Clean the lifting chain if needed before lubricating the chain. If the chain is dirty, it may be difficult to inspect. Therefore, it is important to make sure the chain is clean so that you can see any damage. Inspect the chain as often as possible. On a hoist that is suspended from an overhead trolley and on a beam, you may not be able to inspect the entire length of the chain. Inspecting the entire length of the chain will be part of your regular inspection of the chain conveyor.
When inspecting the hoist chain, you should look for:
1.Wear, gouges, scratches, and twisting inside the chain links. Wear on the internal chain links can be difficult to see without moving the chain links, which is covered in detail in the regular inspections. However, if something doesn't look right, have a professional inspect the chain in more detail.
2.Bends or breaks in the chain links
3.Chemical damage or corrosion
4.Stretching deformation. Hoist chains are not stretchable like spreader chains. Without measuring, it is difficult to determine if the chain is stretched. Comprehensive measurements should be completed as part of a regular inspection. However, if something does not look right or is out of proportion, take the time to measure the chain link. Chain sizes vary from hoist to hoist, so you will need to refer to the product's operation and maintenance manual to verify the chain size.
Below are some extreme examples of chain damage. Normally the wear is not this obvious.
Image of a stretched chain link:
Finally, check that the chain is properly lubricated.
Lubrication is very important to extend the life of your chain and hoist. It helps reduce wear and helps the chain articulate properly. After cleaning and inspecting, make sure it is well lubricated.
