Knowing When to Discard Your Chain

Chain products are sometimes exposed to harsh environments and conditions which can lead to damage to the product. The question arises when must chain be taken out of service and replaced with new chains?

The following basic types of damage are listed below and products displaying these features should be removed from service:

Bent or twisted links

Deep gauges or surface damage can lead to crack formation and service failures

Excessive pitting corrosion can act as stress raisers which can lead to fatigue- or corrosion fatigue failures

Broken links

Stretched or mechanically

deformed chains due to overload reduces ductility and toughness

Chain exposed to

acidic environments

(Hydrochloric, Sulphuric, Hydrofluoric, Phosphoric or Hydrofluoric–nitric mixed acids)

General chain wear equal to more than 10% of the chain diameter.

Gr8 chain exposed to temperatures above 400°C or elevated temperatures for an extended duration.

Gr10 chain exposed to temperatures above 200°C or elevated temperatures for an extended duration.

---

What can be done to prevent damage to chain products:

Make sure the chain is supporting a load in a straight configuration without twist in the sling leg.

Never tie knots in a chain to shorten the length. Use the correct shortening device such as a grab hook.

It is advisable to provide some form of packing when a chain must pass around a sharp corner in order to prevent damage to the link.

Make sure the weight to be lifted is known and select the correct grade of chain for a specific load.

Ensure that the crane hook is directly above the centre of gravity of the load being lifted.

Store chain and lifting equipment in a place free of corrosives or moisture where possible.

Knowing when to retire your chain and understanding how to protect it in the field is the ultimate safeguard against costly downtime, equipment failure, and workplace injury.

By staying vigilant, respecting operational limits, and knowing precisely when to take a compromised link out of service, you protect your most valuable assets: your people and your productivity.