Allow Steel Chain Slings.

TB 43-0142

(7) Corrosion. Corrosion will often occur internally before there is any visible external

evidence on the rope surface. Pitting of wires is a cause for immediate rope removal. A slight

discoloring of rust merely indicates a need for lubrication. By contrast, severe rusting is grounds for

immediate rope replacement.

(8) Kinks. Kinks are permanent distortions caused by loops drawn too tightly. Ropes with

kinks must be removed from service.

(9) Basketing. In some cables with longer lays or smaller diameter wires, the outer layer of

wires or strands can loosen when bent with no load applied. In many instances the rope can be gently

worked back and forth to resume its original configuration. If the rope does not resume its original

shape with a load heavy enough to straighten the rope, the rope must be replaced.

(10) Heat Damage. Extended exposure to a fire can result in loss of internal lubrication or

even a loss in strength of the rope. Obvious scorching is grounds for rope replacement.

(11) Protruding Core. If, for any cause, the rope core protrudes from an opening between

the strands, the rope is unfit for service and should be replaced.

(12) Electric Arc. Rope that has been in contact with a live power line or lightening may have

wires that are fused, discolored, and/or annealed; any of the preceding is justification for rope

replacement.

b. Allow Steel Chain Slings.

(1) All chains shall be manufactured and tested by the chain manufacturer in accordance

with ASTM Specification for Alloy Steel Chain A391 -65 (ANSI G61 .1-1966). Other grades of proof

tested steel chain include Proof Coil, BBB Coil, and Hi-Test Chain. These grades are not

recommended for overhead lifting and therefore are not covered by this bulletin.

(2) Hooks, rings, oblong links, pear shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links, and

other attachments shall have a rated capacity at least equal to that of the alloy steel chain with which

they are used. Homemade links, makeshift fasteners formed from bolts, rods, etc., and other such

attachments shall not be used. Mechanical coupling links or low carbon steel repair links shall not be

used to repair broken lengths of chain.

(3) Inspection shall be made on a link by link basis with the chain collapsed. If any link does

not hinge freely with the adjoining link, or if obvious signs of stretch are detected, the assembly shall

be removed from service. If wear at any point of any chain link exceeds that shown in Table C-2, the

assembly shall be removed from service. Sharp transverse nicks should be rounded out by grinding. If

the depth of the gouge or rounded out portion exceeds the values shown in Table C-2, the assembly

shall be removed from service.

(4) When new, chains should be calibrated for length in sections of from 1 to 3 feet long

(section should have a minimum of 5 links). At each inspection, the increase in length of the chain

section shall be measured and entered into the maintenance records; refer to paragraph 6e(s).

Reduce the rated capacity by 2 percent for each I percent increase in length. Hoist chains shall be

removed from service when a 5 percent increase in length occurs and sling chains shall be removed

from service when a 10 percent increase in length occurs.

C-6