What is the capacity of a 7/8 inch Grade 80 alloy chain sling using a vertical hitch?

• A. 34,000 lbs
• B. 32,800 lbs
• C. 34,200 lbs
• D. 36,500 lbs

Answer: (C)

The capacity being tested is the load a chain sling can safely lift in a straight vertical pull. In a vertical hitch, the load is applied along the length of the chain without angle reductions, so you use the chain’s working load limit (WLL) for that size and grade.

For a 7/8 inch Grade 80 alloy chain sling, the published WLL is 34,200 pounds. Therefore, the safe lifting capacity in a vertical hitch is 34,200 lbs. The other numbers would come from different chain sizes, different grades, or different hitch configurations that change how the load is distributed (angles or chokers can reduce or, in some cases, increase capacity), but with a vertical hitch on this chain size and grade, you use the full WLL.