Get the industrial chain your operation needs in the length and quantity that make sense for the job. US Cargo Control offers bulk chain in multiple grades, sizes, and finishes for cargo securement, overhead lifting, construction, agriculture, fabrication, towing, and general commercial use.
Order chain by the foot for a specific project or choose a full drum or crate for ongoing production and high-volume use. Whether you need transport chain for a fleet, alloy chain for sling fabrication, or heavy-duty industrial chain for the shop or job site, our product experts can help you select the right grade and working load limit.
Shop Bulk Chain by Application
The right chain depends on how it will be used. Industrial chain grades are designed for different applications and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Transport and cargo securement:Grade 70 chain is commonly used to secure equipment, machinery, building materials, and other heavy loads.
Overhead lifting and rigging:Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 120 alloy chain options are available for approved lifting applications.
Construction and utility work: Select from transport, alloy, proof coil, and specialty chain based on the required strength and application.
Agriculture and marine environments:Grade 30 stainless steel options are available for appropriate tie-down, utility, and corrosion-resistant applications.
Fabrication and custom assemblies: Order cut lengths or bulk quantities for chain slings, tie-down assemblies, towing equipment, safety chains, and other shop-built solutions.
Always confirm the chain grade, diameter, working load limit, finish, and manufacturer instructions before use. Only use chain that is specifically approved and properly configured for your application.
Learn more about the industrial chain grades we offer by visiting our blog or watching the video below:
Industrial Chain Types and Grades
Understanding the available industrial chain types makes it easier to choose a chain that provides the required strength without adding unnecessary weight or cost. Our primary options include transport chain, alloy lifting chain, proof coil chain, and other welded commercial chain grades.
Grade 70 Transport Chain
Made from heat-treated carbon steel, grade 70 transport chain is built for cargo securement, towing, logging, trucking, and other demanding tie-down applications. Its gold chromate finish helps make the chain easy to identify during inspections and everyday use.
Grade 70 is a popular heavy-duty chain for securing loads with compatible chain binders and hooks. It is not approved for overhead lifting.
Grade 80 bulk chain is manufactured from heat-treated alloy steel and is commonly used for overhead lifting, chain sling fabrication, recovery, towing, and other high-strength applications.
Grade 80 chain provides a strong balance of durability, abrasion resistance, and capacity. Links are commonly embossed with an 8, 80, or 800 grade marking for identification.
Grade 100 Alloy Chain
Grade 100 chain offers higher working load limits than comparable Grade 80 chain. This can allow an operator to use a smaller and lighter chain while maintaining the capacity required for the lift.
Its strength-to-weight ratio makes Grade 100 a popular choice for chain slings and demanding lifting environments where equipment weight and handling matter. Common grade markings include 10, 100, or 1000.
Grade 120 Alloy Chain
Grade 120 chain provides very high strength in a compact chain size. Its distinctive profile and increased alloy content help provide abrasion resistance and reduce the weight operators must handle compared with some lower-grade alternatives of similar capacity.
Grade 120 is commonly identified by a blue finish and a 12 or 120 grade marking. Use it only with compatible Grade 120 components and according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Grade 30 Proof Coil Chain
Grade 30 proof coil chain is a light- to medium-duty option for appropriate utility, tie-down, agricultural, automotive, and marine applications. It is available in finishes suited to different operating environments.
Grade 30 chain is not approved for overhead lifting. Select it only when its working load limit and manufacturer-rated application meet the requirements of the job.
Grade 43 High-Test Chain
Grade 43 chain is a carbon steel chain used for towing, binding, agriculture, construction, and general industrial applications that require greater strength than Grade 30 chain. It is not approved for overhead lifting.
Grade 43 and other specialty grades may be available by request. Contact our sales team for product availability and ordering assistance.
Heavy-Duty Chain for Construction and Commercial Work
Construction chain may be used for equipment transport, material handling preparation, towing, safety applications, barriers, fabrication, and other job-site tasks. Because these uses place different demands on the chain, there is no single grade that is right for every construction application.
Before selecting a commercial chain, determine:
Whether the chain will be used for lifting, load securement, towing, or general utility work
The required working load limit
The required chain diameter and length
The grade and material specified for the application
Whether corrosion, abrasion, heat, or other environmental conditions are present
Which hooks, links, binders, and other components will be used with the chain
The capacity of an assembly is limited by its lowest-rated component. Confirm that the chain and every attachment are compatible before putting the assembly into service.
How to Choose the Right Industrial Chain
1. Start with the Application
Identify exactly what the chain must do. Cargo securement, overhead lifting, towing, and general utility work have different equipment requirements. A chain suitable for securing a load may not be suitable for lifting it.
2. Select the Appropriate Grade
Grade 70: Transport, cargo securement, towing, and binding applications
Grades 80, 100, and 120: Approved lifting, rigging, and chain sling applications
Grade 30: Appropriate utility, tie-down, towing, agricultural, and construction applications
3. Confirm the Working Load Limit
Choose a chain with a working load limit that meets the requirements of the application. Do not use breaking strength as the allowable load, and never exceed the manufacturer-rated working load limit.
4. Choose the Diameter and Length
Chain diameter affects capacity, weight, and compatibility with hooks and other fittings. After selecting the grade and diameter, determine whether you need a custom cut length, several individual lengths, or enough chain to support ongoing production.
5. Match the Chain with Compatible Hardware
Use hooks, connecting links, chain binders, and other components that match the chain grade and diameter. Mixing incompatible components can reduce the capacity and reliability of the finished assembly.
Buy Chain by the Foot or in Bulk
Chain by the Foot
Buying chain by the foot gives you the length needed for a specific job without purchasing a full drum. Order one continuous length to cut in your shop or request multiple cut lengths for separate pieces and assemblies.
This option works well for repairs, individual fabrication projects, replacement lengths, prototypes, and operations with limited storage space.
Bulk Chain Drums and Crates
Bulk drums and crates are suited to fleets, fabricators, construction companies, sling shops, distributors, and other operations that use chain regularly. Buying in bulk can reduce the cost per foot and keep frequently used chain available when work comes in.
The quantity supplied on a drum or in a crate varies by chain grade and diameter. Product listings provide the available length and packaging information for each option.
Precut Chain Assemblies
For equipment that is ready to work, shop our precut transport chains and chain slings. Available configurations include transport chains with hooks and standard or adjustable chain slings with one, two, three, or four legs.
Custom Chain Assemblies
Need something that standard inventory does not cover? US Cargo Control manufactures custom tie-down chains and chain slings for specific lengths, capacities, configurations, and end fittings.
Use the table below as a general comparison of common chain grades and diameters. Always verify the working load limit shown on the applicable product page and follow the manufacturer's specifications before using the chain.
Working Load Limits in Pounds
Chain Diameter
Grade 30
Grade 43
Grade 70
Grade 80
Grade 100
Grade 120
1/4"
1,300
2,600
3,150
3,500
4,300
-
9/32"
-
-
-
-
-
5,200
5/16"
1,900
3,900
4,700
4,500
5,700
6,600
3/8"
2,650
5,400
6,600
7,100
8,800
10,600
7/16"
3,700
7,200
8,750
-
-
-
1/2"
4,500
9,200
11,300
12,000
15,000
17,900
5/8"
6,900
13,000
15,800
18,100
22,600
-
Industrial Chain FAQs
Q: What is bulk chain?
A: Bulk chain is industrial chain supplied in longer continuous quantities, usually by the drum, crate, or foot. It can be cut and assembled to meet the needs of a specific transport, lifting, fabrication, construction, or utility application.
Q: Can I buy industrial chain by the foot?
A: Yes. Many of our chain options are available by the foot, allowing you to purchase a specific length instead of a complete drum. Available cutting and length options are listed on each product page.
Q: Which chain is best for cargo securement?
A: Grade 70 transport chain is commonly used for heavy-duty cargo securement. The correct diameter, length, and working load limit depend on the cargo and the securement system being used.
Q: Which industrial chain grades can be used for lifting?
A: Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 120 alloy chain products may be approved for overhead lifting when they are manufactured, assembled, inspected, and used for that purpose. Check the individual product specifications and manufacturer instructions before use.
Q: Is Grade 70 chain approved for overhead lifting?
A: No. Grade 70 transport chain is designed for cargo securement, towing, binding, and related applications. It is not approved for overhead lifting.
Q: What is the difference between working load limit and breaking strength?
A: The working load limit is the maximum load that a chain or assembly is rated to handle under specified service conditions. Breaking strength is a test value and should never be treated as the allowable working load.
Q: Can US Cargo Control build custom chain assemblies?
A: Yes. We manufacture custom tie-down chain assemblies and chain slings in our Iowa facility. Our team can help with chain grade, length, capacity, number of legs, and compatible fittings.
Bulk Chain Shipping and Ordering
Industrial bulk chain is heavy, and the most economical shipping method may depend on the total order weight, destination, and packaging. Contact our team for freight options, volume pricing, recurring orders, and special delivery requirements.
Thousands of products are stocked and ready to ship, and most in-stock orders placed before 4:00 p.m. Central ship the same business day.
Need Help Choosing a Chain?
Choosing between the different grades, diameters, and industrial chain types can be difficult when capacity and safety are on the line. Call or chat with a US Cargo Control product expert for help finding the right chain for your application.
