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In the lifting and rigging industry, the choice of chain grade can significantly influence safety, efficiency, and operational performance. For decades, Grade 80,T(G80) alloy steel chain has been the industry standard for lifting applications. However, advances in metallurgy and manufacturing have led to the development of Grade 100 (G100) and Grade 120 (G120) chains, which offer increased strength and enhanced performance for demanding operations.

For businesses looking to boost lifting capacity, reduce equipment weight, and improve durability, upgrading to a higher-grade chain can be a smart investment. This guide explores the advantages of Grade 100 and Grade 120 chains, the key considerations before upgrading, and how Bunzl Safety and Lifting’s range of Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain slings can meet your operational needs.

Understanding Chain Grades

The grade of chain refers to its tensile strength, determined by the material composition and manufacturing process. This grading is standardised, ensuring that chains meet specific mechanical properties and safety factors.

Grade 80 (G80): Manufactured from high-strength alloy steel, G80 is suitable for most lifting applications and remains the industry benchmark for safety and reliability.

Grade 100 (G100): Offers around 25% greater strength than G80 for the same chain size, allowing for higher Working Load Limits (WLL) without increasing weight.

Grade 120 (G120): Currently the highest commercially available grade in many markets, providing up to 50% greater strength than G80, along with superior fatigue resistance and wear performance.

Advantages of Upgrading to G100 or G120

The most immediate benefit of upgrading is the increase in WLL. This means that, for a given chain size, you can lift heavier loads without upsizing the chain. For example, a 10 mm G100 chain will have a higher WLL than a 10 mm G80 chain, enabling greater capacity without additional weight or bulk.

This advantage can translate into fewer lifting legs or lighter assemblies needed for the same job, improving handling and reducing strain on operators.

Alternatively, if your load requirements remain constant, you can achieve the same WLL with a smaller-diameter G100 or G120 chain compared to G80. This results in a lighter overall lifting assembly, which is easier to handle, transport, and store. Lighter gear reduces operator fatigue, speeds up rigging, and can contribute to improved workplace safety.

Higher-grade chains, particularly G120, are designed with improved resistance to fatigue and wear. This is especially valuable for operations involving frequent lifting cycles, as it extends service life and reduces the frequency of replacement—providing long-term cost efficiency.

Some G100 and G120 chains feature special surface finishes or coatings that increase corrosion resistance and reduce surface wear. These enhancements make higher-grade chains better suited to harsh environments, such as offshore, mining, or heavy construction sites, where equipment is regularly exposed to dirt, moisture, or chemicals.

Using higher-grade chains can help future-proof your lifting operations. As industries demand higher safety margins, greater efficiency, and reduced downtime, the capability to handle heavier loads with lighter gear positions your operation ahead of evolving requirements.
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About Bunzl Safety and Lifting

Bunzl Safety and Lifting offers an integrated approach to the selection, supply, service, and replacement of safety products, resulting in our ability to manage the complete life cycle of your personal and workplace safety requirements. Bunzl Safety and Lifting is a leading manufacturer of safety products, we provide the very best in workwear, corporate wear, PPE, footwear, materials handling, load restraint, and recovery,height safety, and site safety. We are also a leading supplier of some of the best industrial safety brands on the market, including Mack, Ninja, Contego, Boomerang, Beaver, B-Safe, WS Workwear, Frontier, Black Rat, Robertsons, 3M, Honeywell, Ansell, Bolle Safety, DuPont, Donaghys, MSA, Moldex, Steel Blue, Oliver, uvex, Sqwincher, MaxiFlex, DNC Workwear, Mayo Hardware, Gunnebo Industries, Skylotech and Blundstone. We also offer a range of services including product specialisation and consolidation, custom embroidery and branding, lifting equipment and inspections, NATA Accredited testing and services, height safety installed systems and training, managed inventory, eCommerce and digital solutions, clothing fitouts and yearly uniform issues, ethical sourcing, Indigenous Engagement, and environmental responsibility. We have an Australia-wide network of branches that ensures fast shipping across the country.

Bunzl Brands & Operations Pty Ltd (BBO) located at 55 Sarah Andrews Close Erskine Park NSW 2579 quality scope covers: manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, repairing and testing of lifting, rigging equipment, winches, hoists and materials handling products. The manufacture of synthetic slings and webbing products including load restraint and height safety equipment. Manufacture, import, wholesale and distribution of PPE products, workwear and hand tools. Design and development of products and services and the provision of mechanical testing services.