Weight Chains for Rigging: Select, Size, and Use with Confidence-Blog-TOPONE Chain Lifting

Rigging crews move hefty molds, turbines, and steel beams every shift. They trust weight chains—round-link lifting chains designed for overhead service—because links shrug heat, sparks, and point loading far better than wire rope. Still, crews must pick the right grade, diameter, and hook set or they risk overload and costly downtime. This guide turns weight-chain selection into six clear moves, backed by Topone data and EN 818 rules, so you lock in capacity, cut sling mass, and keep audits painless.

1 Grade First: G80 vs G100 vs Stainless

Grade	Yield MPa	Safety Factor	Proof Load	Best Field	Typical Finish
G80	640	4 : 1	2.5 × WLL	Construction, rentals	Black / phosphate
G100	980	4 : 1	2.5 × WLL	Production cranes	Black paint
Stainless G80	640	4 : 1	2.5 × WLL	Food, chemical, marine	Polished

Choose grade by environment and headroom. G100 lifts 25 % more at the same diameter, freeing hook space; stainless beats corrosion but matches G80 strength.

2 Diameter Table—Real Topone Specs

Ø mm	G80 WLL kg	G100 WLL kg	Stainless G80 WLL kg	Chain kg / m	Hook Throat min mm
8	2 000	2 500	2 000	1.4	13
10	3 150	4 000	3 150	2.2	17
13	5 300	6 700	5 300	3.8	22
16	8 000	10 000	8 000	5.7	28
20	12 500	16 000	12 500	9.0	34

Values mirror lifting-chain.com sheets; Topone proof tests every batch at 2.5 × WLL.

3 Six-Move Sizing Flow

List routine heaviest load—skip rare peaks.

Add rigging weight plus 10 % buffer.

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

Pick diameter whose WLL ≥ result.

Check hook throat—leave 10 % clearance.

Log stamped ID (“8-TPN”, “10-TPN”, or “8-SS-TPN”) before the first lift.

Finish the list in a minute and never oversize or undershoot again.

4 Hook Style Drives Speed and Safety

Hook Type	Works With	Quick Benefit	Use It When
Clevis grab	G80	Fast leg shortening	Variable lift points
Eye sling	G80 / G100	Smooth throat support	Single-leg vertical
Self-locking	G100	Auto-latch under load	Personnel zones
Stainless latch	Stainless G80	Corrosion-proof	Acid, brine, food

Match hook grade to chain grade—mixing downgrades capacity instantly.

5 Angle Math—Hidden Force Multiplier

Sling Angle	Factor	Tension per Leg on 10 t Load
90° (vert)	1.0	10.0 t
60°	1.15	11.5 t
45°	1.41	14.1 t
30°	2.00	20.0 t

Never rig below 45° unless the diameter table already covers the higher factor.

6 Daily Care Checklist

Visual scan—find cracks, burns, deep nicks.

Diameter gauge—retire at 10 % wear.

Five-link pitch—scrap at 3 % stretch.

Lube light—oil weld crotches after washdown; stop rust and fretting.

Rack storage—hang chains; avoid puddles.

Good habits push G80 service past four years and G100 past three on daily lifts.

7 Finish Options Aligned with Site Threats

Finish	Salt-Spray Life h	Temp °C	Added Mass %	Ideal Site
Black paint	72	−40→200	0	Dry shops
Mn-phosphate	480	−20→180	0	Concrete, dusty yards
70 µm hot-dip zinc	1 000	−10→120	3	Ports, outdoor yards
Bare stainless	Unlimited	−196→200	0	Food plant, acid tanks

Pay for the environment, not showroom gloss.

8 True Cost per Tonne Lifted

Assembly	Ticket USD	Life yrs	Tonnes Lifted / yr	Cost / t
G80 16 mm + grab	220	4	2 400	0.023
G100 13 mm + self-lock	260	4	2 400	0.027
Stainless G80 16 mm + latch	440	6	2 400	0.030

G100’s higher price per metre fades when you recover headroom and reduce sling mass; stainless wins in corrosive zones by year two.

新网站250626-2 Self-locking G100 hook grips rotor and stays closed under load.

Conclusion

Use the grade chart, diameter table, and six-move flow to spec weight chains that lift heavier, last longer, and audit cleaner—browse full Topone specs now at lifting-chain.com. Click me to get more!!!

Weight Chains for Rigging: Select, Size, and Use with Confidence