Chain

[Lelandwelds]

I use the grade 70 chain in 5/16 too. Most are the 20 and 30 ft lengths. I use a 2 or 3 ft choker a bunch. I like the same chain on the ends of my ratchet straps.

The thing I use the most is a short endless polyester loop. It is cheap and doesn't scratch.

 

[CMV]

I use the grade 70 chain in 5/16 too. Most are the 20 and 30 ft lengths. I use a 2 or 3 ft choker a bunch. I like the same chain on the ends of my ratchet straps.

The thing I use the most is a short endless polyester loop. It is cheap and doesn't scratch.

Oh yeah....I use that a lot too. Also from HF. Doesn't fit 5/16" grab hooks real well, but good enough. Fastest way to just get a bush hog from A-B or loaded on a trailer separate from tractor - just loop that web sling around gearbox and lift it. No kids, pets, by-standers, grandmother's china set, etc in the area when doing that though - never dropped it, but doesn't look super safe - would never suspend it that way to work underneath it....

 

[MESSMAKER]

I have several chains. I almost always grab the 1/4 inch.

 

[RandyinTN]

Learned a lot, thanks folks.
Going to order a 2 pack of chains from Amazon and 4 of these hooks

 

[Rock Crawler]

I use the Harbor's 3/8", at $19.99 it's far cheaper than Tractor Supply... I did that once buying 2 hooks and buying their better 3/8" chain and it was over $35. For $19 for 3/8" and $29 for 5/16" (rated weaker than the 3/8") it's a good deal and I happen to live 15 miles from a HF so it's quick and easy to go grab some chains.

 

[ruffdog]

The meaning of the chain grade numbers:
What Is The Difference Between Grades Of Chain?

Chain Grading

Working Load Limits for different grades and chain sizes:
Chain Strength Chart

 

[GLyford]

Depending on what you are trying to move or lift, you sometimes want to make baskets etc. in the middle of a section or two of chain where you have no hooks, or to keep two loops from slipping off either end of an odd shaped item like a rock or the root ball of a shrub. Or maybe you have a chain with a slip hook where you need a grab hook.

Take two "clevis" grab hooks and interleave the clevis ends like a hinge, with the hooks open to opposite sides, and pin together with a grade 8 bolt. Be careful to pick a bolt long enough that the threads start outside the "hinge" so that the hinge parts are not riding on the threads. Double nut or use a nylock (or crossdrill for a cotter pin). If you want a little longer gap, make up a few using a double clevis between them, or just a few links of chain.

I don't know if I'd use one to secure anything to a truck or trailer where a DOT officer might see it, but for general "odd job" lifting/pulling tasks they can be handy.

Oh hey, Amazon has some of the short chain version listed, it at least shows the concept (I'd not pay that much):
Amazon.com: 6 Ton Double Grab Hooks Chain Joint Chain Shortener Autobody Repair Clamp Tool: Automotive

Edited to add: I see Ken's Bolt On Hooks has several shorteners listed as well.

 

[RandyinTN]

Do many of you have hooks welded onto the front end loader ?

 

[Rock Crawler]

Do many of you have hooks welded onto the front end loader ?

I used pre-existing frame holes and made 1/4 plates that bolted on with 3/8" weld on chain hooks added to the plates.

 

[oosik]

I have a grab hook bolted to each side of the bucket. Otherwise - with the grapple installed - loop the chain over two or three of the center teeth.