vertical or near-vertical lifting loads. Dragging, pulling, or using a chain sling as a tow point imposes lateral and shock loads that exceed the sling's rated capacity and cause rapid link wear.
Chain Sling vs Wire Rope Sling: Choosing the Right Sling
Both chain slings and wire rope slings are everyday tools in Australian rigging, and each has applications where it outperforms the other.
| Property | Chain sling | Wire rope sling |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Excellent — usable to 400°C with de-rating | Poor — synthetic cores fail around 100°C; IWRC slings to approx 200°C without rating loss |
| Abrasion resistance | Excellent — solid steel links resist edge damage | Moderate — wire strands can be cut by sharp edges |
| Flexibility around loads | Moderate — chain does not bend as finely as rope | Good — wire rope conforms readily around curves and contoured loads |
| Repairability | Yes — damaged links can be replaced and re-tested | No — a damaged wire rope sling is retired as a complete assembly |
| Weight (same WLL) | Heavier | Lighter |
| Cost (initial) | Higher | Lower at light capacities; comparable at heavy |
| Corrosion resistance | Moderate — surface rust manageable; pitting is rejection criterion | Lower — internal corrosion of core strands can be invisible until failure |
| Adjustability | High — shortening clutches allow on-site leg length change | Low — leg length is fixed at manufacture |
As a rule of thumb: choose a chain sling when the environment is hot, the load surface is rough or sharp-edged, or you need the long-term value of a repairable sling. Choose a wire rope sling when the load is cold and smooth, the sling needs to conform tightly to a contoured load, or you are making a large number of light lifts where wire rope's lower weight reduces fatigue on the dogger.
For applications between the extremes — ambient temperature, moderate loads, reasonably smooth loads — either will serve. Your existing investment in one type of sling, the inspection and maintenance schedule you have in place, and your team's familiarity with each type are all legitimate factors in the decision.
AIMS stocks both chain slings and wire rope slings. If you are unsure which is right for your application, contact us with the load weight, lift height, temperature, and load surface description and we will help you select the right sling assembly.
AIMS Chain Sling Range
AIMS stocks a curated range of Austlift and Garrick chain slings manufactured to AS 3775.1:2004, covering the most common configurations used in Australian industry.
Austlift Grade 80 chain slings are available in single-leg (1-leg) and twin-leg (2-leg) configurations, in 6 mm and 7 mm chain diameters. All Austlift G80 slings are supplied with stainless steel WLL tags, full AS 3775.1:2004 test certification on request, and latch hooks as standard. The Austlift range is designed and tested for Australian conditions and is backed by Austlift's national technical support.
Austlift Grade 100 chain slings are available in 8 mm chain, single-leg and 2-leg configurations. G100 slings give you approximately 25% more lifting capacity at the same chain diameter — useful where clearances are tight and a larger G80 chain will not fit the lifting lug or shackle.
Garrick Grade 80 2-leg slings are available with latch hooks, complementing the Austlift range with an alternative configuration option at G80 capacity.
Lifting chain components — master links, omega links, clevis end pin locks, and shortening clutches — are available separately for building custom sling assemblies or replacing worn components in existing assemblies. All components are AS 3776-rated and compatible with the chain grades stocked.
All slings are available for inspection before purchase. If you need a configuration not in our standard range — a specific leg length, a 3-leg or 4-leg assembly, or a swivel hook configuration — contact AIMS for a custom order through Austlift.
Note on Grade 70 chain: G70 (gold chromate) transport chain is NOT a lifting-grade product and must not be used in overhead sling applications — it is specifically rated for cargo tie-down and load restraint under the NHVR Load Restraint Guide 2025. For tie-down applications using G70 chain and rated binder hardware, see the Load Binder Guide.
Browse the AIMS chain sling and rigging range: /collections/rigging-lifting-slings. For component parts, visit /collections/lifting-chain-links.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chain sling?
A chain sling is a lifting assembly made from alloy steel short-link chain, fitted with a master link at the top and hooks or rings at the lower ends. It connects a load to a crane, hoist, or chain block for overhead lifting. Chain slings are manufactured to AS 3775.1 in Australia and are available in single-leg, 2-leg, 3-leg, and 4-leg configurations.
What is the difference between Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain slings?
Grade 80 chain is made from alloy steel with a minimum tensile strength of 800 N/mm² and is the most common lifting chain in Australia. Grade 100 chain uses higher-strength alloy steel at 1,000 N/mm², giving approximately 25% more working load limit for the same chain diameter. Both grades are covered by AS 3775.1:2004. G100 is chosen when tight clearances prevent the use of a larger G80 chain, or when every kilogram of sling weight matters.
Can you use Grade 70 chain for overhead lifting?
No. Grade 70 chain is a transport and load-securing chain, not a lifting chain. It is gold or yellow in colour, is not manufactured to AS 3775.1, and has not been proof-tested as a lifting sling. Using G70 chain for overhead lifting is a serious safety violation and a breach of AS 3775.2. If you see gold or yellow chain in a rigging set, remove it from service immediately.
What is the working load limit of a chain sling?
The working load limit (WLL) is the maximum mass a chain sling is rated to lift safely under normal conditions, expressed in tonnes. For a G80 sling, single-leg vertical WLL ranges from 1.12 t (6 mm chain) to 12.5 t (20 mm chain). WLL is stamped on the sling's tag and assumes a vertical lift. Sling angle, hitch type, and temperature all affect the effective WLL — always consult the tag and AS 3775.2 tables before selecting a sling for a specific lift.
How do you calculate WLL for a multi-leg chain sling?
For a 2-leg sling, multiply the single-leg vertical WLL by 2 and then apply the sling angle factor. For example, a 2-leg G80 10 mm sling has a single-leg WLL of 3.15 t. At 60° from horizontal (angle factor 0.866): WLL = 2 × 3.15 × 0.866 = 5.46 t. For a 4-leg sling, use the 2-leg WLL calculation only — the 4-leg rule means a 4-leg sling is rated identically to a 2-leg sling of the same grade and diameter.
What is a 4-leg chain sling and what is it used for?
A 4-leg chain sling has four chain legs running from a single or dual master link, providing four load attachment points. It is used for heavy, bulky loads where multiple lifting points are needed for stability. However, a 4-leg sling is rated at the same WLL as a 2-leg sling because equal load distribution across all four legs cannot be guaranteed. The additional legs provide redundancy and load stability, not increased lift capacity.
How does sling angle affect working load limit?
As the sling angle from horizontal decreases, each leg must carry a greater share of the load — even though the suspended weight has not changed. At 60° from horizontal, each leg carries 15% more tension than when hanging vertically. At 45°, it is 41% more. At 30°, each leg carries twice the tension it would carry vertically. This is expressed as a load factor: at 30°, the factor is 0.5, meaning the multi-leg sling's WLL is halved compared to vertical. The minimum recommended sling angle is 30° from horizontal.
What are the different types of chain slings?
Chain slings are classified by number of legs: single-leg (1-leg), two-leg (2-leg), three-leg (3-leg), and four-leg (4-leg). Each configuration suits different load geometries. Hitch type — vertical (straight), choker, or basket — further affects capacity. Components vary too: slings may have fixed latch hooks, swivel hooks, grab hooks, or shortening clutches depending on the application.
How often should chain slings be inspected in Australia?
AS 3775.2:2014 specifies inspection frequency based on usage: annual inspection for slings used 1–5 times per week; 6-monthly for 6–25 uses per week; 3-monthly for 26–200 uses per week; and monthly for more than 200 uses per week. A pre-use visual inspection must also be carried out before every single lift, regardless of when the periodic inspection was last done. Inspections must be conducted by a competent person and recorded.
When should a chain sling be removed from service?
A chain sling must be removed from service immediately if any of the following are found: a chain link worn to 90% or less of its original diameter; any elongation or permanent stretch; bent, twisted, or kinked links; any crack regardless of size; pitting or corrosion that has altered link dimensions; an illegible or missing WLL tag; a deformed or damaged hook; chemical contamination; or any temperature exposure above 400°C. Do not return a condemned sling to the sling rack — mark it clearly and segregate it.
What is the maximum wear allowed on a chain sling link?
AS 3775.2:2014 specifies a maximum wear limit of 10% reduction in link diameter. For a 10 mm chain, remove from service when any link measures 9 mm or below at the point of maximum wear. Use a vernier caliper to measure — visual estimation is not reliable enough for a safety-critical measurement. Wear is typically worst at the inner face of links that bear against hooks, connecting links, and the load.
What does a chain sling tag need to show in Australia?
An AS 3775.1-compliant WLL tag must show: chain grade (G80 or G100), chain diameter in mm, number of legs, WLL in tonnes for each configuration and sling angle, leg length in metres, manufacturer name, the compliance standard (AS 3775.1:2004), and a serial or batch number for traceability to the test certificate. If any of this information is missing or illegible, the sling must not be used until it has been re-inspected and re-tagged.
Can chain slings be repaired?
Yes — chain slings are the only sling type that can be repaired. Individual damaged links can be replaced by a competent repairer using chain of the same grade and diameter, after which the sling must be proof-tested to 2× WLL and re-tagged. Wire rope slings and synthetic slings cannot be repaired and must be retired as a complete assembly when their structural integrity is compromised. This repairability is a major long-term cost advantage of chain slings in high-use applications.
What is a dogging licence and when is it required?
A Dogging (DG) licence is a High Risk Work licence issued under the WHS Regulations. It is required in Australia for any person who selects and attaches slinging tackle to a load and directs a crane or hoist operator to perform a lift. This includes routine workshop lifts using a chain block and chain sling. The licence is obtained through an RTO delivering the relevant Rigging and Scaffolding training package unit. It is nationally recognised across all Australian states and territories.
What is the difference between a chain sling and a wire rope sling?
Chain slings use solid alloy steel links; wire rope slings use strands of drawn steel wire. Chain slings handle heat and abrasion better, are adjustable with shortening clutches, and can be repaired and re-certified after damage. Wire rope slings are lighter and more flexible around contoured loads. Choose chain slings for hot, abrasive, or harsh environments; choose wire rope slings for lighter loads at ambient temperature where weight and conformability matter.
