Shortening Clutch

A shortening clutch is a chain sling component used to adjust the working length of a chain sling leg, supplied by Toco Lifting across South Africa. As a registered Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008), Toco supplies shortening clutches and the chain slings they fit, and issues the correct certification for the equipment class.

Toco Lifting holds Lifting Machinery Entity registration LME No. 008 under the Driven Machinery Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with technical oversight by Anton van Staden, an ECSA-registered Lifting Machinery Inspector (Reg. #201112078).

What is a shortening clutch used for?

A shortening clutch is a chain sling fitting that lets an operator shorten a sling leg to the required working length, so a load can be levelled or a lift adjusted without changing the sling. A link of the chain is engaged in the clutch to take up the slack. It is a component of the sling assembly, not a standalone lifting device. Toco supplies shortening clutches as part of its chain sling and chain link component range.

How does a shortening clutch work?

The clutch holds a chain link in a pocket or hook so the leg above it carries the load while the surplus chain hangs free, effectively shortening the working length of that leg. This allows a multi-leg sling to be balanced or a single leg to be set to length. Selecting a clutch matched to the chain and the sling grade is essential; Toco’s team confirms the correct fitting for your sling.

What chain does a shortening clutch suit?

A shortening clutch must be matched to the chain grade and size of the sling it is fitted to, so that the fitting and chain share a consistent rating. Toco assembles chain slings and supplies the matching components; the correct clutch for your chain grade and size is confirmed on enquiry so the assembly is correctly rated.

Applications

Shortening clutches are used across mining, construction and general industry wherever chain slings are used and lift lengths need to be adjusted on site. Toco supplies chain slings, components and lifting tackle nationally and across the SADC region.

Compliance

LME No. 008 · LEEASA Standard Member #LEEASA-SUB-00102 · COET Member #8000134 · ECSA-registered LMI Anton van Staden #201112078 · DMR 18(5) of the OHS Act, 1993.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a shortening clutch?

A shortening clutch is a chain sling component used to shorten the working length of a sling leg by engaging a chain link, so a load can be levelled or a lift adjusted. It is part of the sling assembly rather than a standalone lifting device. Toco supplies clutches matched to the chain sling.

Can a shortening clutch be used to lift a load on its own?

No. A shortening clutch is a fitting within a chain sling assembly, used to adjust leg length, not a standalone lifting hook or device. It must be used as part of a correctly rated and certified sling. Toco assembles and certifies chain slings with matched components.

How do I choose the right shortening clutch?

The clutch must match the grade and size of the chain in the sling so the assembly carries a consistent rating. The correct fitting is confirmed on enquiry against your chain sling specification. Contact the Toco team with your sling details.

Does Toco assemble and certify chain slings?

Yes. Toco assembles chain slings and supplies the matching components, and as LME No. 008 issues certification matched to the equipment class. Toco also repairs, load tests and recertifies chain slings. Speak to our team about your sling requirement.

Does Toco supply other chain sling components?

Yes. Toco supplies a range of chain link components — master links, hooks and connecting components — alongside shortening clutches. Speak to our team about the components and chain grade your sling requires.

Need a shortening clutch or chain sling supplied and certified? Request a quote or speak to the Toco Lifting team.

Related: Chain Link Components · Lifting Equipment Testing & Certification · About Toco Lifting