Not sure which chain grade you need?

Not sure which chain grade you need?

Not sure which chain grade you need? 🤔

We’ve got you covered! 👍

Learn how to choose the right safety chains for your needs in our detailed guide.📖

Chain Grades and Abbreviations

  1. G30 (Grade 30) – Proof Coil Chain
    Characteristics: Made from low-carbon steel.
    Strength: The lowest strength among the common chain grades, suitable for light-duty applications.
    Typical Uses: Non-critical applications such as general utility work, securing light loads, and farming equipment.
    Typical Load Ratings:
    – 1/4-inch Link Diameter: Approximately 1,300 lbs Working Load Limit (WLL).
    – 5/16-inch Link Diameter: Approximately 1,900 lbs WLL.
  2. G43 (Grade 43) – High Test Chain
    Characteristics: Made from medium-carbon steel.
    Strength: Higher strength than Grade 30, suitable for moderate-duty applications.Typical Uses: Towing, load binding, and securing heavy loads.
    Typical Load Ratings:
    – 1/4-inch Link Diameter: Approximately 2,600 lbs WLL.
    – 5/16-inch Link Diameter: Approximately 3,900 lbs WLL.
  3. G70 (Grade 70) – Transport Chain
    Characteristics: Made from heat-treated carbon steel, often coated with zinc chromate for corrosion resistance (gold colour).
    Strength: High strength, suitable for heavy-duty applications.Typical Uses: Transporting heavy loads, towing, and securing cargo on trucks.
    Typical Load Ratings:
    – 1/4-inch Link Diameter: Approximately 3,150 lbs WLL.5/16-inch Link Diameter: Approximately 4,700 lbs WLL.
  4. G80 (Grade 80) and G100 (Grade 100) – Alloy Chain
    Characteristics: Made from alloy steel, heat-treated for very high strength.
    Strength: Superior strength, typically used for lifting and extremely heavy-duty applications.
    Typical Uses: Overhead lifting, rigging, and critical load-bearing applications.
    Typical Load Ratings:
    – 1/4-inch Link Diameter: Approximately 4,500 lbs WLL for G80, higher for G100.
    – 5/16-inch Link Diameter: Approximately 7,100 lbs WLL for G80, higher for G100.
  5. HF (High-Frequency Welded Chain)
    Characteristics: The HF designation typically refers to chains that are high-frequency welded, ensuring strong and consistent welds.
    Strength: Similar to standard chains of the same grade, but with potentially enhanced reliability due to the welding process.
    Typical Uses: Applications where chain weld integrity is critical.

Selecting the Right Chain

When selecting safety chains for your trailer, consider the following steps:

  1. Determine the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): Know the total weight of your trailer when fully loaded.
  2. Select the Appropriate Grade: Choose a chain grade that meets or exceeds the required load capacity. For heavy-duty towing, G70 or higher is often preferred.
  3. Check Load Ratings: Verify the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the chains to ensure they can handle the GTW.
  4. Consider the Environment: Choose chains with appropriate corrosion resistance based on where they will be used (e.g., galvanized or zinc chromate-coated for corrosive environments).
  5. Follow Regulations: Ensure the chains comply with local and federal safety regulations.