Riggers have two goals that rarely overlap—low sling weight and high working load. Topone's G80 lifting chain range eliminates that conflict. This guide illustrates how alloy design, link geometry, and rational sizing enable you to strip kilograms off every sling without compromising a 4:1 factor of safety per EN 818-2. Plunge into metallurgy, glance over a quick-select table, determine the must-measure checkpoints, then apply a step-by-step flow to pin down the optimal diameter. Complete the read and you'll choose the correct chain every time—without over-specifying or losing time.

1 Why "lighter yet stronger" is important

You manually push chains all day long, so every extra metre drains energy. A streamlined sling reduces hook-up times, eliminates ergonomic strain, and keeps headroom loss to a minimum. At the same time, modern alloy steel gives you strength that older G63 or Grade 60 chains never had. You get more productivity and less fatigue with one decision.

2 Within the G80 alloy benefit

Topone G80 starts with Cr-Mo alloy steel and introduces accurate heat treatment. Rapid water quench maintains fine martensitic core, controlled temper establishes hardness at 35–45 HRC, and full-length proof load at 2.5 × WLL maintains weld integrity. Every link has an embossed "8 – TPN" stamp so every batch can be traced back to the melt sheet by inspectors. (s3i.co.uk)

3 Quick-select chart—find your load sweet spot

*WLL conforms to EN 818-2 single-leg vertical mode.

Reading the numbers

WLL already accounts for the 4:1 design factor—never apply more "insurance" or you're incurring unnecessary steel.

Proof load tests weld strength at the factory; operators never pull that hard on site.

Weight per metre contributes to the mass lifted; factor it in when you're calculating total tension.

4 Step-by-step sizing procedure

Set down the heaviest standard load, not the one-off limit.

Add rigging weight plus 10 % safety margin.

Multiply by sling angle factor of EN 818-4.

Open chart and choose the first diameter whose WLL does better than result.

Check hook throat for selected link.

Record decision in rigging log.

Go through the six steps and you avoid both overload as well as overspend.

5 Field inspection essentials

Use a 150 mm vernier and a five-link gauge plate. Use mid-link diameter; replace chain when wear is 10 %. Place five links flat and take length measurement; scrap at 3 % elongation. Finish with bright-light scan for rust nests and cracks. The whole routine is three minutes but saves from catastrophic failure. (h-lift.com)

6 Handling and storage tips

Clean chains frequently; grit doubles wear. Oil after every wash; penetrant reaches weld root. Sling chains up on racks in dry storage; never coil wet floors. Check service hours and retire chains at five years or first sign of over-wear—whichever first.

7 When to upgrade to Grade 100

Skip to G100 if calculated tension is above the 26 mm G80 top limit, or for slings with long legs where self-weight is a factor. A G100 chain saves approximately 15 % of weight but has more rigorous repair methods, so weigh the compromise.

Conclusion

You now have an open and honest, fact-based route to save sling weight and enhance lifting capacity—go with TOPONE CHAIN and feel the difference.