Best chain lengths?

[jodebg]

I have a 20 ft chain that I use for moving rocks, etc..

Most times it is too long.

I'm going to buy a second 20ft chain to cut into shorter lenghts.

Any advise on what lengths are good to use, and for using grab hooks and
slip hooks?

 

[Utopia Texas]

Pretty much a unanswerable question as it depends on the job. Over the years I have found having multiple lenghts around is very handy. There is nothing more frustrating than having chain too short for a job or on the other hand one that is extra long that you have to contend with the excess length and weight for no reason. Having multiple lenghts at hand is money well spent in my opinion.

 

[jeff9366]

8' + 12', grab hooks on one end of each, slip hooks on the other.

For a 'B' series Kubota Grade 70 X 1/4" is sufecient, although a little difficult to find. I last bought at Rural King @ $2.29/foot.

 

[bcp]

For a 'B' series Kubota Grade 70 X 1/4" is sufecient, although a little difficult to find. I last bought at Rural King @ $2.29/foot.

Walmart has 12ft 1/4 inch grade 70 in the trailer hitch/tie down section around here. Plastic box about 5 inches square.

Bruce

 

[George2615]

I usually buy 20' lengths of 5/16th" grade 70 chain and 2 extra grab hooks, then cut the 20' in half and put the grab hooks on to give me 4- 10'ers. That length works great for me for tying down on the trailer and lifting most items. I do keep a several extra 20'ers, a 30'er, and 10'ers. For smaller tie down items I use ratchet straps.

 

[jeff9366]

Here is Walmart's blurb on 5/16" / Grade 70 chain. This price, $44.78 / 20', is about the same as Lowe's and Home Depot.

Have the store cut into 8' + 12" lengths IN THE STORE. Too tough to cut at home. Add two Grade 70 Slip Hooks.

Apex Tool Group LLC Chain 0513576 5/16" x 20' Grade 70 Binder Chain - Walmart.com

 

[kennyd]

I prefer two 10' for general use, and a 20' for occasional "pull the car out of the ditch" times that happen.

 

[jenkinsph]

I prefer two 10' for general use, and a 20' for occasional "pull the car out of the ditch" times that happen.

dang Kenny how often do you have to pull the car out

 

[luvmexfood]

I have been thinking about adding an extra hood on my 20ft chains I log with. Maybe 3 or 4 feet back. That would allow me to chain the log up closer for the times I have to snake around an obstacle.

 

[hopm]

Big chains are good to have on hand. I have a couple of 25 footers that stay in a 5 gallon bucket so I know where they are. I have several others much much smaller from 4 to 12 foot that are hanging on the tractor or implements. I like to think of the big chains as special occasion weapons.....but I don't want to be dragging them big jokers around every day.

 

[SandburRanch]

If you can tie an improved clove hitch knot the extra length isn't a problem but is there when you need it and only 1 chain is needed.

 

[square1]

18" x 5/16" with grab hooks both ends gets used more than any other chain I have.

 

[kennyd]

18" x 5/16" with grab hooks both ends gets used more than any other chain I have.

Inch? Or did you mean Feet?

 

[kennyd]

dang Kenny how often do you have to pull the car out

A few times...especially in the winter.

 

[square1]

Inch? Or did you mean Feet?

Inch, it works to lengthen or shorten either my 1/4" x 12' or 3/8" x 14' individually or in combination, it creates a loop to attach a clevis any where I want, it creates so much versatility, hands down the handiest piece in the chain selection.

 

[jodebg]

Can the smaller lengths be safely joined to make a longer length? If so, how do I safely attach the
chains together?

I mostly lift and pull rocks. What is better to do this, a slip or grab hook?

Also, what do I need to buy for my tow bar for ataching a chain to it for pulling?

 

[jeff9366]

Can the smaller lengths be safely joined to make a longer length? If so, how do I safely attach the
chains together?

Grab Hook on one chain connected to a link on second chain.

I mostly lift and pull rocks. What is better to do this, a slip or grab hook?

You can cinch with a slip hook.

Also, what do I need to buy for my tow bar for ataching a chain to it for pulling?

Tow bar or Draw bar? I would use a clevis attached 5/16" Grab Hook for your B7800, 3/8" Grab Hook for larger tractors.

 

[SandburRanch]

Inch, it works to lengthen or shorten either my 1/4" x 12' or 3/8" x 14' individually or in combination, it creates a loop to attach a clevis any where I want, it creates so much versatility, hands down the handiest piece in the chain selection.

You would also like a 3-4 footer with or without hooks for pulling saplings and stumps.

 

[kennyd]

Take a look at some of the specialty rigging hardware we sell: Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Accessories>>

The Twist-Lock slip and grab hooks are the cat's meow!

 

[square1]

Chains slid off this rock like water off a duck. Estimated @ a ton, it took the jeep, trailer, come-a-long and one tired out square1 four hours to move about a mile
If I ever do rocks again I envision using tire chains to form a sling like configuration.
A twist clevis works well to attach chains to the drawbar.