Chains - which is best

SacandagaBrad · Apr 26, 2004

Couldn't really decide where to post this since it not really tractor related at all, unless the chain breaks - then the tractor would be used to pull the boat off the rocks /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

How well does binder grade (70) hold up to rusting? I'm setting up a new mooring and had the choice of high test or binder grade 70, so I went with the harder grade 70. It will be submerged year round in fresh water and takes a lot of slamming together with the waves moving the boat. That is why I didn't bother with the galvanized, it wears out quickly once the coating wears off where the links come together. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this.

I think I found a good price, what is the going rate on 5/16 grade 70 chain?

Thanks - Brad

pekabu · Apr 26, 2004

www.bbchain.com shows Grade 70 5/16inch chain at 2.15 per foot. Unsure if this is a good price.

RaytheOne · Apr 26, 2004

For what it's worth...
I just bought a 20ft 5/16" GR7 with grabs on both ends for 17.99 at a local farm supply.

ljh2 · Apr 28, 2004

Brad,
You might consider stainless. It isn't cheap, but it is made to stand up to the marine use. I found a source here that has prices listed in a variety of sizes.

em14 · Apr 30, 2004

That's what I did at TSC ... the loose chain without the hooks was twice as much ... both were 70 Tow Chain ...
Leo

OkieG · Apr 30, 2004

Hey Leo,
How ya doin'? I guess now it's my turn to be asking. Your posts have been pretty sparse lately. Hope all is well with you.

By the way Brad, if you decide on grade 70 chain, check out Harbor Freight, if you have one nearby. They have pre-cut lengths that seem to me to be quite a bit cheaper than buying by the foot.

OkieG

em14 · May 1, 2004

OkieG,
Doing great ... finished my shop and am trying to get it setup and do all the other things (Honey do's etc.) .... I was surprised the other day when I went to the local TSC and saw how much more the loose chain was than the 20 ft. made up chain with two hooks installed! I needed a tie down chain so guest which of the two I picked. I'm going to another store and see what the loose chain is selling for there. I didn't have the time to shop when I was at TSC so I just went ahead and bought the made up chain.
Leo

SacandagaBrad · May 1, 2004

I picked up 50' of 5/16" grade 70 at a local farm supply store for $1.35/ft. I was happy with the price. Hooks and shackels were about 1/2 the price as the local TSC.

Brad

OkieG · May 1, 2004

Leo,
Glad to hear you're doing great. A new shop (ie something other than the garage) is in the works around here, too. Maybe by next spring.
My tractor tie down chains don't need to be 20', but the 20' lengths at Harbor Freight were cheaper than buying the exact length at by the foot prices. So, there is a little extra chain laying on the trailer, but what the heck. Not sure why, but seems like the precut, made-up chains are cheaper. Good hearing from you.

OkieG

OkieG · May 1, 2004

Brad,
Alright! I noticed the local TSC "by the foot" chain prices here weren't any bargain either. Didn't look for any pre-cut lengths at TSC.

Did you figure the grade 70 isn't supposed to rust?

OkieG