Lifting Chain Length

[LHS Inc]

I got Ken's Bolt on Hooks last week and installed them. They really are a great product, glad I got them.

Now I'm ready for some chains for lifting.

I know a lot of variables go into it as far as the job you're doing but I'm just checking to see what is a good average length you guys are using.

I plan on getting 5/16 grade 43 chain with a slip hook on one end at Lowes this week.

Thanks

 

[RoyJackson]

I got Ken's Bolt on Hooks last week and installed them. They really are a great product, glad I got them.

Now I'm ready for some chains for lifting.

I know a lot of variables go into it as far as the job you're doing but I'm just checking to see what is a good average length you guys are using.

I plan on getting 5/16 grade 43 chain with a slip hook on one end at Lowes this week.

Thanks

I use 2 chains. One is about 6-7 feet in length (somebody gave me this chain), the other is a 20' length.
You can always choke them in those grab hooks to reduce the working length of the chain.

 

[LHS Inc]

I use 2 chains. One is about 6-7 feet in length (somebody gave me this chain), the other is a 20' length.
You can always choke them in those grab hooks to reduce the working length of the chain.

Thanks Roy. I was thinking of one 20 footer and maybe a shorter length. Nice to know what works for you guys.

Good idea about choking the chain in the grab hooks, I hadn't thot of that.

 

[SandburRanch]

A chain just a wee bit too short is mighty aggravating but if one knows how to tie a clove hitch a chain is never too long.:thumbsup:

 

[TedBell]

LHS Inc - Did you drill holes in your FEL to mount the hooks? If so, how did you go about drilling them? Thanks.

 

[LD1]

I use chains with grab hooks. That way I can make it as short or as long as I need. No need for a slew of short chains. Just a few long ones.

And it looks like (I could be wrong) those are 1/2" grab hooks on your bucket.

Grab hooks only work well if you use the size chain they are made for or up one size or down one size.

If those are indeed 1/2" hooks, 5/16 chain you plan on buying is down 2 sizes. And I wouldnt tust a 1/2" grab hook on 5/16 chain. But thats just me. If it were mine, I'd buy 3/8 chain. Overkill....yes, but better than a 5/16" chain slipping or getting messed up.

If I am wrong and those are 3/8 hooks, then 5/16 chain will work just fine.

 

[Reg]

14 ft or 16 ft chains would be about right for tying that tractor onto a trailer, so might as well buy for dual use (-:

Just be sure to keep the chains as short as possible when carrying anything and carry it as low as practical.
I see SO MANY times ONE long chain attached to a bucket center hook and to get the load high enough the bucket is 10 ft or so in the air.
Do the geometry if you need to, but that swinging pendulum can QUCKLY get the tractor tipping over sideways. Basically you can be introuble as soon as the load swings outside the front wheel track.

Two chains are almost always better, though not always practical.
At least with two you only have fore/aft swing.

 

[LHS Inc]

I use chains with grab hooks. That way I can make it as short or as long as I need. No need for a slew of short chains. Just a few long ones.

And it looks like (I could be wrong) those are 1/2" grab hooks on your bucket.

Grab hooks only work well if you use the size chain they are made for or up one size or down one size.

If those are indeed 1/2" hooks, 5/16 chain you plan on buying is down 2 sizes. And I wouldnt tust a 1/2" grab hook on 5/16 chain. But thats just me. If it were mine, I'd buy 3/8 chain. Overkill....yes, but better than a 5/16" chain slipping or getting messed up.

If I am wrong and those are 3/8 hooks, then 5/16 chain will work just fine.

5/16 Grade 70 from Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks

 

[LHS Inc]

LHS Inc - Did you drill holes in your FEL to mount the hooks? If so, how did you go about drilling them? Thanks.

Yes drilled the holes with a cordless drill on one charge. Clamped them down marked the holes and removed them. Drilled with a 1/4 inch bit for the pilot hole then 1/2 inch bit to finish.

I took my time so it probably took me about 30 minutes to get it done start to finish, the great instructions made it very easy.

 

[Gizmo2]

14 ft or 16 ft chains would be about right for tying that tractor onto a trailer, so might as well buy for dual use

That's me. Grab hook on one end, slip hook on the other. I also keep a short chain, maybe 2 foot, with grab hooks on both ends which I use if I need to make a long chain short.