Cromox Connecting Links
Cromox connecting links are stainless steel links used to join chain sections, terminate sling legs, and connect chain to hook fittings in lifting assemblies. In a stainless steel rigging system, on a marine vessel, in a food plant, at an offshore platform, every link in the assembly needs to match the chain material. Cromox connecting links are manufactured from the same stainless steel as the rest of the Cromox line, keeping the assembly uniformly corrosion-resistant.
Cromox Stainless Connecting Links for Corrosive Chain Assemblies
A connecting link is a link that opens, either by a screw, a latch, or a removable section, to allow assembly of chain runs without requiring threading from the chain end. They join chain to chain, chain to hook fittings, and chain sling legs to master links or swivel fittings. In alloy steel chain assemblies, connecting links are typically alloy to match. In stainless steel assemblies, they need to be stainless.
Cromox connecting links are forged from stainless steel by the pewag Group in Austria, manufactured per EN 1677. They are compatible with Cromox stainless chain and carry WLL and manufacturer markings per EN 1677 requirements.
Using a carbon or alloy connecting link in a stainless chain assembly in a corrosive environment creates a corrosion point that degrades faster than the stainless chain. Cromox stainless connecting links eliminate that risk.
Where Stainless Connecting Links Are Specified
Marine and Offshore Chain Assemblies
Chain assemblies on vessels, offshore platforms, and dockside operations in saltwater environments. Carbon connecting links in a stainless chain assembly corrode at a different rate than the surrounding stainless, creating a maintenance problem. All-stainless assemblies with Cromox connecting links avoid this.
Food and Pharmaceutical Lifting
Sling and chain assemblies used in food and pharma plants. Connecting links that corrode shed rust into food contact zones. Stainless connecting links stay clean through washdown cycles.
Chemical Plant Rigging
Chain assemblies in chemical splash and vapor environments. Connecting links exposed to process chemicals benefit from stainless steel when the chemical exposure would degrade alloy faster than the surrounding chain.
Pump Suspension Systems
Cromox pump chains are suspended with stainless connecting links to complete the chain assembly at the pump attachment point. Using stainless connecting links maintains the corrosion resistance of the full pump chain assembly.
Cromox Connecting Link Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel.
- Standard: EN 1677 (components of slings and lifting assemblies).
- Manufacturer: Cromox / pewag Group, Austria.
- ISO 9001: pewag Group certified.
- WLL: Per size and grade, call Holloway Houston or request data sheet.
Citation: Product specifications per Cromox/pewag Group manufacturer documentation, EN 1677.
About Cromox
Cromox is the stainless steel lifting and rigging hardware line of the pewag Group. The complete system, chains, connecting links, master links, hooks, shackles, lifting points, chain accessories, is manufactured in stainless for corrosion-sensitive applications. Holloway Houston is an authorized Cromox distributor.
Browse the Cromox Stainless Line
Why Holloway Houston
Holloway Houston has been in the rigging business from Houston for over 65 years. We stock Cromox stainless connecting links because marine, offshore, and chemical operations on the Gulf Coast need corrosion-resistant chain hardware as a standard stock item, not a weeks-long special order.
Holloway Houston also provides rigging inspection services, our qualified inspectors examine chain hardware per applicable ASME standards.
Connecting Link Safety and Awareness
Connecting links are load-bearing components inspected per applicable OSHA and ASME standards. Key awareness points:
- Connecting links are marked with WLL and manufacturer identification per EN 1677. Links with illegible markings are removed from service.
- Inspect for deformation, cracks, and secure closure of the link's opening mechanism before each use.
- The connecting link's WLL governs the assembly capacity at that connection point.
- Proof test certificates and documentation are available through Holloway Houston with purchase.
Complete Your Stainless Chain Assembly
- Cromox Pump Chains : Stainless pump chains that pair with Cromox connecting links.
- Cromox Hooks : Stainless hooks for chain assembly termination.
- Cromox Master Links : Stainless master links for multi-leg assembly tops.
- Cromox Chain Accessories : Stainless chain accessories for complete assemblies.
Frequently Asked Questions
A connecting link is an openable link used to join chain sections, connect chain legs to master links or hook fittings, and terminate chain runs without threading the chain from the end. Cromox connecting links are stainless steel, manufactured by the pewag Group per EN 1677 for use in corrosive environments.
A carbon or alloy connecting link in a stainless chain assembly corrodes at a different rate than the stainless chain in a wet, chemical, or marine environment. This creates an accelerated corrosion point in an otherwise stainless assembly. Cromox stainless connecting links keep the full assembly corrosion-resistant throughout.
Cromox connecting links are manufactured per EN 1677, the European standard for components of slings and lifting assemblies. pewag Group, the manufacturer, is ISO 9001 certified.
Connecting link sizing is specific to chain diameter and link pitch. Call Holloway Houston at 1-888-496-4700 with your chain size and we will confirm compatible Cromox connecting link models and stock availability.
Cromox stainless connecting links can physically connect to alloy steel chain with matching dimensions and WLL. However, using stainless links with alloy chain in a corrosive environment may introduce galvanic corrosion at the contact points between dissimilar metals. For fully corrosion-resistant assemblies, an all-stainless approach is the standard call.
Yes. Holloway Houston stocks Cromox stainless connecting links from our Houston warehouse. Call 1-888-496-4700 for in-stock sizes and same-day shipping availability.
DISCLAIMER
Cromox connecting links are load-bearing rigging components. Proper selection, inspection, and use call for training consistent with applicable ASME standards and OSHA regulations. The information on this page is for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific lift planning.