BULK CHAIN

The old adage does not prove true with Alloy Sling and Chain because there is no “weakest link”. All chain and links are inspected and assured of their strength and reliability throughout the process. The chains we sell are of the highest quality carbon and alloy steel meeting all of the specifications that cover steel chain for commercial quality and other uses.

Some of the chains that are available through ASC are as follows: System 3, 4, 7, 8 and 10 as well as Grade 50 Type 316L Stainless Steel Lifting Chain Program. The newly revised (July 5, 2011) Federal Specification covers the following chains and we are pleased that all the chain sold to our customers meets these new requirements and are available to you from Alloy Sling and Chain.

The RR-C-271F replaces the now-obsolete RR-C-271E from December 2010. The 45 page revision covers the following classes and styles that ASC is also able to provide for Type I welded steel chain:

Class 1 – Alloy chain (overhead lift), Class 2 – High-test chain, Class 3 – Transport chain, Class 4 – Proof-coil chain and for Class 5 – Twist-link chain – Style 1 – Long-link pattern (coil) and Style 2 – Short-link pattern (machine)

For Type II weldless (forged and casting) chain, the following classes are included:

Class 1 – Single-loop pattern chain, Class 2 – Double-loop pattern chain, Class 3 – Sash chain, Class 4 – Flat-link chain, Class 5 – Bead chain, Class 6 – Plumber’s chain, Class 7 – Single-jack chain, Class 8 – Double-jack chain, Class 9 – Ladder chain, Class 10 – Register chain, and Class 11 – Mechanical communication chain.

Important Chain Terms:

WORKING LOAD LIMIT

The “working load limit” (rated capacity) is the maximum combined static and dynamic load in pounds or kilograms which should ever be applied to the product in service, even when the product is new, and when the load is uniformly applied in direct tension to the product.

 PROOF TEST

The “proof test” is a quality control test applied to chain for the purpose of verifying weld and material quality. It is the minimum force in pounds or newtons that the chain has withstood in direct tension as part of the manufacturing process. Proof testing assures that the chain is more than capable of performing at its rated working load limit. Proof test loads are a manufacturing integrity test and shall not be used as criteria for service or design purposes. All proof tested chain and components are proof tested in accordance with the applicable ASTM, NACM and AISI/ASME requirements.

 Warnings, Cautions, Inspection and Proper Use of Chain

Chain products and components are designed and built for rugged lasting service. As with any quality product certain precautions and standards of treatment should be observed. Proper care will extend the useful life of the product.

 INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING COMPONENTS AND FITTINGS

Components, such as hooks or shackles, should have at least the same working load limit (rated capacity) as the chain with which they are used. If not, the assembly shall be rated to the capacity of the weakest component.

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

• The use of chain is subject to certain hazards that cannot be met by mechanical or manufacturing means, but only by the exercise of intelligence, care, and common sense
• Do not exceed the working load limit of the chain or any component
• Chemically active environments may adversely affect chain and components. Do not use in highly acidic or caustic environments. Contact ASC if the chain will be exposed to chemically active environments during use
• High and low temperatures will affect chain and components. ASC should be contacted if temperatures below -20°F (-29°C) or above 400°F (200°C) will be experienced
• Chains used in certain applications are subject to governmental regulations. Please follow all Federal, State and/or Local Department of Transportation, OSHA, or other applicable standards and regulations when using ASC provided products
• Never field weld or repair chain
• See other specific information under “Inspection and Proper Use” sections

INSPECTION

Regular inspections should be conducted on chain to detect damage or deterioration from use. The chain should be inspected for any of the below conditions. If present, the chain should immediately be removed from service.

• Cracks in the chain or any component
• Excessive nicks or gouges
• Excessive wear. Chain should be removed from service if the thickness at any point on the link is below the value shown in the Chain Minimum Allowable Thickness chart. All other components should be removed from service if any dimension is worn by more than 10% from the original dimension
• Stretched, bent, twisted, or distorted chain links or components
• Excessive corrosion
• Evidence of heat damage
• Evidence of field welding or weld splatter
• Any other condition which questions the integrity of the chain

PROPER USE

To protect the users and to prevent damage to the chain, the following safe practices should be followed:

• Select a chain suitable for the application and environment
• The hooks or other components should be of a size to fit the intended connections
• Avoid shock loading
• Pad all sharp edges or corners in contact with the chain
• Rig so that the load is properly seated in the hooks or other components. Avoid tip loading of hooks and side loading of chain and components
• Avoid twisting or kinking the chain
• Never knot chain