Check the lubrication of the chain.

─     The chain must be lubricated over its entirety.

─     Pay particular attention to the area of the joints.

   Check for chain corrosion.

There must be no visible corrosion.

   Check for surface damage on the chain links and between the joints.

There should be no visible damage such as undercuts, constrictions or abrasion.

   Inspect the entire chain for damage. The damage shown here or any similar damage should not be detectable on the chain.

Examples of damage:

The chain link is heavily worn.

The chain link is mechanically damaged.

To check the wear, the length of eleven chain links is measured. Depending on the calliper used and the chain hoist, this can be measured directly or in three stages.

   Raise a lightweight load slightly to tension the chain.

Measuring directly:

   Measure the length ‘l’ over 11 chain links of the chain (from outer edge to outer edge).

   Compare the measured value with the table (see Size). The measured value should not exceed the maximum ‘l’.

   Measure again at several points and compare them.

   If the length exceeds the specified value, the chain has been stretched too much through operation. Exchange the chain and chain sprocket. See Exchanging the chain and chain sprocket.

Measure in steps:

   Measure 3 chain links from outside to outside ‘l1’.

   Measure 5 chain links from inside to inside ‘l2’. When doing so, do not measure the five chain links completely from inside to inside, but only place the calliper on the respectively next chain link.

   Measure 3 chain links from outside to outside ‘l3’.

   Add the measured values together.

   Compare the measured value with the table. The measured value should not exceed the maximum ‘l’.

   Measure again at several points and compare them.

   If the length exceeds the specified value, the chain has been stretched too much through operation. Exchange the chain and chain sprocket. See Exchanging the chain and chain sprocket.