Any practical use or need for heavy chain?

[StumpXJ]

I have the opportunity to get 60 feet of heavy duty chain (for 10 bucks), but to be honest im not sure what I would use it for. I am sure I could use a few sections around the garage and what not for random things (hoisting, etc). I am wondering if any of you use chains for anything???

I have plenty of tow straps, snatch straps and winchline, so I wouldnt (at least I dont think) want to use it for anything pertaining to off-roading.

Just wondering if I should get it because it is so cheap. Its at a ladys house and she is selling it in a garage sale. To buy this much galvanized heavy chain would normally be expensive.

~James

[IggyB]

It's probably fairly heavy and looks stout but may not take much of a load to break.

I have chain that I carry in the truck. It's 3/8" grade 70 plated transport chain. With Grade 7 rated hooks.

Anything less is not worth having. Anything that does not have a rating stamped on the chain link or is made in that certain place overseas should be used to tie the dog down.

IMHO

[BigAl]

I use a chain for skidding logs when I cut fire wood. Also when I'm clearing brush, I use it to pull saplings up to ~2.5" diameter. I never use one offroad. 60 feet is going to fill a three gallon bucket and weigh 40 plus lbs.

edit: for $10 I'd grab it

[StumpXJ]

My furry children stay in the house, so no need to tie them up...LOL.

I know this is a 3/8 link, and I am sure its heavy, but not sure about the rest. I am going to go check it out Sat morning. If it look good, I will probably pick it up. I am sure somewhere in the future, I will use it.

[emmodg]

Chain is great to set anchors on rocks where a nylon strap would risk getting cut. I use them to anchor trucks that are winching to prevent movement. They are nice to drag logs and brush off trail. Again, better idea than risking a cut on a strap. Chains are easily adjusted to any length, many times you have to use a knot sinnet or daisy chain on a strap to change length. Just learn to choke the chain correctly - don't try and put the end of the hook in a link opening. The hook chokes the solid side of the chain, not the welded side. But DON'T EVER use them in a dynamic recovery situation! They DO NOT STORE ENERGY and love to explode when they break under load! And yes, grade 7 or 8 is the minimum grade you want.

[1leglance]

And don't forget if you are hand winching with a hi-lift a chain works well since there is little stretch to take up and it is adjustable as you work.

[tdesanto]

Hi-lift winching is why I carry some. But grade 70 is what you want. Anything less is dangerous not worth its own weight.

[StumpXJ]

So would it be a good idea to keep...say... a 20 foot section of it in the truck with me, and the rest in the garage for use on an "as needed" basis? Good idea about the rock strapping, as well as dragging trees and brush. I have already had to drag a couple fallen trees off the trail and had to use my straps.

So, there should be markings on the chain itself to dictate the grade? I dont think it has hooks... but maybe. I am going to check it out, and will likely get it. For 10 bucks I cant see myself going wrong.

[StumpXJ]

Here is a picture she just sent me, doesnt appear to be too rusted. It almost looks galvanized. I replied back to her about if it had any hooks.

[I Leak Oil]

How can you go wrong for $10 ? There's probably lots of less critical things you can do with it. Heck, it's probably worth $10 to the scrap guy!
Jason T.