How to Spot Bad Quality Chain: Common Red Flags to Watch

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

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Chains may seem like a simple, straightforward tool, but the detail, craftsmanship, and advanced machinery needed to produce them is remarkable.

While many chains look alike, and chain producers follow almost uniform production steps, one could be half the price of the other. It’s tempting to choose the cheaper option, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. But what comes with the cheaper price tag?

One bad link is enough to make that chain fail. And some chains are not meant for overhead lifting applications in the first place.

You can buy bad chains from anywhere, especially online from uncredited distributors. Even if you’re not a chain expert, there are several tips you can follow to help you purchase the right chain for your business.

In this article, we will highlight the red flags that show up in low quality chains. We will also cover where to buy the best chain, and how to make sure the chain you have is safe to use.

Why Does Chain Quality Vary So Much?
Red Flags that Point to Bad Quality Chains
Where Is the Best Place to Buy Good Quality Chain?
How Can You Tell If a Chain Is Still Safe to Use?
Final Thoughts on Finding High Quality Chains for Your Workers

Why Does Chain Quality Vary So Much?

Like clothes and home appliances, many companies make the same product, but the quality of products varies greatly. Chains are no different.

Quality can vary based on multiple factors, including:

Weld quality and forming accuracy

Finishing and coating quality

Steel and alloy quality plus heat treat and hardening

High quality chain manufacturing requires facilities to have a strong, reliable power grid that constantly supplies the same amount of energy with no interruptions.

These facilities also need easy access to high quality raw materials like steel. When these facilities don’t have access to the proper alloy, they will often settle for cheaper, lower quality material that impacts the chain’s overall performance in the field.

Poorly Maintained Machines

Outside of material access and power sources, one of the biggest culprits of bad quality chains is poorly maintained machines. Chain producers that care about their chain quality will invest both time and resources to care and service their machines. If not, chain quality will suffer.

While it may not seem obvious at first glance, there are several red flags you should keep an eye out for…

Red Flags that Point to Bad Quality Chains

1. Greasy or Slimy Finish

If you touch a chain, and your hands end up oily or greasy right away, this can indicate that the chain manufacturer used a cheaper way to protect the chain from rusting during shipping. Greasy chains will often corrode faster, leading to a shorter lifespan if used in the elements.

Higher quality chains, however, will often be galvanized, a process that gives chains and wire rope a protective zinc coating to prevent rust and corrosion.

2. Poor Welding and Visual Weld Defects

Low quality welding is a sign of low effort manufacturing, which equals low quality chains. Badly welded chains often display visible defects like spatter or cracks, making them unsafe for lifting due to reduced strength and brittle, heat-affected metal. An easy way to visually inspect is running a fingernail over the weld area. If the area is rough enough that it could scratch or cut you, it’s a sign of poor welding.

Compare multiple links, and always keep an eye out for visible weld irregularities that stand out from the rest of the chain.

3. Asymmetrical Link Shape

High quality chains should also look consistent link to link. If one side of the link looks straight while the other side has a “belly,” this is a sign that the machine they use to weld the links is flawed, which should raise concerns about the chain’s overall quality.

The asymmetrical links can create stress points, reducing the overall strength of the chain.

4. Dents, Dings, or Odd Forming Marks

Small dents or other odd forming marks can be a sign of compromised integrity, a flawed manufacturing process, and poor shipping practices. When inspecting chains, rotate the links and check the sidewalls and edges.

5. Missing Markings on a Chain

Chain markings help riggers in the field identify what the chain is meant to be used for.

For example, a chain with a G80 symbol on one of the links indicates that it’s a Grade 80 alloy steel chain and is safe to use for overhead lifting applications. Meanwhile, a link with G70 indicates that it’s a Grade 70 carbon chain meant for towing and load securement applications. These chains aren’t built for overhead lifting applications, and if these markings weren’t there, this opens the door for riggers to end up with the wrong gear for their job.

Any reliable chain manufacturer should have clear markings on all their chains. If not, stay clear. Look for more than just a grade stamp when the application demands it.

6. Hoist chain marking mismatch

The chains you buy for hoists are different because the chain will run over sprockets and see repeated cycling. If you are dealing with hoist chain, confirm the chain has the markings and identification expected for that service, such as DT, DAT, or T where applicable.

If the markings do not match the intended use, treat it as a possible chain and application mismatch and verify with the supplier or manufacturer before putting it in service.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Good Quality Chain?

While it’s tempting to buy a chain online, a visit to your local rigging shop is often the best way to find the chain you’re looking for.

Rigging shops are found in just about every corner of the country, and the workers should be able to answer the questions you have and pair you with the right chain. When you’re at a rigging shop, always ask for the chain’s test certificate and mill certificate. Certified lifting chain is always accompanied by a test certificate confirming compliance with Grade 80, 100, or 120 specifications. You should also ask for the chain’s country of origin.

Asking these questions protects you from counterfeit or substandard products and ensures the chain you buy meets the performance, traceability, and safety requirements your job depends on.

How Can You Tell If a Chain Is Still Safe to Use?

So now that you know what to look for when buying new chains, what about the existing chain at your facility? Are they high quality? How can you tell if they’re still safe to use? Here are some important reminders based on remove-from-service criteria laid out in ASME B30.9 Slings standards.

Diameter loss greater than 10 percent

Diameter loss that’s greater than 10 percent indicates significant wear and is a clear remove-from-service indicator. Measure the link material diameter and compare it to the nominal or expected diameter.

If you find major loss, remove the chain from service and follow the applicable removal criteria for that chain and application.

How Much Does an OSHA/ASME Compliant Rigging Inspection Cost: Chain Sling Inspection Cost

Elongation and uneven leg length (overload evidence)

Check for elongation by measuring the inside link length and looking for stretched link geometry. On multi-leg assemblies, compare legs from the same reference point.

If one leg hangs lower than the others or measurements show elongation, it can indicate overloading and permanent stretch, which is a remove-from-service condition.

Heat, Corrosion, and Acid Damage

Heat exposure can permanently change chain properties. If you see distortion, discoloration consistent with overheating, or evidence the chain was exposed to extreme temperatures, treat it as a serious concern and remove it from service.

Chemical exposure will make the steel appear to be eaten away, pitted, or etched. If chemical exposure is possible in your application, look for a chain that has extra chemical resistance.

Corrosion often occurs from poor storage practices, or when the chain is used in the wrong application or environment.

Your local rigging shop should be able to guide you towards the correct chain for your application.

Why Proper Rigging Inspection and Training Procedures are Important

It’s an OSHA requirement to have your rigging gear inspected, and it’s highly encouraged to have it done by a third-party provider to offer you a non-biased perspective. ASME B30.9 Slings lays out three types of inspections:

Initial Inspection: Performed prior to use, accompanied with a written record of it

Frequent Inspection: A visual inspection before each shift that checks for damage

Periodic Inspection: A more thorough inspection where each link and fitting shall be examined individually. Documentation of the periodic inspection as well as the sling condition is required.

You should also provide regular training to workers so they can learn proper chain use and other safe rigging practices.

Final Thoughts on Finding High Quality Chains for Your Workers

A safe chain is the product of countless hours of engineering, precise manufacturing, and using the best materials available. However, the risks of using poor quality or damaged chains are real, from load failures to serious injuries.

Not being a chain expert is also not an excuse to buy bad chains. With workplace safety on the line, you can’t afford to do guesswork.

In short, keep it practical. Look for red flags that point to bad quality chains like welding deformations, asymmetrical link shapes, and missing marks and tags. If you need high quality chain, stop by your local rigging shop, and get in the habit of asking them for proper certificates.

And for the chains at your facility, inspect them according to ASME and OSHA standards. When in doubt, pull the chain from service and follow your company requirements and the manufacturer’s inspection guidance.

At Mazzella, we partner with the most reliable chain manufacturers in the country. Our rigging shops across the country also carry other important rigging equipment. Contact one of our experts to learn more.

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