Buy Lifting Chain Links Online in Australia
Lifting Chain Link Selection — Quick Reference (AS 3775)
Lifting chain links join Grade 80 / Grade 100 alloy lifting chain lengths + connect chain legs to master links + hooks + shackles. Safety-critical rigging components — all must carry stamped WLL + grade marking + manufacturer ID per AS 3775.
| Link Type | Function | WLL Range |
|---|---|---|
| Master Link (Oblong) | Top connection — sling-to-crane-hook attachment point | 1.4 t – 50+ t |
| Sub-Assembly Master Link (Pear-Shaped) | Multi-leg sling apex — distributes load | 1.4 t – 25 t |
| Quad Master Link | 4-leg sling apex | Per sling rating |
| Coupling Link (Bolt Type — Grade 80) | Permanent chain joining — bolted closed | G80 chain dia matched |
| Coupling Link (Hammerlock — Grade 80) | Field-assemblable — hammer-driven pin closes | G80 chain dia matched |
| Coupling Link (Grade 100) | G100 chain joining | ~25% higher capacity same diameter |
| Chain Connecting Link (Type-A) | Joining 2 chain ends — alternative to coupling link | Per chain spec |
| Quick-Link (Threaded) | NOT FOR LIFTING — security/utility chain only | NOT WLL rated for overhead lifting |
Critical: Lifting chain links MUST be Grade 80 (G80) or Grade 100 (G100) alloy steel — stamped GR80/GR100. Plain hardware quick-links are NOT lifting-rated and MUST NEVER be used in overhead lifting service. Match link diameter to chain link diameter (same nominal). Inspect for cracks + wear before each lift. Compliance per AS 3775 + AS 2550 inspection regime. Brands: Austlift, Beaver, Yoke. Companion: lifting chains, lifting hooks, shackles, rigging slings.
Lifting Chain Links — G80 & G100 Alloy Steel Lifting Links
Lifting chain links are safety-critical rigging components that join lengths of Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy lifting chain and connect chain legs to master links, hooks, and shackles. AIMS Industrial stocks lifting chain links from Austlift, Beaver, and Yoke — G80 and G100 alloy steel connecting links, omega links, oval master links, clevis end pinlocks, and shortening clutches — all manufactured and tested to Australian Standard AS 3775.
Lifting Chain Links We Stock
G80 Alloy Steel Connecting Links
Grade 80 (G80) connecting links join G80 lifting chain and assemble multi-leg chain sling configurations. The connecting link WLL matches the chain WLL — the connected link is not a weak point in a correctly assembled chain sling. We stock the Austlift G80 Large Master Link SD Type and Beaver Grade 80 Oblong Link for single and multi-leg sling applications.
G100 Alloy Steel Connecting Links
Grade 100 (G100) connecting links provide higher WLL than G80 in the same chain size — allowing higher loads with smaller, lighter chain assemblies. Required when upgrading from G80 to G100 chain. We stock the Austlift Master Link G100 Alloy Steel and Yoke G100 Clevis End Pin Lock and Yoke G100 Master Link for high-capacity chain sling assemblies.
Oval Master Links (Master Rings)
Oval master links join multiple chain legs at the top of a multi-leg chain sling — providing a single connection point to the hook or hoist. Rated WLL must equal or exceed the combined leg capacity for the specified number of legs and sling angle. The Yoke G80 Master Link Coupling and Beaver Grade 80 Multi-Leg Oblong Master Link cover a wide range of assembly configurations.
Clevis End Pinlocks & Omega Links
Clevis end pinlocks and omega links connect chain legs to other rigging hardware with a positive-locking pin closure — preventing accidental disconnection under load. The Yoke G80 Clevis End Pinlock and Yoke G80 Omega Link provide secure, rated connection points throughout the sling assembly.
Shortening Clutches
Shortening clutches (grab hooks) allow rapid sling leg length adjustment by gripping a chain link — enabling the sling configuration to be adjusted on-site without re-assembly. Available in G80 and G100 ratings.
Lifting Chain Link Compliance Guide
AS 3775 Marking
All lifting chain links sold in Australia must be individually proof-tested and marked with working load limit, grade (G80/G100), and identification traceability per AS 3775. Do not use unmarked or unidentified chain links in lifting applications.
Periodic Inspection
Lifting chain links must be inspected before each use for cracks, gouges, and deformation, and formally inspected by a competent person at regular intervals under AS 4991. Links with visible cracks, deformation, or wear marks exceeding specified limits must be removed from service.
WLL vs Breaking Load
G80 and G100 lifting chain links are rated at a minimum 4:1 safety factor — the proof load is 2× WLL and breaking load is typically 4× WLL. Never use the proof load or breaking load as a working load — these are test and safety values only.
Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.
Expert Support: Need help buying the right product for your application? Contact our team for application-specific advice or request a quote.
Also see our lifting equipment, shackles, hooks, and chain blocks for complementary rigging and lifting products.
People Also Ask — Lifting Chain Links and Fittings
Q: What's the difference between Grade 80 and Grade 100 lifting chain?
Grade 80 alloy steel lifting chain is the workshop standard for overhead lifting — typical Safe Working Load (SWL) of about 3.2 tonnes for 10mm chain. Grade 100 chain uses higher-strength alloy giving about 25 percent higher SWL for the same chain diameter — useful where weight and space are constraints. Both grades must be inspected, certified, and used with matched grade-rated lifting hardware (hooks, shackles, master links).
Q: What standards apply to lifting chain in Australia?
AS 3776 covers welded steel chain for lifting purposes, with chain grades, dimensions, and proof testing. AS 2076 covers chain slings. Combined with the WHS regulations, lifting chain in workplace use must be certified, identified with its grade and SWL, and inspected periodically by a competent person. Non-certified chain is illegal for overhead lifting in commercial operations.
Q: Can I extend a lifting chain by welding extra links?
No — welded repairs or extensions to lifting chain are not permitted under Australian standards. Welded or modified chain loses its certification and its safe working load. If you need a longer chain, replace with a certified longer chain or use certified connecting links and master links rated for the application. Field repairs to lifting equipment are explicitly prohibited.
Q: How often must lifting chain be inspected?
Daily pre-use checks by the operator (visual inspection for damage, distortion, wear, cracks), and formal thorough inspection by a competent person at intervals specified by the workplace risk assessment — typically every 3-12 months depending on use intensity. Records of inspections must be kept. Chain that fails inspection is tagged out and either repaired (by certified means only) or destroyed.
Q: What's a master link and when do I use one?
A master link is a large oval link used as the load-bearing connection point for a multi-leg chain sling — the crane hook engages the master link, which in turn connects to multiple chain legs. Master links must be grade-matched to the chain and rated for the sling configuration's total load. Single-leg slings can use direct hook-and-shortener configurations; multi-leg slings (2-leg, 3-leg, 4-leg) require certified master links.