Resources

Learn more about chain grading

About Grades

Chain Strength Chart / Working Load Limit Comparisons

Chain strength is identified throughout our website by Working Load Limits* (WLL) in pounds

- the higher the WLL, the stronger the chain.

*WLL is sometimes called Safe Working Load (SWL)

Chain Size Grade 30
Proof Coil

(WLL in lbs)

Specs

prices

Grade 43
High Test

(WLL in lbs)

Specs

prices

Grade 70
Transport

(WLL in lbs)

Specs

prices

Grade 80
Alloy

(WLL in lbs)

Specs

prices

Grade 100
Alloy

(WLL in lbs)

Specs

prices

1/8 400 - - - -
3/16 800 - - - -
7/32 - - - 2,100 2,700
1/4 1,300 2,600 3,150 - -
9/32 - - - 3500 4300
5/16 1,900 3,900 4,700 4,500 -
3/8 2,650 5,400 6,600 7,100 8,800
7/16 3,700 7,200 8,750 - -
1/2 4,500 9,200 11,300 12,000 15,000
5/8 6,900 13,000 15,800 18,100 22,600
3/4 10,600 20,200 24,700 28,300 35,300
7/8 - 24,500 - 34,200 -
1" 17,900 30,000 - 47,700 -
1-1/4 - - - 72,300 -
Definitions:
Proof Load: 2 x WLL CAUTION:
Breaking Strength: 4 x WLL (exception Grade 43 is 3 x WLL) ONLY USE WLL FOR DESIGN PURPOSES.

Grade 30 Proof Coil

BBB Anchor Chain

Grade 40 High Test

Grade 43 High Test

Grade 70 Transport

Grade 80 Alloy

Grade 100 Alloy

The Meaning of Chain Grade Numbers

The chain grade numbers which manufacturers use are actually one tenth of the actual grades. Therefore, our grade 80 is 800, grade 70 is 700, and so on

The grade refers to the tensile strength of the chain. This is expressed in newtons per square millimeter (a newton is approximately 0.224805 lbs). The tensile strength is calculated by multiplying the grade times the area of the two cross sections of a link (see left).

(Area) 157.08 mm2 x 800 n (Grade)=125,664 newtons ultimate breaking strength 125,664 newtons x .224805=28,250 lbs ultimate breaking strength 125,664 newtons÷1000=125.66 kn (Kilonewtons)

Sling Specs

Grade 100 Alloy Working Load Limits (lbs) for Chain Slings

According to NACM Welded Steel Chain Spec

Chain Size
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Single Leg
90° Lift

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Double Leg
60° Lift

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Double Leg
45° Lift

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Double Leg
30° Lift

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Triple or Quad Leg¹
60° Lift

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Triple or Quad Leg¹
45° Lift

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Triple or Quad Leg¹
30° Lift

7/32 2,100 3,600 3,000 2,100 5,500 4,400 4,400
9/32 4,300 7,400 6,100 4,300 11,200 9,100 6,400
3/8 8,800 15,200 12,400 8,800 22,900 18,700 13,200
1/2 15,000 26,000 21,200 15,000 39,000 31,800 22,500
5/8 22,600 39,100 32,000 22,600 58,700 47,900 33,900
3/4 35,300 61,100 49,900 35,300 91,700 74,900 53,000
7/8 42,700 74,000 60,400 42,700 110,900 90,600 64,000
12 47,700 82,500 67,400 47,700 123,800 101,000 71,500
1-1/42 72,300 125,200 102.200 72,300 187,800 153,400 108,400
1 Since at most three legs can support the weight of any load, Triple and Quad leg slings both have the same working load limits.
2 1" and 1-1/4 available only in Grade 80 alloy

Binders Required

Binders Required

- Laclede Chain Tow/Binder Chain Specs

D.O.T. Specs

D.O.T. North American Final Rule

Effective Date Sep 27, 2002, Compliance date Jan 1, 2004

Detailed information on securing loads for safe transportation from the US Dept of Transportation

For clarification: USDOT Cargo Securement Enforcement Policy Dec 31, 2003

NACM Specs

NACM Welded Steel Chain Specifications

April 11, 2010

NACM Weldless Steel Chain Specifications

April 26, 2003 (Reaffirmed 2009)

This document, produced by the National Association of Chain Manufacturers (NACM), covers properties and grades of welded steel chain for industrial and commercial use.