At Mennens, we carry out the mandatory inspection and certification of a wide range of lifting equipment, including lifting chains. As Manager of the Test & Repair workshop at our Rotterdam location, I see all kinds of issues during these inspections. Which defects do we encounter most often in lifting chains? And how can you prevent them? In this blog, I share my top three insights.
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1. Choker Hitch Use
In our workshop, we unfortunately have to reject lifting chains on a regular basis because they have been used in a choker hitch configuration. For example, a two-leg chain sling may have been wrapped around a beam. This is immediately visible because one or more chain links have become bent or deformed. As an operator, always inspect the chain before use to check for this. If you notice any deformation, do not use the chain.
A lifting chain is not designed to be used in a choker hitch. Doing so damages the chain links and compromises the safety of the chain. Always use a lifting chain in a straight configuration. This helps prevent damage and deformation to both the master link and the individual chain links.
Need to lift a beam? Use lifting equipment that is designed for the job, such as a webbing sling or a suitable beam clamp.
2. Overloading
Another issue we regularly encounter is lifting chains that have been overloaded. In these cases, the tip of the hook is bent, causing the hook to remain partially open. This is a clear indication that the chain has been loaded beyond its Working Load Limit (WLL) or has been used incorrectly. In most cases, this means the chain must be taken out of service.
The identification tag on the chain specifies both the Working Load Limit and the maximum sling angle. Never exceed these limits. Before every lift, inspect the entire sling assembly to ensure it is in good condition. This also helps you identify whether the previous user may have overloaded the chain.
3. Uneven Loading
A common variation of overloading occurs with multi-leg chain slings when the individual legs are not loaded evenly. During inspection, we sometimes find that one leg has been overloaded. This is evident because one leg has stretched and is therefore longer than the others.
Before each use, always check the identification tag to verify the Working Load Limit and the permitted sling angle.
Tip: Check How the Chain Is Hanging in the Crane
The defects described above are among the most common issues I encounter during inspections. Of course, there are many other aspects to check as well. My most important advice for the safe use of lifting chains is to take a good look at how the chain is hanging before every lift.
Is the chain hanging correctly from the crane hook, or is one connection point misaligned? If you're using a multi-leg chain sling, are all legs the same length? Does the safety latch fully close and lock the hook? And are all chain links—including the master link—straight, with no signs of bending or deformation?
As a final check, always verify the Working Load Limit and ensure the load is distributed correctly before using the lifting chain.
If you notice any irregularities—or if you're unsure about the condition of the chain—do not use it. Instead, have it inspected by a competent person. At Mennens, we also offer safe lifting training courses to help users work safely and confidently.
Safety always comes first.
More information
Would you like more information about safe lifting with chains or have your lifting chains inspected and certified? Get in touch with your nearest Mennens location!
