Chains stay unmatched for overhead strength, heat resistance, and on-site adjustability, yet many crews still guess grade or leg angle and watch capacity vanish. This guide turns “lifting with chains” into a repeatable workflow. You will learn how G80 and G100 link strengths compare, see real Topone diameter tables, match hooks to grades, and follow a six-step rigging checklist that locks in safe working load every time.

1 Choose Your Grade Before Anything Else

*Topone rates every chain at one-quarter of its minimum break to lock in a 4 : 1 safety margin. G100 delivers roughly 25 % more WLL than the same-diameter G80; stainless keeps G80 strength but beats corrosion.

2 Match Diameter to the Real Load

Data mirror the tables on lifting-chain.com.

3 Pick the Right Hook—Speed Follows the Fit

Always match hook grade to chain grade—mixing downgrades capacity instantly.

4 Six-Step Sizing Flow (Print & Post It)

List the heaviest routine load—skip freak peaks.

Add rigging weight plus a ten-percent buffer.

Multiply by the sling-angle factor (1.4 @ 45°, 2.1 @ 60° four-leg).

Open the diameter table and pick the first link whose WLL ≥ result.

Check hook throat against load point—leave ten-percent clearance.

Log the stamped code (“8-TPN” for G80, “10-TPN” for G100) before the first lift.

Finish all six moves in under a minute and never oversize or undershoot again.

5 Rigging Routine—Active Steps Keep Chains Alive

Inspect links and hooks before each shift—look for cracks, gouges, heat tint.

Gauge mid-link diameter monthly—retire at ten-percent wear.

Measure five-link pitch—scrap at three-percent stretch; stretch reveals overload early.

Oil clean chains lightly; lube at weld crotches halves fretting wear.

Hang slings on racks, not floors; standing water attacks weld toes first.

These habits push G80 past four service years and G100 past three under daily lifts.

6 Plan Finish for the Environment

Paint looks cheap up-front, zinc sacrifices itself, stainless never rusts—pay for what the site demands, not for showroom shine.

7 Common Errors—and Fast Fixes

Print the list, train new hires, and cut downtime in half.

Conclusion

Follow the grade chart, diameter table, and six-step flow, then let Topone rigging chains lift every load quickly, safely, and profitably—explore full specs now at lifting-chain.com.