Chain For Lifting

Chain for Lifting Purposes

BS EN 818 Series

• Chains are made from alloy steel these days

• Chain making is entirely automated now

• One machine can usually complete the whole process.

• Grade M = metric equivalent of grade 40 now 4

• Grade T = metric equivalent to grade 80 now 8

• Factor of Safety of 4:1

Calibrated Chain
Long Link

Grade 8
 Fine Tolerance Chain
Grade T

BS EN 818-7 covers grade T fine tolerance chain of three types, T, DAT and DT.

Fine tolerance chain, (calibrated chain as it was previously known), is chain which
has been manufactured to precise dimensions for use as load chain in lifting
appliances.

The pitch of the chain is important as it has to mate with other, moving, components.

It is less ductile than the chain used for chain slings and has a harder skin to resist
wear.

As it is unsuitable for use as sling chain, we must be able to identify it in case we

come across slings that incorrectly have been made using it.

Should a sling be found to use chain of these grades it should be removed from
service immediately
 Medium Tolerance Chain
Grade 8

BS EN 818-2 covers grade 8 medium tolerance chain intended for sling manufacture. Slinging
chain needs to be more ductile to withstand shock loading, however, in use it is not subject to
wear and can therefore have a softer skin.

As it does not mate with other, moving, parts it does not need to have such a precise pitch.
When chain is produced by machine the links are marginally misshapen, the sides having a
slight curve.

When the manufacturer ‘calibrates’ it by the application of a force, the links bed down on each
other and the sides of the link straighten. As a result the chain extends by a marginal amount.

In the case of load chains it is important that the links are of precise size and form so that they
engage correctly in the pocketed load wheels of the appliance.

This is achieved by manufacturing the chain to a calculated undersize. The finished chain is
then subjected to an increased force, which pulls it to the required even shape, size and pitch.

Slings made in the UK between 1981 and 1997 may show the letter ‘T’ as a grade mark.
 Test Requirements

On completion of all of the manufacturing processes, chain manufacturers test

the chain and issue a master test certificate, which also gives the traceability
back to the production, heat treatment and finishing batch.

They also carry out random tests to destruction, by tensile loading, bend test
and by fatigue testing to ensure the properties and qualities of the finished chain
have been achieved and remain consistent.

In the case of grade 8 chain, and some older grade T sling chain from certain
manufacturers, the manufacturers test force is higher than the customary 2 x
WLL, being set at 2.5 x WLL.

It is intended that this is the initial test, which is not intended to be repeated.

The proof load for load chains is set at different percentages due to their duties.
 Chain Finishes

Fine tolerance chain may be recognised in two ways.

1. Bright Finish
2. Grade Mark

• The calibrating process has the effect of removing all of the residual scale
from the heat treatment process and many of the finish treatments include
corrosion resistant finishes.

• Fine tolerance chains to BS EN 818 use the letters ‘T’, ‘DAT’ and ‘DT’ to
indicate the type of treatment given to the chain and its intended application.
 Chain Sling

• The maximum permissible wear is 8% reduction in material diameter for the chain,
components and fittings

• The maximum elongation, mainly due to seating and interlink wear is 5%

• Mechanically assembled slings to BS EN 818-4 are proof loaded at manufacture only

• If carry out a repair on a welded construction chain sling then a proof load will be
required after the repair has been completed.
 Comparative Strengths
• Size for size grade 8 chain is twice as strong as grade 4

• Grade 10 chain (although not yet covered by standards) is 25% stronger than grade 8

• The grade mark of a chain sling tells you the mean stress at the specified minimum
breaking force of the chain

• Type T chain is for use with manual chain hoists and slow speed power hoists

• Medium tolerance chain is for use as chain slings

• Type DAT chain is intended for use as load chain for power hoists with high speeds
and working capacity, where good wear resistance is necessary to give a longer
working life.

• Type DT chain is intended for use as load chain for power hoists in abrasive
conditions.

• Case hardened chains type DAT and DT are not suitable for use in hand chain
blocks.
 Chain Strength Comparison

Minimum Breaking
WLL in Terms of Proof Load in
Grade of Chain Load in Terms of d²
d² (t) Terms of d² (t)
(t)

D² D² D²
M
64 32 16

D² D² D²
S
40 20 10

D² D² D²
T
32 16 8