A chain sling is a great tool to use when lifting heavy cargos. These slings can work for almost any rigging application. They are strong, flexible and temperature-resistant so they accommodate several kinds of loads even in extremely harsh environments. There are three different types of slings: the single leg, double leg and multi-leg sling, and each of these has different sizes and styles. The actual load each type can carry depends on which exact size and style are employed.
The Single Leg Sling
The single leg chain sling has a single length of chain supporting a load that must be evenly balanced. There are single leg slings with mater links that carry sling hooks, grab hooks and foundry hooks. There are also single leg slings that are adjustable and those that utilize an “Endless basket” configuration. These slings come in grade 80 chain with link sizes up to 1 ¼ inches or grade 100 with link sizes up to 7/8 inches thick. The biggest of these slings has a weight capacity of 72,300 pounds.
The Double Leg Sling
A double leg chain sling uses two separate lengths of chain to support an object. Some of the variations of double leg sling include master links and a hook, grab hook, sling hook or foundry hook. There are also adjustable double slings and slings with an endless double basket. Double leg slings come with grade 80 or 100 chains with the same available sizes as in single chain slings. The weight capacity depends on the angle at which the legs are attached to the load, with the maximum being 102,200 pounds.
The Multi-leg Sling
For heaviest cargos, multi-leg slings offer the best lift capacity and safety. These rigs can have three chains, four chains or more. With configurations like the triple chain sling with master link and sling hook, these multi-chain rigs can hold up to 187,800 pounds, depending on the size of the chain and the angle of the legs. These slings have the same available chain sizes and grades as the single and double leg slings.
