The A343 Master Link is a high-strength forged or welded alloy steel component designed for critical lifting and rigging applications. Engineered to meet rigorous international standards like EN 1677-4 (superseding DIN 5688-3) , it serves as a versatile connection point for chain slings, wire rope slings, and synthetic slings. Its robust design features a large inner dimension, allowing direct attachment to crane hooks or compatibility with additional rigging hardware like shackles .
Key Features:
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Material & Construction:
- Constructed from quenched and tempered alloy steel (Grade 80/G80), ensuring exceptional tensile strength and resistance to fatigue .
- Available in both forged and welded variants, with options for flat surfaces (on request) to interface with Omega links .
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Load Capacity:
- Working Load Limits (WLL) range from 1.6 tonnes to 56 tonnes, depending on size (e.g., 7-6 mm to 40-36 mm chain diameters) .
- Proof tested at 2.5 times the WLL and designed with a 4:1/6:1 safety factor for chain slings .
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Durability:
- Powder-coated or hot-dip galvanized finishes protect against corrosion, making it suitable for marine, industrial, and outdoor environments .
- Permanent markings on the body indicate size, WLL, grade, CE certification, and batch number for traceability .
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Applications:
- Ideal for multi-legged sling assemblies, load securing, and as a pick point in overhead lifting operations .
- Commonly used in construction, mining, shipyards, and aquaculture mooring systems .
A343 European Type Master Link with Flat |
Stock no. |
G80 EN818-2 CHAIN |
A ( mm ) |
B ( mm ) |
D ( mm ) |
S ( mm ) |
X ( mm ) |
WLL (t) |
Weight ( kg ) |
For 1 leg ( mm ) |
For 2 legs ( mm ) |
HS1020201 |
7 |
6 |
110±6 |
60±5 |
13±1 |
7+0.3-0 |
25.0 |
1.6 |
0.34 |
HS1020202 |
8 |
7 |
110±6 |
60±5 |
16±1 |
7+0.5-0 |
25.0 |
2.12 |
0.54 |
HS1020203 |
10 |
8 |
135±6 |
75±5 |
18±1 |
8+0.5-0 |
28.0 |
3.15 |
0.82 |
HS1020204 |
13 |
10 |
160±6 |
90±5 |
22±1 |
11±0.5 |
35.0 |
5.3 |
1.50 |
HS1020205 |
16 |
13 |
180±6 |
100±6 |
27±1 |
13±0.5 |
43.0 |
8 |
2.32 |
HS1020206 |
18 |
16 |
200±6 |
110±6 |
32+1-2 |
17±0.5 |
55.0 |
11.2 |
3.95 |
HS1020207 |
20 |
18 |
260±7 |
140±6 |
36+1-2 |
19±0.5 |
60.0 |
14 |
6.34 |
HS1020208 |
22 |
20 |
300±7 |
160±6 |
40+1-2 |
20±0.5 |
64.0 |
17 |
8.96 |
HS1020209 |
26 |
22 |
340±10 |
180±6 |
45+1-2 |
23±0.5 |
70.0 |
21.2 |
12.81 |
HS1020210 |
32 |
26 |
350±10 |
190±6 |
50+1-2 |
26±0.5 |
83.0 |
31.5 |
16.55 |
HS1020211 |
36 |
32 |
400±10 |
200±6 |
56+1-2 |
32±0.5 |
105.0 |
45 |
23.28 |
HS1020212 |
40 |
36 |
430±10 |
220±7 |
63±3 |
36±0.5 |
116.0 |
56 |
32.00 |
HS1020213 |
45 |
40 |
460±15 |
250±7 |
72±3 |
45±0.5 |
230.0 |
63 |
45.76 |

Qingdao Haosail machinery Co., Ltd is a Chinese company that specializes in synthetic solutions for the Offshore oil&gas, Marine, Aquaculture industries. From marine deck equipment, moorings solution to hardware to lifting slings Haosail has the answer.
We have combined experience on Overall project design, resource integration and quality control backed up by continuous successes and sound engineering experience and input. We can do product design and complete set of connecting design to meet client's requirement, by given usage environment, tensile and construction requirement and etc.We have participated in the design and provision of overseas Marine engineering, dock anchorage mooring project products, dock dock ship repair supporting products, etc.
At the same time,reliability in the marine and mooring industry have enabled Haosail to build up a superior network of factories and contractors that Haosail can offer throughout the Oceanic region.
Haosail can supply a range of products:
√ Lifting Chain and Fitting
√ Fiber Rope and Wire Rope Fittings
√ Rigging Hardware
√ Lifting and Hoisting equipment
√ Heavy Lift Synthetic Slings

Haosail's Supply Chain Management Team, Quality Management System and kinds of Testing Equipments ensure complete confidence in the products and services provided, and to ensure customer satisfaction.
√ Getting things right first time
√ Know kinds of factory well, know their production capacity and advantages, resource allocation, can quick response to all kinds of problems.
√ Develop product cost model independently, get hold of product cost composition
√ Offer products and services that are better in quality or performance than those offered by the competition
√ Customer specifications strictly observed and fulfilled.
√ Sampling re-inspection for every batch of products, reduce the risk, quality guaranteed.
We can Technical Design:
Our team have a depth of technical ability and knowledge gained through many years of experience in lifting, rigging and safety. We can provide common lifting design, heavy work lifting design, and can non-standard product lifting design to meet customer needs.
We can do Training:
In order to better serve customers, our company specially organized professionals to carry out training in lifting design, lifting product introduction and use, and lifting product maintenance.
FAQs about A343 Master Link
-
What are the primary applications of the A343 Master Link?
The A343 is widely used in heavy-duty lifting scenarios, such as:
- Connecting chain slings, wire rope slings, or synthetic slings to crane hooks .
- Securing loads in construction, marine, and industrial settings .
- Aquaculture mooring systems due to its corrosion resistance .
-
How does the A343 Master Link ensure safety?
- It undergoes 100% proof testing at 2.5 times the WLL and random sample testing for fatigue (20,000 cycles at 1.5× WLL) .
- Meets EN 1677-4/DIN 5688-3 standards, ensuring compliance with strict European safety protocols .
-
Can the A343 Master Link be used with different sling types?
Yes. It is compatible with:
- G80 chain slings (per EN 818-4) .
- Wire rope slings (refer to DIN 3088) and synthetic slings (per EN 1492-1) .
-
What environmental conditions can the A343 withstand?
- Corrosion Resistance: Powder-coated or galvanized finishes protect against saltwater, chemicals, and harsh weather .
- Temperature Range: Suitable for -20°C to +200°C, though extreme heat may reduce load capacity .
-
How should the A343 Master Link be installed?
- Proper Alignment: Ensure the link is free of kinks and aligned with the load path.
- Torque Requirements: Follow manufacturer guidelines for bolt tightening (if applicable) .
- Professional Assembly: Sling setups should be done by certified personnel to avoid misuse .
-
What maintenance is required for the A343 Master Link?
- Visual Inspection: Regularly check for cracks, deformations, or coating damage.
- Cleaning: Use mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners .
- Storage: Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and corrosive substances .
-
Can the A343 Master Link be modified or welded?
No. Modifications (e.g., cutting, welding) void certifications and compromise structural integrity. Always use factory-tested components .
-
How do I choose the correct size for my application?
- Load Calculation: Match the WLL to the intended load, considering dynamic forces and sling angles.
- Compatibility: Ensure the link's inner dimensions (a, b, d) align with your sling hardware .
- Certification: Verify compliance with regional standards (e.g., CE, ASME B30.26) .