Chain Connecting Links

A connecting link for chain is a structural element used to assemble removable components of load-lifting attachments into a single assembly. Links differ by strength, diameter, load capacity, type and performance characteristics.

Application areas

Connecting links with a lock are used to join chains with round composite elements, in vertical or horizontal suspension, in the mining industry, and for flat chains in the horizontal plane. They may also be used to secure an anchor chain or slings.

Links are used to assemble the elements of various lifting attachments into a single unit — for example, a chain sling spreader or a sling leg. Standard production covers elements with load capacity from 1120 kg to 31.5 t, with chain diameter up to 32 mm. They are manufactured by hot stamping followed by powder coating in signal colors.

The element is marked with the type size, property class according to the international classification, load capacity and year of manufacture. The name of these links is LL, or “butterfly.”

Grading and classification are based on load capacity and element dimensions, allowing use with chains from 2 mm in caliber. The marking indicates the dimensions of the product the link is supplied together with.

The take-apart design allows the end sections of a sling to be replaced if necessary. The safety factor of connecting link models reaches 4:1.

To make the element easier to spot, links are powder-coated, which improves both the appearance of the product and its resistance to environmental factors (high humidity in rigging use, aggressive environments).

Types of connecting links

The following variants of connecting elements for chains are produced as standard:

1. G80-type links (European butterfly). Used to secure components of chain-type slings. Safety factor ratio — up to 4:1. Made from high-strength alloy steel grades.
2. A343. Used as connecting elements in wire rope, chain or textile slings. Safety factor is standard. Made from high-strength alloy steel.
3. Connecting links with oval rings. Safety factor reaches 5:1 for use with steel wire ropes. Material is standard. Used for slings made of chain or wire rope.

How to choose

Connecting links are selected based on strength ratings, load capacity in tonnes, and additional features. For example, links with oval rings may be used to form full assemblies of 3 slings to reinforce the installation of a structure. Before purchasing, it is worth reviewing the national standards governing loads on the element.

Chain size, mm	Working load, t	Breaking load, t	B, mm	E, mm	L, mm	Weight, kg/pc
6	1.12	4.48	15	17.5	46	0.07
7/8	1.5	6	20	22.5	58	0.15
10	3.15	12.6	25	26.5	69	0.3
13	5.3	21.2	30	31	84	0.6
16	8	32	35	39	102	1.2
20	12.5	50	40	45	120	1.9
22	15	60	45	54	140	2.8
26	21.2	84.8	50	56	150	4.2
32	32	128	55	64	172	8.4