Yoke Master Links
Master links are the top connection in a chain sling assembly, the point where all the legs come together before the crane hook. Getting that connection right means a forged alloy link that matches the grade and capacity of the chain below it.
About Yoke Master Links
Yoke Industrial Corp forges master links in Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy steel, heat-treated and proof-tested per ISO 9001 process. Holloway Houston stocks the Yoke master link line covering working load limits from 1.5 tons through 125 tons in standard oval and pear-shaped configurations.
A master link sits at the top of a chain sling assembly, collecting the legs of a multi-leg chain sling into a single connection point for the crane hook or hoist. The geometry of the master link, its bore size and body profile, determines how many legs it can accommodate and how the load distributes across them.
Yoke forges master links from alloy steel in Grade 80 and Grade 100 versions, matching the chain grades in common use on ASME B30.9-compliant chain sling assemblies. The links are individually marked with working load limit, grade, and manufacturer ID per ASME B30.26 marking requirements.
Sub-assembly master links, sometimes called oblong sub-links or coupling master links, sit between the top master link and the individual chain legs, allowing multi-leg assemblies to be configured from standard chain lengths.
Types of Yoke Master Links
Grade 80 Alloy Master Links
Grade 80 master links match Grade 80 (alloy) chain sling assemblies. These are the standard specification for most industrial overhead lifting work covered by ASME B30.9. Yoke Grade 80 master links are forged, heat-treated, and proof-tested, with WLL and grade marking on every link.
Grade 100 Alloy Master Links
Grade 100 master links carry a higher working load limit than Grade 80 at the same physical size, the higher alloy grade allows more capacity in a given link cross-section. These match Grade 100 chain sling assemblies where space or weight constraints make the Grade 100 chain the call. Yoke Grade 100 master links cover WLL ratings from 2.2 tons through 125 tons depending on size.
Sub-Assembly Master Links
Sub-assembly links connect the top master link to individual chain legs on multi-leg assemblies. The pear or oblong shape allows two or more chain legs to seat without crowding the bore. Yoke sub-assembly master links are grade-matched to the parent assembly.
Pear-Shaped Master Links
The pear-shaped profile provides a wider body for the crane hook to seat in and a narrower section for the chain sling legs below. This geometry keeps the load centralized on the crane hook and gives the assembly a lower profile under the hook. Common in applications where headroom is a factor.
Yoke Master Link Sizes and Working Load Limits
Yoke master links span a WLL range from 1.5 tons to 125 tons across Grade 80 and Grade 100 versions.
Working Load Limit Range:
- Grade 80 : 1.5 tons to 53 tons (size-dependent).
- Grade 100 : 2.2 tons to 125 tons (size-dependent).
Configurations:
- Oval (oblong) : Standard geometry for most single and multi-leg assemblies
- Pear-shaped : Wider hook bowl, narrower leg section, lower headroom profile
- Sub-assembly : Connecting link between top master and leg chains
Marking per ASME B30.26:
- WLL stamped on link body
- Grade identifier (Grade 80 or Grade 100)
- Manufacturer identification and lot number
Why Yoke for Master Links
Yoke's ISO 9001 forging process means the alloy composition, heat treatment cycle, and proof load are documented and traceable. That matters when an inspector asks for documentation on the chain sling assembly, the Yoke certificate covers the master link, not just the chain.
The Grade 80 and Grade 100 range means HHI can match a Yoke master link to the chain grade in an assembly without mixing manufacturer standards, the capacity ratings are developed on matched-grade hardware.
HHI also provides rigging inspection services. Our qualified inspectors examine chain slings, master links, and hardware per ASME B30.9 and ASME B30.26 to keep assemblies in service and crews working safely.
Shop by Product Type
Yoke Master Link Applications by Industry
- Jobsite rigging : Top connection on multi-leg chain slings for structural steel, precast concrete, and equipment picks.
- Offshore : High-capacity Grade 100 master links on crane sling assemblies where weight savings matter and the environment is corrosive.
- Oil and Gas : Turnaround and maintenance sling assemblies on heat exchangers, reactors, and column sections.
- Heavy Manufacturing : Foundry and steel mill chain sling assemblies taking repeated high-tonnage loads in high-heat environments.
- Mining : Heavy equipment and materials handling where chain slings and master links take shock loads and abrasive conditions.
Why Holloway Houston for Yoke Master Links
Holloway Houston has stocked Yoke forged hardware for decades, operating out of Houston with over 65 years in the rigging business. The Yoke master link line is in stock alongside Yoke chain sling hooks, shackles, and lifting points.
Every Yoke master link order from HHI includes the proof test certificate and manufacturer documentation. Same-day shipping on in-stock sizes.
Complete Your Chain Sling Assembly
- Yoke Hooks : Grade-matched chain sling hooks for the leg ends of chain sling assemblies.
- Yoke Grab Hooks : Grab hooks for shortening chain sling legs and multi-leg assembly configurations.
- Yoke Chain Repair and Connecting Links : Repair links and connecting hardware for Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain assemblies.
Master Link Safety and Awareness
Master links in chain sling service fall under ASME B30.26 for the hardware itself and ASME B30.9 for the chain sling assembly they serve as part of. OSHA 1910.184 covers slings in general industry.
- Per ASME B30.26, master links are marked with WLL and grade. A master link without legible markings warrants removal from the assembly.
- Pre-use inspection covers the link body for cracks, deformation, or wear. Wear exceeding the manufacturer's published wear limit is cause for removal from service.
- Grade matching matters, a Grade 80 master link on a Grade 100 chain assembly creates a capacity mismatch at the top connection.
- Proof test certificates from Yoke are tied to the lot number on the link body. HHI provides these certificates with every order.
- Shock loading is not covered by the rated WLL. A master link from an assembly that experienced a shock load warrants inspection before further service.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master link is the top connection point in a chain sling assembly. It collects the legs of a multi-leg chain sling into a single eye that seats on the crane hook or hoist. Master links are forged in alloy steel and grade-matched to the chain below them, Grade 80 for Grade 80 chain, Grade 100 for Grade 100 chain, per ASME B30.9 chain sling requirements.
Grade 100 master links carry a higher working load limit than Grade 80 at the same physical dimensions. The higher-grade alloy allows more capacity per unit of link cross-section. Grade 100 master links are specified when the chain sling assembly uses Grade 100 chain or when higher WLL in the same physical size is needed. The two grades are not interchangeable in an assembly.
Yoke master links at Holloway Houston cover WLL from 1.5 tons (Grade 80, small sizes) through 125 tons (Grade 100, large sizes). The specific WLL depends on the grade and the link size. HHI stocks a range of sizes in both grades with same-day shipping on most in-stock configurations.
A sub-assembly master link sits between the top master link and the individual chain legs in a multi-leg sling assembly. It allows two or more chain legs to connect to a single point before running up to the master link at the top. Sub-assembly links are grade-matched to the rest of the assembly.
Yes. Yoke master links ship with proof test certificates tied to the lot number marked on each link. Holloway Houston provides that documentation with every order. Certificates are typically kept on file for the service life of the sling assembly.
ASME B30.26 (Rigging Hardware) covers design, marking, and inspection requirements for master links as rigging hardware. ASME B30.9 (Slings) governs the chain sling assemblies that master links are part of. OSHA 1910.184 applies to slings in general industry settings.
DISCLAIMER
Master links are load-bearing components in overhead lifting assemblies. Selection, inspection, and use call for training consistent with ASME B30.26 and ASME B30.9 where chain slings are involved. The information on this page is provided for general product awareness and does not replace qualified engineering judgment, manufacturer documentation, or site-specific lift procedures.