By User:LPNalini @timeAndDate(1274125455)
According to Wikipedia, the first recorded usage of a metal chain was in 225 BC, and you can imagine that they were in use before that, just unrecorded. So when you're sitting at Home Depot, looking over their chains, just remember: you're standing at the end of a long chain of human history.
When it comes to tying stuff down, chains are the most heavy duty way to go. Chains are rated by a maximum weight load they can carry. Every chain will tell you the maximum weight it is ready for, and you should carefully consider this before purchasing. There are a lot of other things to consider, though, when buying a chain.
* Material is obviously important.
** Stainless Steel chains are best because they are both strong and resistant to rust.
** Steel and galvanized steel are also good, and may be less expensive.
** Other materials used for heavy duty chains are brass and various alloys.
*** Alloy chains are rated by the National Association of Chain Manufacturers (NACM) according a scale ranging from Grade 100 Alloy to Grade 30 Alloy.
*** Grade 100 Alloy is the highest rated and strongest chain type, the NACM recommends it for overhead lifting of very heavy objects (i.e. i-beams, etc.).
*** Grade 70 Transport Chain is recommended for use when tying down or towing loads.
*** Grade 43 High Test Chain is the most common in commercial settings.
*** Grade 30 Proof Coil Chain is recommended for most at home applications.
* Next, think about diameter.
** Links with larger cross sections will always be stronger than those with smaller cross sections.
** However, thicker chains are heavier and more difficult to work with.
* Some chains also incorporate safety features, an important one being core hardening.
** Core hardened chains are stronger throughout the material and highly resistant to bolt cutters.
** Case hardened chains are the alternative to core hardened chains and tend to be less expensive but easier to cut.
Next, consider that there are two essential types of chains.
Welded Link Chains
Not to be Captain Obvious, but welded link chains have, well, their links welded shut. These chains tend to be a lot stronger than weldless types and are commonly used for security, hoisting or lifting, and other heavy duty applications.
* In the USA mild steel varieties of welded link chain are available as:
** Short Link Chains
** Medium Link Chains
** Long Link Chains
* The longer the chain link, the lighter the chain will be per unit length, which is advantageous.
* However, long link chain does not pass through devices such as pulleys or windlasses as readily as short link chain will.
Weldless Chains
Weldless chain links are secured to each other by machine twisting or bending and tend to be less secure than welded chain. However, weldless chains can still be quite strong and are used for a variety of load-bearing applications. There are seven types of weldless chain defined by the NACM:
* '''Single Loop Chain'''
** Used in operating low-load machinery, like garage doors.
* '''Double Loop Chain'''
** Used for playground swings and equipment, as well as hanging things.
* '''Single Jack Chain'''
** A somewhat decorative variety, best used to hang relatively light equipment like flower pots.
* '''Double Jack Chain'''
** Another ornamental, low-load variety.
* '''Register Chain'''
** Like single loop, used to operate machinery.
* '''Sash Chain'''
** This is a flat chain used in machinery such as pulleys.
* '''Plumbers' Chain'''
** Flat and lightweight, used for hanging plumbing equipment commonly.
Top Sellers
Here are some of the top selling chains on the market today.
