How to Choose the Right Chain Sling for Heavy Lifting Jobs | Advantage Rigging Gilbert, AZ

A practical buying guide from Advantage Rigging

Let’s be honest... heavy lifting isn’t for the faint of heart.
When tons of steel hang on your hook, “close enough” doesn’t cut it.

Your chain sling is your lifeline. Pick the wrong one, and you risk downtime, damage, or worse. Pick the right one, and the whole crew looks like a well-oiled machine.

At Advantage Rigging, we don’t do guesswork. We do gear that’s assembled in America, proof-tested, tagged, and trusted by the folks who make things move.
Here’s how to pick a chain sling that’s as tough and smart as the people using it.

1. Know Your Sling Grades

Grades aren’t just numbers. They’re the backbone of your lift.

• Grade 80:
  The dependable workhorse. Handles daily punishment without flinching. Heat-treated alloy steel built to OSHA and ASME B30.9 standards. If your workday involves dirt, grease, and moving metal, this is your go-to.

• Grade 100:
  Same toughness, just more muscle. Roughly 25 % higher working load limit than Grade 80 with no extra bulk. Better wear resistance, longer life, smoother performance. It’s the lift-more, worry-less option.

• Grade 120:
  Overkill for most, but if you’re running extreme jobs, we’ll build it custom.

Real-world tip: Most lifts are covered by Grade 80 or 100. If you’re fighting angles or pushing limits, go 100. If you want reliable and proven, 80’s your guy.

2. Pick the Right Configuration

Every lift’s got its own attitude. Match the setup to the situation.

• Single-Leg: Straight vertical lifts... simple, controlled, clean.

• Double-Leg: Balances longer or uneven loads.

• Triple & Quad-Leg: For the big boys... spread the weight, lock in stability.

Each leg changes your load distribution. And remember, angle kills capacity... the tighter the angle, the more tension. Check your WLL chart before you even think about hitting the button.

3. Match the Sling to the Job

Smart riggers plan their lifts. The rest get lucky.

• Know the Weight. Never guess. Ever.

• Watch the Angles. Under 60°? That sling’s taking more load than you think.

• Mind the Environment. Chain slings laugh at heat and rough edges, but chemical exposure can eat your margin fast.

• Pick the Right Hooks. Grab, foundry, or self-locking... pick the one that fits your connection and keeps fingers safe.

If you’re unsure, call us. We’ve seen every bad lift scenario you can imagine, and we’ll help you avoid them.

4. Inspect Before Every Lift

If it’s missing a tag, it’s missing your trust.

OSHA requires every chain sling to be clearly marked with WLL, size, grade, and reach.
No tag? No lift. Period.

We handle replacement tags, inspections, and proof testing right here in Gilbert, AZ — so your gear stays certified, compliant, and ready to work.

5. Buy from the Source, Not the Shortcut

Anyone can sell a sling. Not everyone can stand behind it.

At Advantage Rigging, every chain sling is:

• Assembled in America using U.S.-manufactured chain and components

• Proof-tested before it leaves our shop

• Tagged and certified for immediate service

Because when you’re under load, there’s no room for “good enough.”
We build it right, test it twice, and ship it ready to earn its keep.

6. Shop Chain Slings and Components

Need a single-leg for a clean vertical lift? Or a four-leg setup for that awkward monster load?
We’ve got it... and we’ll help you spec it right.

Shop the catalog: advantagerigging.com/chain-slings/
480-502-2225 | info@advantagerigging.com
1482 W Scott Ave Suite 101, Gilbert, AZ 85233

For any heavy-duty lifting job, don’t cut corners... cut the confusion.
Buy quality. Lift smart. Stay safe.
From your friends at Advantage Rigging.