Types Of Chain Hooks

I love creating free content full of tips for my readers, you. I don't accept paid sponsorships, my opinion is my own, but if you find my recommendations helpful and you end up buying something you like through one of my links, I could earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

If you use a chain hoist or any product like that which has hooks in its chain, you may also know that every hook is not the same in these tools. There are many different types of chain hooks, according to their purpose.

As a result, they come in different sizes and shapes, also with an individual structure. When using a hook, it is better if you are familiar with the different types of chain hooks so you know if you are using the correct one. In this article, we are going to discuss the chain hook types and their characteristics in detail.

In this post we'll cover:

Common Types of Chain Hooks
Final Speech

Common Types of Chain Hooks

The chain hook is one of the primary components of the rigging and lifting industry. Though you will find numerous types of hooks available in the market, some popular styles are used frequently in the lifting industries. If we categorize them according to their applications, there should be three major categories named grab hooks, rigging hooks, and slip hooks. However, the most common types of hooks fall into these three main categories.

Grab Hooks

A grab hook is designed for attaching with the load and comes with a choker arrangement. Generally, it is permanently fixed with the lifting chain and achieves the full working load when the hitch angle is 300 degrees or more. Using the hook in direct tension will cause the working load to reduce by 25%.

Eye Grab Hooks

If you own a graded chain, you need one of this type. Anyway, remember to match the chain size. This hook is permanently stuck to the chain by a mechanical or welded coupling link. Usually, most companies manufacture this hook type in heat-treated alloy steels and unheated-treated by carbon steel.

Eye Cradle Grab Hooks

This eye grab hook is mainly designed for only grade 80 chains. After matching the chain size, you can permanently fix it using any welding or mechanical coupling link. Another thing to remember is that the eye cradle grab hook is available only in heat-treated alloy steel.

Clevis Grab Hooks

Clevis crab chain can be matched with the graded chains after finding the correct size for the specific chain. However, this grab hook is not using any linker to be attached to the chain. Instead, this hook is directly affixed in a graded chain. Besides, you will get a clevis grab hook heat-treated in both alloy steel and carbon steel.

Clevlok Cradle Grab Hooks

Clevlok cradle hook is another type that is designed mainly for grade 80 chains. Being a forged hook itself, the clevlok grab hook is also directly attached to the chain using a permanent joint. Moreover, the matching size of this hook is only found in heat-treated alloy steels.

Slip Hooks

These chain hooks are designed in a way that the attached rope can swing freely. Typically, you will find a wide throat on the slip hooks, and you can frequently attach and remove the rope from the hook without any issue because of its open throat design.

Eye Slip Hooks

Though the eye slip hooks are primarily designed for graded chains, you need to match the specific grade and size according to your chain. Any mismatched eye slip hooks may not work well, and sometimes they can be broken easily. Coming with a mechanical or welded coupling link, this slip hook allows you to attach the eye of the load by keeping it in line.

Clevis Slip Hooks

Just like the clevis grab hooks, you don’t need any linker to attach it to the chain. Instead, the hook is directly affixed to the chain and works only with the graded chain. Also, matching with the specific size is a must. However, the clevis slips are also available in both heat-treated alloy and carbon steel. When using it for taking a load, you should put the load in line with the hook and place the eye firmly in the hook base.

Clevlok Sling Slip Hooks

Generally, this clevlok slip hook is designed for sling use in grade 80 chains. In most cases, this sling hook comes with an optional hatch which is used to retain slings or chains under slack conditions and supports only the matched chain size. Besides, the hook is made only in heat-treated alloy steel and directly attached to the chain instead of a linker. At the same time, you need to keep your load in line with the clevis and place it firmly on the base of the hook.

Rigging Hooks

We have already talked about the eye slip hooks, and the rigging hooks are very similar to those slip hooks except with the enlarged eye that is designed for larger couplers. Identical to the clevlok sling hooks, the rigging hooks come with an optional hatch for the same purposes. Usually, this forged hook is available in both heat-treated alloy and carb steels. However, you need to keep the load in line and place the eye firmly in the bow-saddle of the hook.

Final Speech

The best chain hoists come with the best chain hooks. In addition to their variety of designs, chain hooks can be used for many different purposes. We have covered all the common types of hooks on chains to give you a crystal clear knowledge about different hook types. First, check your chain size and style. Next, choose the hook type that matches your use from the categories above.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.