Twisted Chains

[Joe1]

This may sound like a dumb question, but does twisting a chain in order to shorten it reduce it's strenght? I do this on the safety chains on my trailer so they don't drag.

 

[RayH]

This may sound like a dumb question, but does twisting a chain in order to shorten it reduce it's strenght? I do this on the safety chains on my trailer so they don't drag.

Technically speaking, it probably does a little.
Parctically speaking, it probably doesnt matter one bit.

 

[irwin]

Technically speaking, it probably does a little.
Parctically speaking, it probably doesnt matter one bit.

Ray that is one good answer..ditto, what Ray said..

 

[DieselPower]

Short answer, yes it does reduce it's load carying capacity. If you need to shroten it you should use a chain shortener. Simply a chain link with a hook on each end.

When I went through Wreckmaster school one of the first thing's they teach you is to make sure your recovery chains never become twisted as it can greatly reduce their working load limit. If the recovery will induce a twist into a chain a swivel should be used. Some rotation of the chain is fine but the links should never fold over each other as you describe.

 

[Joe1]

Thanks for the info.

 

[George2615]

You could always just use a bungee cord to hold them up.

 

[Joe1]

George:

The problem with the bungee cord is that if the hitch fails the chains are still too long to properly hold the hitch and jack post off the ground.

 

[George2615]

Joe,
Can't you shorten the chains? or get yourself a couple of these to take up the slack. Each is rated for 2640lb.

 

[john_bud]

Short answer, yes it does reduce it's load carying capacity. If you need to shroten it you should use a chain shortener. Simply a chain link with a hook on each end.

When I went through Wreckmaster school one of the first thing's they teach you is to make sure your recovery chains never become twisted as it can greatly reduce their working load limit. If the recovery will induce a twist into a chain a swivel should be used. Some rotation of the chain is fine but the links should never fold over each other as you describe.

Hmmm, I would not have thought it would make a difference. Learn something new everyday. Does it reduce the load capacity due to the pull being across the width vs end to end?

jb

 

[Joe1]

George:

Thanks.

I'm going to see if I can shorten the chains without a lot of work or use the links. I'm getting lazy with old age.

john_bud:

If I remember right, some prisoners were able to break the chains on handcuffs (with great difficulty) by twisting them somehow when they couldn't break them by just pulling on them, so it must weaken the chain substantially. I think that was the reason for the rigidly hinged cuffs.