Stainless steel chain, NOT for towing

[magothy1]

Don't mean to be a smart A or know it all, but we've tried some made in China stainless chain on the boats for various things, it's pretty, but it has no strength compared to regular mild steel. It's nice to not deal with the rust, but the welds in the stuff we've used, from 1/4" to 1/2" come right apart. Don't trust it for anything serious, and for god sakes, don't use it overhead. I'd go on about how the Chinese have won the 3rd world war and are winning WW4, but I'll stop.

 

[Wingate]

I pulled a 3/8 inch chain into one day trying to get a tractor started. It was one of those "quality chains" from Harbor Freight... . Ended up getting my 1/4 inch chain out and using it to pull start that tractor. All the chains I have are MSHA certified and are extremely durable. Theres just no substitute for quality.

 

[RDHamill]

Grade 70 chain is what's required here for a load. It does not rust either.

 

[SRadke]

... but it has no strength compared to regular mild steel.

No offense but... . if you have a mild steel chain don't use it for any of the situations you mentioned either.

 

[ELABAY]

I have snapped a china 3/8" chain with a boomer and a 3' cheater pipe by myself before. Needless to say I dont use them for anything anymore. You pay for what you get.

 

[Adventure Bob]

I assume you bought the pretty chain because it was cheap, not because it was marked according to DOT markings with the L7. Bulk grade 70 is around 4. 05 a ft and it's also coated with yellow chromate (so it will never be shiny chrome). Some of it is made in the US, but even if it's not it meets the 11300 lb. working load limit, set by the DOT to achieve the Grade 70 rating. If your working overhead you want grade 80 or better to meet OSHA stds.

So lets not blame the chinese because you chose the wrong chain for the task.

 

[magothy1]

I didn't buy the chain because it was pretty or cheap. We started using the stainless chain as a sweep in front of the nets because it wouldn't rust and then get longer and then need adjusting. When you hit a hang with 1/4" mild steel chain you'll usually spin the boat around unless it's 70' or better, then it will break. I've done this more than a few times. First time I bumped something with my new stainless chain it broke. I didn't know this til I hauled my gear. The boat just jerked a bit to one side and went on. In this particular application, if it stayed together and the welds didn't fall apart, it would be great. But the welds fail and the chain comes apart over time. I spend top dollar for USA made Crosby gear for anything overhead.