Struggling to Choose the Right Chain? This Ultimate Guide Has You Covered

Clarify: What is your chain supposed to do?

The first step in choosing a chain is not to look at the material or price, but to clarify the usage scenario. Different application scenarios have vastly different requirements for the chain.

Common application scenario classification:

• Lifting and hoisting: requires high safety factor and high strength

• Transmission and conveying: requires wear resistance and fatigue resistance

• Ship Terminal: Requires resistance to seawater corrosion

•Construction site: requires weather resistance and impact resistance

•Food and medicine: require hygiene grade and easy to clean

Material selection: The more expensive, the better

The material of the chain directly determines its service life and safety. I have sorted out several common materials on the market for everyone:

Advantages and disadvantages of material types, applicable scenarios

Carbon steel is cheap in price, has high strength, is prone to rusting, is not resistant to corrosion in dry indoor environments, and can be used for a short period of time

Hot dip galvanizing has good anti rust performance and high cost-effectiveness. The coating is prone to rusting after wear and tear. It is commonly used in outdoor environments and construction sites

304 stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, aesthetically pleasing, relatively expensive, slightly lower in strength, food grade, and suitable for general corrosive environments

316 stainless steel is acid and alkali resistant, resistant to seawater, and has the highest price in chemical, marine, and highly corrosive environments

Intensity level: Understand numbers such as G80 and G100

Many people get headaches when they see G80 and G100, but it's actually quite simple:

G80: Safety factor 4:1, suitable for general lifting operations

G100: Safety factor 5:1, suitable for heavy loads and frequent operations

Level 70/80: This is the strength level, the higher the number, the higher the strength

Important reminder: The higher the safety factor, the better. Although G100 is safer, it is also more expensive and heavier. If your homework intensity is not high, G80 is completely sufficient, there is no need to spend extra money.

Standard certification: Differences between DIN, ISO, and GB

The standard systems of different countries determine the quality level of the chain:

DIN standard: German industrial standard, known for its rigor, mainstream in the European market

ISO standards: International standards, globally applicable

GB standard: Chinese national standard, in compliance with domestic requirements

Size specifications: Don't just look at the diameter

Chain specifications are not just about diameter, but also include:

• Pitch: The distance between chain links, which affects flexibility and strength

• Inner width: affects the matching degree with hooks and shackles

• Breaking force: the maximum tensile force that the chain can withstand

Surface treatment: not just for aesthetics

Surface treatment directly affects the corrosion resistance of the chain:

Hot dip galvanizing: Thick coating, good rust prevention effect, suitable for outdoor use

Galvanized coating: Smooth surface, but thin coating, suitable for indoor use

Nickel plating: Beautiful and corrosion-resistant, but expensive

Natural color: No treatment, lowest price, but prone to rusting

Special reminder: After welding, hot-dip galvanized chains need to undergo rust prevention treatment at the weld seam, otherwise it will become a weak point of corrosion.

Usage environment: These factors must be considered

When choosing a chain, it is important to consider the usage environment:

• Temperature: High temperature will reduce the strength of the chain, while low temperature will make it brittle

• Humidity: Wet environments accelerate corrosion

•Chemical medium: Special materials are required for acidic and alkaline environments

• Impact load: Frequent impacts require a higher safety factor

Maintenance and upkeep: the key to extending lifespan

Even the best chain needs maintenance:

• Regular inspection: check for wear, deformation, and rust

• Timely lubrication: reduce wear and prevent rust

• Proper storage: dry and ventilated, avoid heavy pressure

• Scrap standard: If the wear exceeds 10% or cracks appear, it must be scrapped

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@clgrindustrial.com and we will do my best to answer them.