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Chain and Sling Inspection

Chains and slings fail where you cannot see until you look. A regular inspection habit finds wear, damage and bad repairs before a load does.

Why do chains and slings need inspection?

Chains, synthetic slings, wire rope and hardware carry the load in lifting and pulling jobs. They wear, stretch, corrode and get damaged by heat, chemicals and sharp edges. A damaged sling can fail well below its rated strength.

Farm use adds to the problem, since gear is often left in trucks, exposed to weather and used for many purposes. Inspection is a quick, low-cost safeguard.

Chains used for towing, binding and lifting may all end up in the same bucket. A chain that has been stretched in towing may not be fit for lifting, so keep gear separated by purpose when you can. Wire rope and chain wear can be hidden inside or under dirt and grease, so wipe gear clean before you look it over. Where inspection is difficult, ask the manufacturer or a qualified rigger to examine it.

What should you check before every use?

Look at the entire length and at all fittings. Check the tag or marking for the rated capacity and make sure it is legible. If the tag is missing, do not use the sling until you can verify its rating from the maker.

Different materials fail in different ways, so use the manufacturer's inspection guidance for your type of chain or sling.

Do your check in good light and run your hands along the length of a chain or sling while wearing gloves suited to the job. Feel for cuts and rough spots as well as looking. Wear eye protection if you are bending or flexing the gear.

• Legible capacity tag or marking.
• Chain links free of stretch, nicks, gouges and distortion.
• Hooks with working latches and no spread or twist.
• Synthetic slings free of cuts, burns, chemical damage and broken stitching.
• Wire rope without kinks, broken wires or corrosion.

When should you take gear out of service?

If you find damage, remove the item from service and tag it so no one uses it. Do not repair chains or slings with bolts, wire or welds unless the manufacturer approves the repair method. Improvised repairs can weaken the gear.

If you are unsure, retire it. The cost of replacement is small compared to the cost of a dropped load. Dispose of damaged gear so it does not come back into use.

Never knot a chain or use bolts to shorten it, since knots and bolts reduce strength. Use gear and attachments designed for shortening, according to the manufacturer.

How do you store and care for slings and chains?

Store gear clean, dry and off the ground, away from sunlight, chemicals and heat sources the maker warns about. Hang chains and slings on racks instead of leaving them in a pile in a truck bed.

Do not drag slings over rough ground or sharp edges. Use padding or edge protection made for the purpose when a load has sharp corners.

Heat from welding, a torch or an exhaust can weaken chain and synthetic materials. Keep gear away from sparks, and discard gear that has been exposed to heat or chemicals beyond what the maker allows. Keep a spare set of inspected gear on hand so nobody is tempted to use a questionable chain because the good one is missing.

How do rated capacity and angles come into play?

Capacity ratings depend on how the sling is used. Angles, hitch types and shock loading can reduce the safe working load. Tables and guidance from the manufacturer or OSHA explain how.

Do not try to calculate this from memory. Ask the maker or a qualified rigger, and keep the manuals or information sheets with the gear.

Simple pictures from the manufacturer or OSHA can help you see how angle changes the load on each leg. Ask the supplier for a chart, and keep it with the gear.

Who can help and what records should you keep?

Keep a simple log of inspections and gear removed from service. A tag or tape on each item with a number helps you track it. Make sure everyone who uses the gear knows how to inspect it.

For formal inspection programs and rules that may apply to your work, contact OSHA, your insurer or a qualified rigger. Hands-on training from a recognized provider helps newer workers. Call 911 for any injury.

Teach younger workers to inspect gear as part of the job. Show them what damage looks like on real examples and let them practice with supervision.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.