HANDLING AND CARE OF CHAIN

When hoisting heavy metal objects using chain for slings, you should insert padding around the sharp comers of the load to protect the chain links from being cut.

Store chains in a clean, dry place where they will not be exposed to the weather. Before storage, apply a light coat of lubricant to prevent rust.

Do NOT perform makeshift repairs, such as fastening links of a chain together with bolts or wire. When links become worn or damaged, cut them out of the chain, then fasten the two nearby links together with a connecting link. After the connecting link is closed, welding makes it as strong as the other links. For cutting small-sized chain links, use bolt cutters. To cut large-sized links, use a hacksaw.

Inspect the chain to ensure it is maintained in a safe, operating condition. A chain used continuously for heavy loading should be inspected frequently. Chain is less reliable than manila or wire rope slings because the links may crystallize and snap without warning.

Examine the chain closely link by link and look for stretch, wear, distortion, cracks, nicks, and gouges. Wear is usually found at the ends of the links where joining links rub together. If you find wear, lift each link and measure its cross section.

NOTE: Remove chains from service when any link shows wear more than 25 percent of the thickness of the metal.

Replace any link that shows cracks, distortion, nicks, or cuts. However, if a chain shows stretching or distortion of more than 5 percent in a five-link section, discard and destroy the entire chain.

Remove chains from service when any link shows signs of binding at juncture points. This binding condition indicates that the sides of the links have collapsed as a result of stretching.

Before lifting with a chain, first place dunnage between the chain and the load to provide a gripping surface. For hoisting heavy metal objects with a chain, always use chaffing gear around the sharp comers on the load to protect the chain links from being cut. As chafing gear, use either planks or heavy fabric. In handling rails or a number of lengths of pipe, make a round turn and place the hook around the chain, as shown in figure 6-23.

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