Chain storage and inspection

How to store chains

• A dry place. Moisture and de-icing agents are the main enemies of steel; do not leave the chain on a damp floor or in the open air.
• Grease for long storage. Conservation grease acts as a temporary barrier against corrosion.
• Tidy storage. Chains are supplied in cut lengths and on reels — store them in a coil or on a reel so the links do not tangle and the metreage is not lost.
• Away from chemicals. Acids, fertilisers and salts accelerate corrosion when stored together.

What to check during inspection

Inspect the chain before starting work and periodically during operation:

• Elongation (pitch stretching). A chain that has “lengthened” will no longer seat correctly in the sprocket and will not become stronger.
• Wear of the links and rod. A local reduction in diameter is a sign of operation in an abrasive environment.
• Cracks and weld defects. Cracks, scores, and traces of impacts and overheating are unacceptable.
• Corrosion pits. Surface rust is one thing, deep pits are another.
• Fasteners and connecting elements. Check the condition of fasteners, hooks and connecting links at least as often as the chain itself.

When a chain is taken out of service

The basic rule: if any defect is found, the chain is taken out of service. The specific rejection criteria (wear tolerances, inspection intervals, log entries) are defined by your company's instructions — for critical applications, agree them with a technologist and the occupational safety service.

Where inspection is especially important

• Lifting applications — any defect is critical; documents and the safety factor are agreed separately.
• Critical assemblies — livestock tethering, rigging, restraint systems.
• Seasonal anti-slip — before the season check the set: fasteners, tension chain, wear; after the season clean and dry it.

Prevention

• Coating and grease — according to the environment: see Chain zinc plating.
• Correct operation: do not exceed the speed with anti-slip chains (≤50 km/h) and remove the chains on cleared surfaces — as described in the article Fitting anti-slip chains.
• A reasonable safety factor: when selecting, rely on the working load with a safety factor, not on the breaking load — see Chain strength classes.

Not sure about the condition of the chain? Send a photo of the defect — we will help assess it and select a replacement.