Start with the burden
To begin, look at the load to be lifted. How heavy is the load to be lifted? In what way can the load best be tackled? Is the load susceptible to damage? These aspects affect the desired lifting device. The maximum lifting height and space between hitching points determine the length of the chain. There are also different sizes of attachment points which influence the hook of the chain assembly.
Example: suppose you have a 3,000 kg. load with two docking points. You want to hoist with a chain tweak. If the chain is long enough and the lifting height sufficient, you can lift the load with an eight-mm chain tweak. At an outer angle between 0-45°, the working load of an eight-mm two-jump is 3,500 kg. however, if you cannot stay within this "favorable" lifting angle, you need a ten-mm chain, the working load is then 4,000 kg. This can occur if, for example, your lifting height is not sufficient. In the unfavorable angle, the two-prong eight-mm chain only has a working load of 2,500 kg. This is not sufficient for your 3,000 kg load. Thus, with an eight-mm chain twin jump, you may hoist a maximum of 3,500 kg. at a favorable angle and a maximum of 2,500 kg. at an unfavorable angle. At an outside angle greater than 60° you may not hoist.
Quality
All standard chains in our shop are Grade 100 quality. With a Grade 100 chain, the working load is higher than with a Grade 80 chain for the same dimensions. This is because Grade 100 is a stronger material than Grade 80. You will also find stainless steel chain assemblies in the range. All chains comply with the NEN-EN 1677 and EN-818 standards and are available with an (EKH) certificate.
Working length
In our shop we talk about working length. Working length is not the same as chain length. The working length is the length from the inside of the top link to the inside of the hook (the effective length of the chain). When you specify the desired working length in the shop, we will automatically calculate for you how long the chain should be including top link, hook and any other parts.
Lifting hooks
We distinguish between two types of hooks; a flap hook and a safety hook. A lifting hook must always have a safety valve. A flap hook has metal flap that opens inward into the hook. This allows you to easily hook the load. The advantage is that the hook is competitively priced compared to the safety hook. The disadvantage is that the flaps of the flap hook are more prone to breakage than those of the safety hook. With a safety hook, the flap is part of the hook itself. Hijsjob has two types in its range; the standard safety hook and the Grip Latch safety hook. In both cases, the flap opens outward and closes automatically when weight is hanging on the hook. With the Grip Latch variety, the latch fits into the groove on the body of the hook. This ensures a good, solid connection and helps the user immediately identify when a hook begins to deform. Compared to the flap hook, the safety hook is pricier. The advantage, however, is that they are "foolproof" and the valve is strong.
Clevis hook versus Eye hook
A clevis hook and an eye hook differ from each other. A clevis hook fits directly to the chain, an eye hook requires an additional connection to be used between the hook and the chain (this is called a connecting link). The clevis is matched to the diameter of the chain. Gaff hooks and eye hooks are both available in a flap hook and a safety hook version.
Shorteninghooks
An inset hook allows you to customize a chain. This makes the chain flexible. Especially with a load where there is a difference in attachment points, you can stabilize the load by adjusting the chain. A shortening hook can be attached to the chain, but you can also add it later using a separate shortening set. We supply chains where the top link and shortening hooks are already connected together. As a result, there are fewer wear parts and this makes the composition user-friendly..
Alternatives
Are you looking for loose hooks, chainwork or spare parts? Then you've come to the right place! For loads that must not be damaged, we also offer options. Round slings, hoisting belts and assemblies can be a good alternative to hoisting chains. Due to their low weight, these hoisting devices can offer a suitable solution..
Hijsjob shop
In the Hijsjob shop you can easily put together your own lifting chain. In the menu you will find several main categories. Look in the lifting chains and accessories category for our wide range of lifting chains, tension chains, lifting hooks, lifting eyes, shackles and much more! On the product pages you can easily determine further specifications such as length, working load and hook type. Here you can also choose to have the product delivered with or without a certificate.
Inspection and certification
You can buy a certificate with a single product for an additional cost of €3.50. With a valid certificate you are always insured in case of accidents. We therefore recommend having all your lifting chains and other lifting equipment certified and to have them re-inspected on time, for the safety of the user(s). Inspections with certification are usually cheaper than inspections for products without certification..
Advice and customization
Do you doubt whether the chain you have put together is suitable for your lifting job? Please contact one of our advisors. They can also help you when you are looking for a customized chain that is not within our standard web shop range.