Bucket Hooks Hooks on buckets

   / Hooks on buckets #51  
Re: please describe hooks

RobertN - I thought I referred somebody to a link that had pictures of the various hooks on it, but I can't find it.

A slip hook is a hook with a wide throat and a round hook to allow the chain to slip through it so you can form a loop that will tighten. A choker hook has the same round inner area but a much narrower throat so the chain can only slide out if a link is lined up perfectly.

A grab hook is only a slot so you can hook it on a link, but it won't slip. With this kind of hook, the loop formed when you attach the chain to itself will not slip but stays the size you made it.

Mark
 
   / Hooks on buckets #53  
Re: please describe hooks

Jim, I don't know a lot about the hooks, but I can understand that you could affect the temper, and therefore the strength, of the steel by welding on it, but it's done quite commonly with no problem. I don't have to worry about it because I drilled two holes on each corner at the top of my bucket and mounted my hooks with u-bolts instead of welding.

Robert N, a grab hook is what you most commonly see on a chain; the slot, notch, or whatever they call it in the chain is narrow so that one link of the chain will fit into it, but the next link, being turned the other direction cannot slip through. Slip hooks, on the other hand have a curve that is wide enough that if you hook a chain through it, the chain can slide through.

I use grab hooks on my chains, but have a slip hook on a cable for a choker. My Tractor Supply Co. catalog lists grade 43 slip hooks from 1/4" to 1/2" and grades 30, 43, and 70 grab hooks in the same sizes.

Bird
 
   / Hooks on buckets #54  
   / Hooks on buckets #55  
I have a grab hook at the center of my bucket BUT I also welded a piece of 4" channel iron across the top of my bucket it does two things more cap in bucket and to give some strengh across the bucket top. I believe your right without the added strengh and extra steel on my bucket it would be bent to pieces by now.
I've also welded a plate for the hook to mount to on plate steel and welded the top to the channel iron and the back of the plate is bent to meet the bucket back. On each side of the bucket I've got slip hooks welded to the bucket.
Gordon
 
   / Hooks on buckets #56  
Re: please describe hooks

Mark: your description of how to use a grab hook seems a little ambiguous. A grab hook is used by turning a link sideways and inserting the link into the slot on the hook. I only say this because the first time I used a grab hook, I inserted the point of the hook into a link. Sort of works, but very dangerous. I think somebody else said the same thing, but I think it's a thing worth being real clear about.

Other notes, a choker hook is also called a logging hook, and I believe they're hard to find since the use of cable chokers has become common. There also is a version of a grab hook used on the ag safety chains I have. The hook is shaped like a heavy box capital letter 'C.' There is a safety bale over the slot so the chain can't pop out.

Regarding lifting things with the loader bucket. Something that's heavy and long and lifted from a single attachment point will tend to turn and may smash into the radiator. Same thing can happen, since a load will tend to swing when it comes off a dock or trailer bed. Radiator damage also can happen when lifting more than a couple feet or so. When the bucket is lifted, the load comes back toward the tractor. Something that's fairly wide can smash into the radiator if the bucket is lifted high. Of course, you and other very experienced persons on this board already know this basic stuff, or can tell me I'm wrong.
 
   / Hooks on buckets #57  
Re: please describe hooks

Thanks to all!

I have used a number of various hooks, but never had a name associated with them. Now I know what to ask for if I don't see it on a shelf.. Thanks!

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif
 
   / Hooks on buckets #58  
Re: please describe hooks

7/26

I'll make a suggestion to avoid what TomG talks about and you guys tell me if I'm right:

Connect the log or other load at 2 points, ie, with 2 pieces of chain or with one using both ends. In the latter case attach each end to the load while running the chain thru the hooks on either end of the loader bucket as previously described (grab hook it in the center, too). That restricts the load somewhat, althought it can still gitcherradiator, esp if you reach out for it at enough of an angle instead of cozying up close with the loader.

Another suggestion, put the bucket really close to the log, etc, to minimize the swing arc.

I pulled up a big stinkweed /w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif tree the other day with a chain & tongs. Those 80 horses felt really good. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Gonna do it again.

<font color=blue>Arrruoghhhhg</font color=blue>! /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

J
/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
 
   / Hooks on buckets #59  
Re: please describe hooks

TomG - Good point! You should never put the point of a hook, no matter what kind, into a link of chain.

I don't think I've ever seen the "safety grab hook". You don't know where I might be able to see a picture of one, do you?

Mark
 
   / Hooks on buckets #60  
Re: please describe hooks

I just plugged in the charger for my video camera. Haven't used it in a couple of years. If the battery takes enough of a charge, I'll video the chain and pull a frame out for an image. That, I've done. Posting pics here I haven't.
 
 
 
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