What size are these hooks?

   / What size are these hooks? #1  

Dougryan

Bronze Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2000
Messages
92
Location
Webster, NY
Tractor
Cub Cadet 3206
I recently bought a tractor that has hooks welded to the bucket. No marks on the hooks telling me what size they are.
I believe they are 1/2". Is that correct? Planning to buy a chain and want to get the right size.

Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • image1 (3).jpeg
    image1 (3).jpeg
    437.9 KB · Views: 171
  • image0 (4).jpeg
    image0 (4).jpeg
    1.5 MB · Views: 172
Last edited:
   / What size are these hooks? #2  
Those do appear to be half inch hooks. You could use half inch chain but if you go down one size they'd probably be easier to work with.
 
   / What size are these hooks? #3  
Can you read whatever is cast into the hook? May help. I'm guessing they'd work better with 3/8".
 
   / What size are these hooks? #4  
Standard hook opening measurements are as follows:

Chain SizeHook opening
5/163/8
3/87/16 to 1/2
1/25/8 to 11/16

This can be verified by checking hook drawings and dimensions in the McMaster-Carr catalog, which is from where I lifted this information.
 
   / What size are these hooks? #7  
Depends on what you're doing with the chain, but I wouldn't want to be working with more than 5/16 chain on a regular basis around the farm. I go 3/8 on occasion but with 1/2 chain I'd need some help moving that around. And don't bother with the cheap chain. I wouldn't use anything less than a Grade 70 chain in any of the sizes. Or Grade 80 if you're doing any overhead lifting. Cheap chain can kill you if it breaks, even if you're 20' away.
 
   / What size are these hooks? #8  
3/8 is a good all around size. I've had 5/16ths and it doesn't take much to stretch it. The 3/8 is a bit clumsier but is almost always up to the job
 
   / What size are these hooks? #9  
Depends on the tractor. I have a dozen 5/16” chains, and really like that size, as it’s so much lighter than 3/8”. I don’t often get into lifting or dragging items, where 5/16” is not sufficient.

When it comes to strapping down loads, I have a box full of 2” ratchet straps of various grades. I’m not hauling coil steel on semi trucks, size your chain and straps accordingly.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2006 Chevrolet 3500 Express Enclosed Service Van (A48081)
2006 Chevrolet...
2016 RoGator RG1100B Self-Propelled Fertilizer Spreader - Slingshot, Raven Display, Leather Seat (A50397)
2016 RoGator...
2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Warner Service Truck (A48081)
2016 Ford F-350...
66in Light Material Bucket Skid Steer Connection (A50397)
66in Light...
Prime Mover RTX45 4,500LB Stand-Up Forklift (A49346)
Prime Mover RTX45...
2011 FREIGHTLINER M2 26FT BOX TRUCK (A50505)
2011 FREIGHTLINER...
 
Top