Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best G100 Chain

Choosing the right tie-down equipment for your cargo can be a stressful or confusing process for most new flatbed haulers. When it comes to tie-down chains, there&#;s a whole new set of rules and regulations you need to follow to avoid being fined for improperly securing your cargo.

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What&#;s likely the most confusing aspect of cargo chains are their grade ratings and what they mean. At Mytee Products, we&#;ve crafted an ultimate Cargo Chain Grade Guide to help break it down for you! We&#;ll go into detail about the types of chain grades, chain ratings, and chain strength as well as what it all means for you!

There are a few very common misunderstandings that people make when trying to find and purchase a chain grade for their load tie-down. Knowing these common mistakes will help ensure that you can avoid making them! According to fellow truckers and chain manufacturers, there are two very common problems flatbed haulers encounter in the industry:

1. Using a hoist load chain for lifting.
2. Misusing or abusing alloy chains.

Load chains are constructed differently from alloy chains, which are what chain grades 80+ are crafted from. Load chains are specifically used within the inner workings of a hoist, which means that they don&#;t meet the same strength requirements nor hardness requirements that you might find with a Grade 80 or Grade 100 chain rating. If you mistakenly try to use a load chain for overhead lifting, you risk deforming if not completely snapping the chain, which can cause damage to the chain, the hoist, and your load! Load chains are not graded or prepped for the stress that overhead lifting can cause on-chain ratings over 80+ or made with alloy steel.

The second most common mistake is the general misuse or abuse of alloy chains. This could include improperly storing the chains, infrequent or absent inspection of the chains for damages or wear and tear, and frequent overloading or improper use of the tow chain rating. Frequent inspections are the best way to ensure all your trucking tools and supplies are safe to use. Poorly stored or non-inspected equipment can increase the chances of injury or damage while you&#;re on the road. Additionally, you should NEVER try to haul or lift cargo that is heavier than the total working load limit of all your chains. Even if you&#;re using the best, heavy-duty G100 chain, hauling a load heavier than the set load limit of the chain increases your risk of severely damaging your chains and cargo.

How do you calculate a chain grade?

With several different ratings, you may be wondering: How do you calculate chain grades? A chain grade&#;s number or rating refers to the maximum stress it can handle per millimeter squared. If you were to make it a mathematical equation, it would look similar to the following:

Chain Grade = Maximum Tensile Force (Newtons)/Link Cross-Sectional Area (millimeters)2

Breaking down tow chain ratings using this equation, you could discover that a G70 chain can endure 700 Newtons per millimeter squared before bending, disfiguring, or breaking. Remember, the higher the grade, the higher the tensile strength is compared to the size of the chain links.

This equation works for nearly every chain on the chain chart until you get to chains that are designed with different materials. Carbon steel chains, like Grade 30, 43, and 70, cannot handle the stress/Newtons required for tasks such as overhead lifting. Meanwhile, alloy steel chains &#; like Grade 80 and higher &#; can handle that kind of tensile force and thus are recommended for any heavy-duty lifting.

Grade Types and Uses

Grade 30

As shown in the chain strength chart above, chain grade 30 has the smallest amount of strength on the market. That said, their low-stress limit actually makes them ideal for general-purpose, economical uses. Perfect for light construction, agriculture, or marine and household applications like swing sets or guard railers. Grade 30 chains are composed of malleable, rust-resistant carbon steel and have a working load limit between 1,300 to 6,900 lbs depending on the size of the link. While they may not be as strong as alloy chains, G30 chains are the least expensive option for your light construction or agricultural job.

Grade 43

Chain Grade 43 are more durable and stronger than chain grade 30 ratings, making them perfect for more demanding jobs like logging, farming, towing, or as a general-purpose utility chain in trucking. Though stronger than G30, these tow chain ratings are still not recommended for overhead lifting jobs and have a working load limit of 2,600 to 13,000 lbs.

Grade 70

Grade 70 Chain may be the most common tow chain rating you will find in the flatbed hauling industry. Usually coated in a yellow chrome finish, the G70 chain has a load rating roughly 20% higher than Grade 43 making it the strongest carbon steel chain available! Perfect for tying down heavy loads and for tough towing jobs, their unique gold coating makes them DOT recognizable and provides protection from abrasion which then increases their on-the-road lifespan.

Uncute Grade Chain 70 has a working load limit between 3,150 to 15,800 lbs. They&#;re typically used by truckers and loggers for load securement and towing jobs, and have thus earned the nicknames of Transport and Trucker chain!

Also Read: Important Tips on Grade 70 Chain Usage

Grade 80

The first chain on our chain number chart to be made of alloy steel chain, Grade 80 chain is the first suitable chain to be used as a sling for overhead lifting and heavy-duty towing. The unique alloy material makes this chain&#;s strength incredibly high, carrying a working load limit of 3,500 to 18,100 lbs! Additionally, you will often hear this chain be referred to as the Alloy Chain, and it&#;s recognizable by the sleek, black coat finish.

Grade 100

About 25% stronger than the chain rating 80, the chain Grade 100 is the strongest chain on most chain suppliers&#; markets. G100 is made of similar strong, alloy steel and can be used in a variety of jobs and industries including overhead lifting slings, construction, manufacturing, and rigging! Based on the size of the links, G100 chains have working load limits of 4,300 to 22,600 lbs. It&#;s the absolute best choice for extremely heavy-duty lifting or towing jobs.

Grade 120

Still pretty new to the trucking scene, chain grade 120 is the strongest possible chain you can buy. 50% stronger than Grade 80 and 20% strong than Grade 100, G120 chains are the most distinguishable chain because of its unique design and style &#; it has a bright, blue-coat finish and rectangular links! Grade 120 chains have a working load limit of 5,200 to 27,500 lbs, and are built to fit the most rigorous job requirements.

Determining Chain Working Load Limits

Other safety measures that were put into place when identifying which chains are appropriate and safe for overhead lifting was determining the working load limit of each chain grade. The working load limit of a chain differs depending on the size of the links, as seen in the chain number chart above. It&#;s integral that you know the total weight of the cargo you plan to haul or lift before you purchase any chain rating.

The chain&#;s working load limit does not have to match the weight of the load, it only needs to be able to handle the stress and tension when applied &#; this is based on the surface that is being moved plus the weight of the load. Similar to when people ask how to identify chain grades, determining the working load limit of chain grades can be determined with a formula!

WLL = Minimum Breaking Load (MBL)/Safety Factor (SF)

The working load limit of a chain is significantly less than the weight that would cause a chain to fail (the tensile strength of a chain). A safety factor is a ratio between allowable stress and actual stress that the chain can withstand &#; the ratio between the chain strength and the expected maximum stress! When it comes to lifting and securement, factors like gravity and additional force &#; like sharp angles &#; should also be considered. It&#;s better to be safer than sorry, so spending a little more money on extra chains or a higher chain grade to ensure your chain limit isn&#;t less than your cargo&#;s weight can make all the difference! No matter what, always adhere to the WLL of a chain to ensure it doesn&#;t break or wear down fast.

Determining Chain Grades

One of the biggest questions chain manufacturers have to answer is how to identify a chain grade efficiently and quickly. When determining which grade to give a chain, the biggest safety measure implemented was finding the ultimate breaking strength of the chain! Remember, chain grades are determined by calculating the newtons of stress per millimeter squared (N/mm2). So, when determining a chain grade, reliable manufacturers will find the chain&#;s ultimate breaking strength and divide the number by . to then find the chain grade.

Vital Factors To Consider While Choosing Chain Grades

Choosing the right chain grade is directly linked to the safety and efficiency of the task. As different chain grades offer distinguished advantages, it&#;s better to consider crucial aspects by understanding chain grades that let you make the right and informed decision.

Weight and type of Cargo &#;  Emphasize the weight and type of load you want to lift by considering the strength andchain thickness chart.Every chain grade comes with a specific working load limit range. If you haul heavier weights, consider high-grade chains such as grade 80 or 100, as they have an enlarged strength than the grade 70 chain rating.

Regulatory Requirements (DOT, CVSA) &#;   Abide with regulatory obligations set by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT). Consider DOT chain requirements in the task that meet compliance and values safety.

Environmental Conditions (weather, corrosion resistance). &#; As most of lifting and rigging operations occur outside, consider chains that ensure quality weather and corrosion resistance. Inspect the coating and material used to determine its durability in the long run.

Cargo Securement Regulations: Load Safety On Road

Consider the cargo securement regulations and standards set by FMCSA and CSA as they outline legitimate practices and methods of securement. Understand the preferred chain range as per cargo to ensure safety during transit. Flatbed truckers need to follow these compliances to promote safety and prevent heavy penalties imposed by the department.

Flatbed Truck Chain Grades Maintenance and Inspection: Achieve Safety In Every Condition

It is an absolute must for the users to routinely check the chains used in their operations to be certain about safety and performance. Look after the proper chain tensioning, rust, and deformation as neglecting these aspects can result in unwanted accidents or monetary loss. Cleaning, lubrication, and inspection before use are some of the tasks that ensure reliable performance in the long run. While inspecting cargo chains, If you notice cracks, signs of deformation, or stretch marks due to excessive use, replacing cargo chains with new ones is the best thing you can do for the safety of yourself, your cargo, and everyone on the road.

Safety Standards for Chains

Regardless of the material a chain is made of or the strength it is determined to handle, all chain ratings must adhere to the NACAM (National Association of Chain Manufacturers) safety standards:

• Chain lifted loads should never be transported or suspended over people.
• All chains should be periodically inspected for cracks, wear, disfigurement, nicks, or overall damage.
• Excessive temperatures or chemical exposure can reduce a chain&#;s performance; avoid these scenarios or frequently check and replace chains when necessary.
• If the thickness at any location of a link is less than the listed minimum value, all chains should be removed from service.
• When mixing chain or component types, all should be rated at the working load limit of the lowest-rated component or chain.

While these aren&#;t all the standards required for chain manufacturers to meet, they are some of the most important. Should a manufacturer fail to meet these standards, there is a good chance their chains will fail on the road &#; and failure on the road can lead to injury, cargo damage, or worse! Always make sure you are purchasing the best chains from the best, most reliable manufacturers.

OSHA and ASTM Standards

Once you&#;ve found the set of chains best suited for your hauling jobs, it is up to you to ensure you are following the OSHA and ASTM Standards for Chain Grades as well. One very important rule you will continue to hear repeated is that overhead lifting should only be administered with the proper type and proper amount of alloy chain slings &#; never try to lift or haul cargo that exceeds the weight of your combined alloy steel chain strength.

Want more information on G100 Chain? Feel free to contact us.

It&#;s also important to follow all ASME B30 specifications which regard proper components &#; such as hooks, coupling links, and other rigging equipment &#; and outlines several approved sling tools. Selecting the proper chain and rigging configuration to get the job done can be challenging and a bit overwhelming, so always address a chain rigging supplier to ensure that you are following all current OSHA and ASTM guidelines.

While there is a massive variety of chain grades on the market and important differences in chain strengths, materials, and uses, we hope that this article will help you navigate the world of cargo chain ratings. Safety standards for tow chain ratings are constantly changing and evolving, so having a good amount of knowledge regarding chain grades and their working load limits allows you to make an informed decision and purchase when choosing the right chains for your cargo.

When selecting the right chain for your application, understanding the different grades available is crucial. Chains are graded based on their strength, durability, and suitability for specific tasks. These grades represent the strength and durability of the material - the higher the number, the stronger the chain.

We turned one of our most popular blog posts on the differences between chain grades into a simple chart for quick and easy comparison. We also added information on the Grade 30 and Grade 43 chains. (While we don't sell these grades on our website, you can always call in to order them.)

Read on to learn more about the differences between chain grades offered through US Cargo Control and their uses.

Chain Grades by Use

Each chain grade offers unique benefits catered to specific applications. Selecting the appropriate chain grade depends on the requirements of these applications. Understanding the differences helps you select the right one for the job, ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity. Below are the different chain grades offered through US Cargo Control:

Grade 30

• General purpose economical chain.
• Low tensile strength; prone to stretching under heavy loads.
• Used in a variety of industries and jobs including light construction, agricultural applications, and the marine industry.

Grade 43

• General purpose economical chain.
• Stronger than Grade 30; offers better resistance to wear and tear.
• Typically used for container securement, logging, farming, towing, marine applications, and as general purpose utility chain.

• Made from a higher strength, heat-treated carbon steel that has a load rating approximately 20 percent higher than Grade 43.
• The gold chromate finish makes it easy for DOT officials to recognize.
• Typically used by truckers, loggers, and highway crews for load securement and towing.

• The most economical choice that is suitable for overhead lifting.
• A high strength, heat-treated alloy chain that can be used as a sling component for overhead lifting as well as heavy-duty tow chain.

• A high strength, heat-treated alloy chain.
• Has approximately 25 percent higher strength than Grade 80.
• Primarily used as a sling component for overhead lifting. 

  Popular in construction, manufacturing, and rigging applications.

• An ultra-premium high strength chain designed specifically for the rigorous requirements of overhead lifting applications.
• The links have a unique square shape and it has approximately 50 percent higher strength compared to Grade 80.
• There are currently no official standards for Grade 120 chain in the U.S. or Europe, however, it does meet or exceed the standards of Grade 100 chain.

Safety Standards for Chain

Organizations like ASTM (American Society of Testing & Materials), ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) have released safety standards and regulations for various materials and grades of a chain.

Essentially, it's a formal way of recognizing and documenting that not all chain is created equally and therefore, it should not all be used for the same applications.

ASTM Chain Specification

What do A413, A391, and A973 all mean? Those are simply how the ASTM categorizes and references their specification standards. Each specification outlines the different manufacturing and testing requirements as well as the appropriate performance standards, grades, and applications.

Determining Chain Grades

Chain grades are a standard method for showing the ultimate breaking strength (tensile strength) of a chain. Grades help determine what sort of applications are appropriate for a given chain.

Chain grades are determined by calculating newtons per square millimeter, using the formula &#;N/mm2&#;. Where "mm" is the area of the two cross-sections of a single chain link, and "N" is newtons. A newton is approximately 0. lbs.

So, to determine a chain grade, manufacturers must find the ultimate breaking strength. Then, divide that number by . to determine the ultimate breaking strength in newtons.

Next, take that number and divide it by the total area of two cross-sections of a single link. That number is the chain grade.

You could reverse this formula to determine the ultimate breaking strength if all you know is the chain grade.

Note: chain grades advertised by manufacturers are one-tenth of the actual mathematical grades. So grade 80 is really 800, and grade 120 is 1,200.

Determining Chain Working Load Limits

Working load limit (WLL) of a chain is another designated safety measure. WLL is a weight significantly less than the weight that would cause a chain to fail (tensile strength). WLL = MBL / SF. Where MBL is the minimum breaking load and SF is the safety factor.

A safety factor is the ratio between allowable stress and actual stress. In other words, it's the ratio between the chain strength and the expected maximum stress. In lifting and rigging applications, factors such as gravity and the additional force caused by angles must be considered.

Always adhere to the WLL to ensure a chain does not break or wear quicker than it should.

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