Lifting Chains
Click below to jump directly to the various topics :
- What are lifting chains?
- Accessory variants
- Quality control
- Commissioning of DoKett lifting chains
- Load transport step by step
- Instructions for use and warnings
- Storage of lifting chains
- FAQ
A FAQ on the subject of quality labelling can be found here.
Our assortment:
Discover also our shop selection or request a non-binding offer:
1. What are lifting chains?
GK8 and GK10 lifting are among the most important slings. They are used in a wide variety of applications to lift heavy loads or goods (e.g. in construction or industry).
We can customize the different chain systems for you according to the purpose.
2. Accessories variants
No matter which chain system you choose: the selection of accessories is huge. Different types of hooks, shortening options, suspension links, twist catchers and, and, and … Your individual lifting chain for your special application can be safely put together.
Dolezych will be happy to help you with expert advice. Take advantage of our experience!
3. Quality control – safety is essential for survival!
Dolezych lifting chains are high-strength, heat-treated chains that are subject to strict quality control in all manufacturing processes. Our chains go through the following quality controls:
- Test load: The load is applied to all chains at 2.5 times the load capacity.
- Minimum breaking load: Random samples for breaking loads are taken regularly from ongoing production. The breaking load must be at least four times the load capacity.
- Magnetic crack testing: Each component is magnetically tested for freedom from cracks in accordance with DIN EN 1677.
- Elongation at break: The chain must elongate by at least 20% before breaking. This is an additional safety for you, because if the chain was overloaded, you can recognize this in time by the excess length. Replace chain immediately!
For more information, see also Marking of slinging and lifting equipment.
4. Commissioning of DoKett lifting chains
Before putting the selected DoKett lifting chain into operation, check that the identification and dimensions are correct. Never use a DoKett lifting chain that is damaged or whose marking is no longer present!
5. Load transport
Step-by-step instructions:
Always follow good slinging practice: plan the slinging, lifting and lowering operation before you start lifting.
Here’s how:
- Make preparations: Determine the weight of the load and the center of gravity, read the accompanying documents, look for marked attachment points and weight information on the load or weigh the load with a crane scale (DoLast). Estimating weight and center of gravity using weight tables is not a suitable solution. Only when the center of gravity position has been correctly determined can the crane hook be brought into the correct position!
- Tell the crane operator the weight of the load.
- Place the crane hook vertically above the center of gravity of the load.
- Now strike the load: The load must be applied in such a way that damage to both the load and the DoKett lifting chain is avoided. In order to lift the load without it twisting or turning over, the following conditions must be observed:
a) For 1-strand DoKett lifting chains, the sling point must be vertically above the load’s center of gravity.
b) For 2-strand DoKett lifting chains, the sling points must be located on both sides and above the load’s center of gravity.
c) For 3- and 4-strand DoKett lifting chains, the attachment points must be evenly distributed in a plane around the load’s center of gravity and should be located above the load’s center of gravity.
It is essential to observe the angle of inclination ß (angle between the vertical and the sling): The greater the angle of inclination, the lower the load capacity. Angles of inclination exceeding 60° are not permitted!
In the case of 3- and 4-strand DoKett lifting chains and uneven load distribution, the load capacity of a double-strand DoKett lifting chain may only be assumed as a function of the largest angle of inclination. If different angles of inclination occur in the case of two-strand DoKett lifting chains (see figure), only the load capacity of a single strand may be taken as a basis.
!!! Loads can slip or fall if they are attached incorrectly. A falling load can cause serious injury and death !!!!
To avoid overloading of the more heavily loaded strand, only one strand may be assumed to be load-bearing! Uneven load distribution is always to be expected when
– the load is inelastic (e.g.: concrete parts, castings, short beams, etc.),
– the position of the center of gravity is not known,
– the load is unevenly shaped,
– different angles of inclination occur.
Only use suitable and sufficiently dimensioned load application points.
!!! Never reach under lashings! Attention: Do not strike in the hanging aisle !!!!
- The following are exempt from this rule
- of large loads, provided that the slipping together of the slings and displacement of the load are excluded,
- long, bar-shaped loads under trusses, provided that an inclined position of the truss is forcibly prevented and the load is supported in such a way that it does not deflect excessively. An inclined position of the crosshead need not be positively prevented if the nature and surface of the load or the stop prevents the load or parts of the load from shooting out.
- When used in the lacing gear, the load capacity is only 80% of the specified load capacity! It should be noted that a lacing angle of 120° should be set.
- If multiple strands of chain are used in the lacing operation, the load must not be twisted as a result.
- If multi-strand DoKett lifting chains are used in such a way that not all strands are carrying, the unused strands must be hung up in the suspension head. Accordingly, the load-bearing capacity of the strands used is reduced.
- Leave the danger area.
- Communicate with all parties involved in the bumping process.
- Warn bystanders in the transport and unloading hazard area.
!!! Warning: Persons at risk include, e.g., slingers and other persons who are in the area of the transport path !!!!
- Give signals to the crane operator by only one person.
- When carrying out a test lifting operation, check whether
(a) the load is snagged or stuck,
b) the load is in balance or hangs correctly and
c) wear all strands evenly. - Lower any loads that are hanging crookedly and reattach them.
- Transporting the load by the crane.
- When transporting bulky parts and under wind load, guide the load with a guide rope. When doing so, stand outside the danger zone, e.g. next to instead of in front of mobile cranes.
- Set down the load as instructed by the slinger.
- Secure the load against overturning and falling apart.
- Remove the slings from the load.
- Hang the hooks of the slings in the suspension head.
- When lifting the unused slings, make sure that they do not catch on the load.
6. important instructions for use and warnings
- Wear gloves when working with DoKett lifting chains (risk of injury!)
- Avoid tearing or jerking
- DoKett lifting chains must not be knotted or twisted under load
- Load may only be lifted in the bottom of the hook and in the direction of the load
- Hooks and other chain end fittings must not be subjected to bending stresses
- Shortening may only be carried out by means of shortening hooks or claws. Special note for the shortening hook with eye or fork: The DoKett lifting chain must be inserted into the shortening hook in such a way that the loaded chain strand (marking F on the hook) is in line with the suspension eye of the shortener.
- Parallel hooks must have support ribs on both sides to provide better support for the chain link. Use without support ribs is prohibited. The chain must be correctly inserted into the shortener pocket of the shortener claw. With parallel hooks and shortening claw, only the chain extending downwards may be loaded.
- Incorrect use will damage the DoKett lifting chain and may result in loads falling!
- Suspension links must be freely movable in the crane hook
- Never load hooks on the tip
- In the case of sharp-edged loads, the DoKett lifting chains must be protected by intermediate layers(Dolezych edge protectors). Alternatively, the chain can be chosen one nominal size stronger to “armor” it. A sharp edge already exists if the edge radius r is smaller than the chain link diameter d.
In particular, it is prohibited:
- Chain links to be tied together with wire or held together with screws
- To insert chain links of different nominal thickness into each other and to insert a bolt, nail or similar between them to hold them together.
- To connect chain components of different grades with each other.
- Exception: The load capacity marking of the entire system is designed for the component with the lowest load capacity.
- hook with its tip to hook into a chain link
- use open or riveted emergency links
- DoKett lifting chains to be used after breakage or deformation of a chain link.
- Continue to use DoKett lifting chains that have been stiffened by overloading
- DoKett lifting chains to loop multiple times around load hooks
7. Storage of lifting chains
DoKett lifting chains are conveniently stored hanging from racks.
8. FAQ
Was sind Anschlagketten?
Explanation: Lifting chains of GK8 and GK10 are among the most important lifting gear. They are used in a wide variety of applications to lift heavy loads or goods (e.g. in construction or industry).
Was sind Anschlagverkürzungshaken?
Explanation: Stop shortening hooks are always used in conjunction with chain slings. The variably applicable shortening hooks with safety device save components and shorten sling and lashing chains directly in the working area.
Welche Güteklassen hat Dolezych im Lieferprogramm?
You can obtain lifting chains from Dolezych in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12.
- Grade 8: DoKett – lifting chains
- Grade 10: DoKettPlus – lifting chains, DoComfort – lifting chains
- Grade 12: DoComfortMax lifting chains
- Grade 6: DoKett – Stainless steel lifting chains
Other grades on request.
Welche Kettensysteme können geliefert werden?
- Modular system
- Assembly with chain connecting links (grade 6, 8, 10)
- Mounting in clevis system (grade 6, 10, 12)
- Welding system
Please ask your Dolezych team for chain slings for special applications!
Wodurch unterscheiden sich die einzelnen Güteklassen?
The difference between the individual grades of lifting chains is that the load capacity increases with increasing grade while the material thickness remains the same.
Wie identifiziere ich die unterschiedlichen Güteklassen?
The quality class of a chain as well as its components (hooks, connecting links, shorteners, etc.) can be recognised by the quality class marks 8, 10 and 12.
Was ist der Neigungswinkel und wie wird er bemessen?
In the tables on the information pages on lifting chains you will often find two angles. These angle values refer to the angle of inclination. The angle of inclination is determined by the degrees between an imaginary vertical straight line and the chain itself. The load capacity of a chain strand changes depending on the respective angle of inclination of a slung load: The greater the angle of inclination, the lower the load capacity. Angles of inclination exceeding 60° are not permitted! If different angles of inclination occur in the case of multiple-strand lifting chains (asymmetrical load distribution), only the load-bearing capacity of the strand with the greatest angle of inclination may be taken as a basis. In individual cases, shortening hooks and compensating rockers can be helpful here.
Was ist der Spreizwinkel?
In contrast to the angle of inclination, the angle of spread measures the angle between two chain strands (maximum 120°).
Was ist die Nutzlänge einer Anschlagkette?
The useful length L describes the length of a lifting chain plus its fittings, as shown in the following diagram.
Warum müssen die Haken stets nach außen zeigen?
The hook openings must always face outwards in order to avoid unintentional unhooking of the load.
Kann ich eine mehrsträngige Anschlagkette auch im Einstrang einsetzen?
Yes, the chain strands that are not under load are hung back in the suspension link/set. In this case, the permissible WLL is reduced to that of a single strand chain.
Welche Dokumente bekomme ich mitgeschickt, wenn ich bei Dolezych eine Anschlagkette bestelle?
Factory certificate DIN EN 10204-2.1 and declaration of conformity are automatically included in the scope of delivery. A chain file card is issued in the course of our annual UVV inspection.
Further documents on request.
Wie muss die Anschlagkette gekennzeichnet werden?
A lifting chain is always marked with a load capacity tag and by us additionally with a UVV inspection sticker.
Welche Informationen finde ich auf dem Tragfähigkeitsanhänger der Kette?
- Load capacity in t for
- 1 strand under angle of inclination 0°.
- 2-/3-/4-strand under angle of inclination 0°-45° / 45°-60°.
- Number of strands
- Nominal thickness of the chain in mm
- Manufacturer date (month/year)
- Manufacturer’s mark Dolezych (DD)
- CE mark
Welche Informationen finde ich auf der Prüfplakette?
Date of next UVV inspection (month/year)
Welche Tragfähigkeit hat die Anschlagkette, wenn der Tragfähigkeitsanhänger verloren geht?
In this case, the lifting chain is downgraded to quality class 2 (DIN 685) and must be inspected promptly by an expert. Use our Dolezych inspection service for this purpose.
Wie häufig muss ich meine Anschlagketten und zugehörige Komponenten prüfen lassen?
In principle, a lifting chain must be inspected by an expert before it is put into operation for the first time. In addition, DGUV 109-017 prescribes regular inspections at intervals of no more than one year by an expert for load handling attachments. However, depending on the conditions of use, tests may be required at intervals shorter than one year. This applies, for example, in the case of particularly frequent use, increased wear, corrosion or heat exposure or if increased susceptibility to faults is to be expected. Round steel link chains used as slings must be subjected to a special inspection for freedom from cracks at intervals of no more than three years (or no more than two years in Austria). We carry out this crack testing with an electromagnetic crack tester in our laboratory or with our test van on your premises.
Are you interested in our testing service? You can find important information here.
Wann ist eine Anschlagkette ablegereif?
- Cracks or deformations of a chain link
- Decrease of the average thickness of the links at any point by more than 10% of the nominal thickness.
- elongation of the outer nominal dimension L by more than 3% (or an inner elongation by 5%)
- widening of the hook mouth by more than 10% or other deformations
- Wear of the hook base by more than 5%
- Wear of the suspension and end links (material thickness in mm) by more than 10%.
- Missing or illegible identification tag (reduce load capacity according to grade 2)
- Discolouration due to heat influence
- Fracture of a chain link
Dürfen Anschlagketten der Güteklasse 8, 10 und 12 in Beizereien und Feuerverzinkereien eingesetzt werden?
No, the use is in accordance with the BG rules and DIN standards are not permitted.
Bei welchen Temperaturen dürfen die Anschlagketten eingesetzt werden?
The following table shows the load capacity per grade as a function of temperature.
| Temperature | |||||||||
| -60° | -40° | -30° | 0° | +200° | +250° | +300° | +350° | +380° | +400° |
| GK 8 | DoKett | 100% | 90% | 75% | |||||
| GK 10 | DoComfort | 100% | 90% | 75% | |||||
| DoKettPlus | 100% | 90% | 75% | ||||||
| GK 12 | DoComfortMax | 100% | 90% | 75% | |||||
| GK 6 | DoKett stainless steel | 100% | 75% |
| Temperature | ||||||
| -20° | -10° | 0° to +100° | +150° | +200° | +250° | |
| GK 2 | 50% | 75% | 100% | 75% | +50° | +30° |
| Temperature | |||
| -40° | +300° | +400° | +475° |
| GK 4 | 100% | 75% | 50% |
Welche Regelwerke sind grundlegend für den Einsatz von Anschlagketten?
The applicable regulations and technical rules for lifting chains can be found in detail in the following works:
- Lifting Chains grade 8 / 10 / 12 DIN EN 818-2 / DIN EN 818-4 / PAS 1061
- Stop chain quality class 6 (stainless steel) similar to DIN 5688-1
- DIN 685 Part 5 Tested round steel link chains, use
- DIN EN 818-6 Lifting Chain, instructions for use and maintenance
- DGUV 109-004 Safety rules for round steel link chains as slings in hot dip galvanizing plants
- DGUV 109-017, Load lifting devices in hoist operation
- DGUV 209-013 Safety training letter for slingers
- 2006-42-EC Directive for machinery and its amendments
- DIN EN 1677-1-4 Components for slings – Safety
If necessary, additional special regulations must be observed, e.g. for the transport of dangerous goods.