The H-Lift DIN 5685 Type A Short Link Chain is a welded, uncalibrated round steel chain manufactured to German specifications, designed primarily for light-duty lashing and agricultural use.
Type A short link design provides tight link spacing, making it ideal for applications requiring compactness, aesthetics, or smooth movement.
Constructed as an untested, non-calibrated chain, it is intended strictly for general utility such as lashing and light-duty mooring.
Available in multiple sizes ranging from 3mm to 13mm, with breaking loads scaling from 2.8 kN up to 53.0 kN.
Not suitable for overhead lifting applications or for being subjected to critical static loads.
Type A | Uncalibrated Commercial Grade | Round Steel
The DIN 5685-A Short Link Chain is a commercial-grade, welded round-steel chain designed for general-purpose utility. Featuring a compact, short-link geometry (Type A), it provides higher strength and better resistance to lateral forces compared to long-link alternatives. It is an excellent choice for applications requiring smooth movement and tight clearances.
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: NOT FOR OVERHEAD LIFTING. This is a commercial-grade chain. It is NOT calibrated, NOT proof-tested, and MUST NOT be used for overhead lifting, hoists, or the suspension of loads under any circumstances.
✅ Standard Compliance
Manufactured to adhere to the German DIN 5685-A specification for uncalibrated, welded round-steel chains, ensuring consistent commercial quality.
🔗 Short Link Design (Type A)
Features tight link spacing. The short-link geometry provides higher strength, lower stretch, and significantly better resistance to lateral forces than long-link chains.
⚙️ Material & Finish
Constructed from low to medium carbon steel. Available in various finishes including self-color, electro-galvanized, or hot-dip galvanized to provide the necessary corrosion resistance for your environment.
🛠️ Versatile Applications
The compact and smooth movement makes it ideal for general-purpose uses such as lashing, barrier chains, gate securing, agriculture, and light-duty marine mooring.
Q: What is the difference between DIN 5685 Type A and Type C? [Image comparing DIN 5685 Type A short link vs Type C long link chain geometry] A: Type A is the short link version. It has tighter links, making it heavier per meter but more flexible and less prone to tangling. Type C is the long link version, which is lighter and allows hooks and shackles to pass through the links more easily.
Q: Can I use this chain to lift an engine?A: No. DIN 5685-A chains are uncalibrated and not proof-tested for dynamic shock loads. They are for general-purpose pulling, holding, and barrier use only. For engine hoists or any overhead lifting, you must use certified Grade 80 or Grade 100 lifting chain.
Chain Grade Guide
What is the Difference Between Welded Chain Grades?
🚫 Carbon Steel ChainGrades 30, 43, 70 Used for tie-downs, towing, and securement. NEVER used for overhead lifting.
✅ Alloy Steel ChainGrades 80, 100 Specifically designed and heat-treated for Overhead Lifting and Sling Assemblies.
How is "Grade" Calculated?
The grade number represents the chain's tensile strength (mean stress value). It is calculated by dividing the tensile force (Newtons) by the cross-sectional area of the two links ($mm^2$).
As the Grade Increases:
The material becomes harder and more resistant to abrasion.
The Strength-to-Weight ratio increases (more lifting power, less weight).
The Working Load Limit (WLL) increases significantly.
Towing, general utility, load securement. Stronger than G30.
NO
Grade 70 (Transport)
Heat-Treated Carbon
Heavy Duty Securement. Standard for trucking tie-downs. Identified by Gold/Yellow finish.
NO
Grade 80 (Alloy)
Alloy Steel
Standard Lifting Slings. High ductility (stretch) to absorb shock.
YES
Grade 100 (Premium)
Alloy Steel
Heavy Lifting. 25% stronger than G80. Harder surface for abrasion resistance.
YES
Common Problems & Critical Safety Warnings
Even with the correct grade, misuse can lead to catastrophic failure. Ensure your riggers are trained to avoid these three common hazards:
⚠️ 1. The Hoist Chain Trap
A frequent and dangerous mistake is using the load chain inside a hoist to wrap around a load.
The Design: Hoist load chain is hardened specifically to fit internal sprockets (tight tolerances). It lacks the ductility (stretch) required for a sling.
The Risk: Wrapping it around a load deforms the links. When retracted, the deformed links can snap or destroy the internal hoist mechanism.
⚠️ 2. The "Gold Chain" Error
Using Grade 70 (Gold) chain for overhead lifting is a common error because the chain looks robust.
Why it Fails: Grade 70 is heat-treated for abrasion resistance (for rubbing against truck beds), not for the elongation needed to absorb the dynamic shock of a crane lift. It may snap suddenly without warning.
⚠️ 3. General Neglect
Alloy chain is tough, but not invincible. Proper storage and inspection are vital.
Corrosion: Leaving chain on damp shop floors promotes pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
Inspection: Chains must be inspected regularly for nicks, gouges, and elongation (stretching).
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