Crosby Chains

About Crosby Chains

Grade 80 alloy chain gets its rating from the steel alloy and the heat treatment applied after welding. The number refers to the minimum proof test load as a function of chain size, Grade 80 chain is proof-tested to 2 times the working load limit per NACM Welded Chain Specifications before leaving the factory. Each link is welded, heat-treated, and proof-tested as part of the manufacturing process.

Crosby alloy chain is produced to NACM Welded Chain Specifications and is suitable for use in chain sling assemblies governed by ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings). The chain WLL varies by link diameter, a 3/8" Grade 80 chain carries a different WLL than a 1/2" Grade 80 chain, and Crosby's catalog data provides those values for each size.

Grade designations: Grade 30 is proof coil (general-purpose, not for overhead lifting). Grade 43 is high-test (limited lifting use). Grade 70 is transport chain (securing loads, not overhead lifting). Grade 80 is the standard for overhead chain sling service. Grade 100 is higher capacity at the same chain size.

Holloway Houston stocks Crosby Grade 80 alloy chain in standard sizes from our Houston warehouse.

Types of Crosby Chain

Grade 80 Alloy Chain

The standard specification for overhead lifting and chain sling assemblies in North American industrial rigging. Alloy steel links, heat-treated and proof-tested per NACM Welded Chain Specifications. WLL marked on each chain package and available in Crosby's catalog data by link diameter. Grade 80 chain is sold by the foot or in standard drum lengths.

Grade 100 Alloy Chain

Grade 100 carries approximately 25% more WLL per link diameter compared to Grade 80 at the same chain size. For applications where reducing chain sling weight matters, high-frequency lifting where operator fatigue is a factor, or where the crane's own rated capacity is the limiting factor rather than the load weight, Grade 100 allows a smaller, lighter chain to carry the same load as a heavier Grade 80 assembly.

Grade 70 Transport Chain

Crosby also produces Grade 70 transport chain for cargo securement applications. Grade 70 is the standard for flatbed and heavy haul securing under DOT regulations. It is not rated for overhead lifting.

Crosby Chain Sizes and Working Load Limits

Crosby Grade 80 alloy chain is sized by link wire diameter. Common sizes for chain sling assemblies include 7/32", 9/32", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1". WLL per size is specified in Crosby's catalog data and NACM Welded Chain Specifications.

Grade Comparison (same chain size):

• Grade 80: Standard industrial chain sling WLL.
• Grade 100: Approximately 25% higher WLL per link diameter vs. Grade 80.

Marking:

• Grade designation and manufacturer identification on chain package and documentation.
• Proof test certification per NACM Welded Chain Specifications.

Why Crosby for Chain

Crosby alloy chain is produced to NACM Welded Chain Specifications with the documentation trail that industrial chain sling programs require, grade marking, proof test records, and lot traceability. For rigging programs that run equipment registers and periodic inspections, having that documentation from the chain supplier is not optional.

The heat treatment on Crosby Grade 80 chain produces the impact resistance and fatigue life that overhead lifting service demands. Cold or hot work on alloy chain, cutting with a torch, welding, bending to fit a connection, changes the heat treatment and takes the chain out of rated service.

Holloway Houston also offers rigging inspection services. Our qualified inspectors examine chain slings per ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings) and OSHA standards to keep assemblies in service.

Shop Crosby Chain by Type

• Crosby Grade 80 Alloy Chain (Overhead Lifting).
• Crosby Grade 100 Alloy Chain (Higher Capacity).
• Crosby Grade 70 Transport Chain (Cargo Securement).

Crosby Chain Applications by Industry

• Steel Mills and Foundries : Chain sling assemblies in high-temperature environments where synthetic slings are excluded by temperature limits.
• Mining and Aggregates : Heavy-duty sling and rigging assemblies where abrasion and impact resistance are the primary material selection factors.
• Offshore and Marine : Chain sling assemblies where saltwater exposure, heat, and abrasion eliminate synthetic alternatives.
• Industrial Maintenance : Chain slings for machine and equipment lifts in manufacturing and process industry facilities.
• Shipbuilding and Heavy Fabrication : Chain sling and rigging hardware in fabrication yards where load weights and surface conditions favor chain over synthetic slings.

Why Holloway Houston for Crosby Chain

Holloway Houston is an authorized Crosby distributor with over 65 years in rigging and lifting, operating from Houston, Texas. We stock Crosby alloy chain alongside chain accessories, connecting links, and master links for complete chain sling assemblies.

Our rigging specialists can match chain size, grade, and footage to your sling assembly requirements. We also offer rigging inspection services.

Complete Your Chain Sling Assembly

• Crosby Chain Accessories : Grab hooks, shortening clutches, and fittings for chain sling assemblies.
• Crosby Connecting Links : A-339 connecting links for joining chain sections.
• Crosby Master Links : A-347 welded master links for the crane-end connection on chain sling assemblies.

Chain Safety and Awareness

Alloy chain for rigging service falls under ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings) and NACM Welded Chain Specifications. OSHA 1910.184 references chain sling use in general industry; OSHA 1926.251 addresses chain slings on jobsites.

Key awareness points for alloy chain in service:

• Grade 80 chain is designed for overhead lifting. Grade 30 (proof coil) and Grade 43 (high-test) chain are not rated for overhead sling service per NACM and ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings).
• Alloy chain should not be cut with a torch, welded to, or subjected to localized heat. These operations change the alloy heat treatment and remove the chain from rated service.
• Per ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings), chain sling inspection includes frequent inspection before each use and periodic inspection at intervals based on service severity.
• Wear at chain link contact points, elongation beyond the manufacturer's wear limit, or bent or twisted links are removal-from-service indicators under ASME B30.9-2018 (Slings) criteria.