Alloy Chain

Alloy Chain is heat-treated alloy steel chain manufactured specifically for overhead lifting applications. Only alloy chain in Grade 80, Grade 100, or Grade 120 is approved by OSHA and ASME for use in overhead lifting slings — carbon steel chain grades (30, 43, 70) are not rated for overhead lifting regardless of their appearance or strength ratings.

Grade 80 alloy chain is manufactured to ASTM A391 specifications and is the most widely used lifting chain in general industrial applications. Grade 100, manufactured to ASTM A973, provides approximately 25% higher working load limits than Grade 80 at the same chain diameter — allowing for higher capacity with lighter, more manageable sling assemblies.

Both grades are required by ASTM to elongate a minimum of 20% before fracture — a critical safety characteristic that provides visible warning of overload before failure occurs. This controlled elongation behavior is what makes alloy chain fundamentally different from carbon steel chain, which can fracture suddenly and without warning.

Amick supplies alloy chain from our Pittsburgh facility for sling fabrication, replacements, and repairs. Each link of alloy chain is individually marked with its grade designation per NACM specifications (8 or 80 for Grade 80; 10 or 100 for Grade 100).

The only chain approved for overhead lifting — Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy from Amick. Call 412-429-1212.

Type

Grade 80 (ASTM A391) and Grade 100 (ASTM A973) heat-treated alloy steel chain.

Applications

Overhead lifting sling fabrication, chain sling repair and replacement, and any application requiring OSHA/ASME-compliant lifting chain. Used across steel mills, construction, manufacturing, foundry, energy, and heavy industrial operations.

Exceptions

Only Grade 80, 100, or 120 alloy chain is approved for overhead lifting. Never use carbon steel chain (Grade 30, 43, or 70) for overhead lifting — this is a direct violation of OSHA regulations. Alloy chain maintains full rated capacity up to 400°F (205°C); above that temperature, rated loads must be reduced per manufacturer derating charts. Alkalies and strong acids are harmful to alloy chain. Do not use alloy chain in or around plating or galvanizing facilities due to the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.