Carcano Chain Accessories
Chain accessories are the fittings that turn a length of chain into a working sling leg: grab hooks that shorten chain to the right length, connecting links that join sections, and coupling links that close the assembly. Carcano Antonio SpA manufactures these components in hot-forged alloy steel to EN 1677 series standards in Grade 80 and Grade 100 at their facility in Valmadrera, Italy.
About Carcano Chain Accessories
A chain sling assembly is only as rated as its weakest component. Carcano manufactures the full range of chain accessories needed to assemble and adjust rated sling legs: grab hooks for chain shortening, connecting links for coupling sections, and clevis links for pinned transitions between chain and other fittings.
Every Carcano chain accessory is hot-forged, quenched, and tempered to meet the mechanical properties required by EN 1677-1 (General conditions of acceptance) and the applicable component-specific part of the EN 1677 series. The grade designation, 8 for Grade 80 or 10 for Grade 100, is stamped on each component along with the WLL and manufacturer identification.
ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings) governs chain sling assemblies in North American overhead lifting service. Components used in assemblies that fall under ASME B30.9-2018 need to carry rated capacity documentation consistent with the assembly's rated WLL.
Holloway Houston carries Carcano chain accessories in Houston for same-day shipping on in-stock sizes.
Types of Carcano Chain Accessories
Grab Hooks
Grab hooks have a narrow throat sized to fit a specific chain link size. They seat on a chain link and hold it without welding or permanent modification to the chain. The primary use is chain length adjustment, the hook captures a link mid-chain to shorten the working length of a sling leg. Grade matching is required: Grade 80 grab hooks pair with Grade 80 chain; Grade 100 with Grade 100.
Connecting Links
Connecting links join two chain ends or attach a chain to another fitting. They open to accept the chain end, then close and are secured to prevent accidental opening under load. Carcano connecting links are manufactured to EN 1677-3 (swivel links) or EN 1677-1 specifications depending on configuration, and are WLL-rated and grade-marked.
Coupling Links (Rapid Links)
Coupling links, also called rapid links or Omega links, provide a quick-connect coupling between chain ends, between chain and hardware fittings, or for closing a sling assembly. The threaded gate closes and locks under hand pressure and is not designed to be opened under load. Carcano coupling links are available in Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy steel.
Clevis Links
Clevis links provide a jaw-and-pin connection at the transition point between chain and other rigging hardware such as hooks, shackles, or master links. The clevis jaw and pin are forged as part of the rated assembly. Carcano clevis links are manufactured per EN 1677 requirements and WLL-rated for the chain grade they are paired with.
Carcano Chain Accessory Grades and Standards
Chain accessories from Carcano are available in two grades:
Grade 80 (EN 1677 series):
- Hot-forged alloy steel, quenched and tempered
- Marked with WLL, grade "8," and Carcano manufacturer identification
- For use in assemblies with EN 818-2 Grade 80 chain
- Governed by EN 1677-1 (general acceptance) and applicable part-specific standards
Grade 100 (EN 1677 series):
- Higher-strength alloy steel, same forging and heat-treat process
- Marked with WLL, grade "10," and manufacturer identification
- For use in assemblies with EN 818-7 Grade 100 chain
- Higher WLL at the same nominal size compared to Grade 80
For North American assemblies: ASME B30.9-2018 governs chain sling assemblies and the components used in them. Carcano component documentation supports sling assembly qualification under B30.9-2018 traceability requirements.
About Carcano Antonio SpA
Carcano Antonio SpA is based in Valmadrera, Lecco, Italy and specializes in forged steel fittings for the chain sling and lifting hardware market. The company produces the full range of EN 1677 series components, hooks, master links, connecting links, and synthetic sling fittings, for European and export markets.
Their chain accessory line covers what sling manufacturers and distributors need to assemble complete rated sling legs: from the top master link down through the chain to the bottom hook and all the adjustment and coupling hardware in between.
Holloway Houston is the authorized North American distributor for Carcano products.
Shop by Accessory Type
Carcano Chain Accessory Applications by Industry
- Oil and Gas: Chain sling assembly components for turnaround work, pipe bundle lifts, and equipment moves at refineries and offshore platforms.
- Steel Industry: Grab hooks and connecting links in chain sling legs for coil, plate, and structural steel handling.
- Marine: Chain sling fittings for vessel maintenance, dry-dock work, and marine construction rigging.
- Construction Industry: Chain accessories in multi-leg sling assemblies for structural steel and precast concrete lifts.
- Mining: Grab hooks and coupling links in chain sling assemblies for ore handling and underground rigging.
- General Industrial: Chain sling fittings for maintenance shops, fabrication facilities, and production floor lifts.
Why Holloway Houston for Carcano Chain Accessories
Holloway Houston has been in the rigging and lifting business for over 65 years. As the authorized North American distributor for Carcano, we stock chain accessories alongside hooks, master links, and synthetic sling fittings from our Houston, Texas warehouse.
Our rigging specialists can advise on grade matching, accessory selection for your chain size, and compatibility with the rest of your sling assembly components. In-stock Carcano accessories ship from Houston same-day.
Holloway Houston also offers rigging inspection services, our qualified inspectors examine chain slings and hardware per ASME B30.9-2018 and OSHA standards to keep your equipment in service.
Complete Your Chain Sling Assembly
- Carcano Hooks : Sling hooks and grab hooks to terminate the chain sling leg.
- Carcano Master Links : Top-of-assembly master links for multi-leg chain slings.
- Carcano Chain Repair & Connecting Links : Repair and replacement links for chain sling maintenance.
Chain Accessory Safety and Awareness
Chain accessories used in sling assemblies fall under ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings) for North American overhead lifting service. EN 1677-1 and the applicable part-specific standards govern these components under the European system.
- Per ASME B30.9-2018, chain sling components are marked with the working load limit and manufacturer identification. Components without legible markings are removed from service.
- Pre-use inspection of chain accessories covers the body for cracks, deformation, or corrosion; the throat or pin for wear; and the grade marking for legibility. The same inspection cadence that applies to chain links applies to the fittings at each end.
- Grade matching, Grade 80 accessories with Grade 80 chain, Grade 100 with Grade 100, is a baseline requirement for a rated assembly. Mixing grades produces an assembly that cannot be rated to the higher grade.
- Coupling links (rapid links) are a closed position when properly tightened. A coupling link found in service with a loose gate warrants removal from the assembly pending assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
A grab hook captures a specific chain link to shorten the working length of a sling leg. The narrow throat of the hook seats on one link and holds it without modifying the chain. Grab hooks are grade-specific a Grade 80 grab hook is rated for Grade 80 chain, a Grade 100 grab hook for Grade 100 chain. Mixing grades produces an unrated configuration.
A connecting link joins two chain ends or attaches chain to a fitting through a mechanically fastened gate that is secured under load. A coupling link, also called a rapid link or Omega link, uses a threaded closure that tightens by hand. Coupling links are not opened under load; connecting links may have a locking pin or other positive retention depending on the design.
The EN 1677 series covers the full range of forged fittings for chain slings. EN 1677-1 sets general conditions of acceptance for all components. EN 1677-3 covers swivel connecting links; EN 1677-5 covers Grade T shackles used with chain slings. The applicable part depends on the specific component type in the assembly.
ASME B30.9-2018 governs the design, fabrication, and inspection of chain sling assemblies in North American overhead lifting service. Chain accessories, grab hooks, connecting links, and coupling links, are rated components that factor into the sling's overall WLL. The standard specifies inspection intervals and criteria for chain sling components including fittings.
Carcano accessories manufactured to EN 1677 are grade-matched to EN 818 chain. For North American chain types, the sling manufacturer or assembler determines compatibility based on manufacturer documentation and the assembly's traceability requirements.
Holloway Houston stocks Carcano chain accessories including grab hooks, connecting links, coupling links, and clevis links from their Houston, Texas warehouse. In-stock items ship same-day. Call 1-888-496-4700 or visit 5833 Armour Dr., Houston, TX 77020 to check current availability on specific sizes and grades.
DISCLAIMER
Carcano chain accessories are load-bearing components for chain sling assemblies. Selection, inspection, and use call for training consistent with ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings) and applicable OSHA standards. The information on this page is provided for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific lift planning.