Lighter weight log chains -- where to buy?

[ericm979]

Around here you're more likely to find newts under logs than rattlesnakes, but that's a good reminder to look under the log first.

The ones I made are like this:

But there's also this style:

 

[ArlyA]

We sure like the small chain with sliphook system. Easy to store and no cable to manhandle and no cable to fraye .

 

[Aquamoose]

I’ve been using those $33 cable chokers and I rave about them. Dead simple to use, very quick on & off, and extremely useful. I can easily push one end under a log because it’s stiff enough yet remain flexible to wrap around logs. As for storing them, just loop it up and at one end, make a couple of wraps onto itself and it’ll stay bundled.

 

[OzarkChris]

Most people think that their rusted out grade 43 chain has a gold link. I don’t recall ever seeing a good price on a chain at a yard sale or auction.

Just bought some g70 from a garage sale, looked like crap, but was $10 for 50', it dont bother me if it looks used. Been to a few auctions that have boxes with misc "stuff" that I've found chain in. Sometimes you might have to fix a link or two, but that's a cheap fix.

 

[kenbgbill]

I want to find a smaller log chain, 5/16" G70, with a slip hook on one end and a grab hook on the other, and no spring clip on the slip hook. I can't find it though.

Amazon has it in 14', perfect, except there's a spring clip. I've been pinched and poked enough times already, no more spring clips (unless it was a lifting thing that deserved it). They also have clevis slip hooks without, but only in quantities of like a half dozen, which are $$$.

Also tried TSC, Harbor Freight, McMaster (where I could make one up but the prices are quite high), Home Depot.

Any good bets I'm missing? Where's your favorite "Log Chains R Us" store?

Thanks!!

I have both a logging chain with a slip rich and standard tie-down chains with bent hooks. Quite frankly, I use the regular chain 90% of the time for logging efforts. Cleared a 700’ driveway and 1/3 acre wooded areas using a Kubota BX 25D and keep a tie-down chain wrapped around the front bumper so it’s always handy. Bottom line - Any 1/4” chain about 12’ long works fine.

 

[Surshot]

I bought mine at a First Monday Farm sale in Ripley MS. Good old, smooth welded link chain is not easy to find, so I watch at estate sales, things like that. Nasty and rusty is great, you just drag it a couple miles in the dirt and it is polished up.

 

[SmallChange]

Just bought some g70 from a garage sale, looked like crap [...]

How do you tell what grade it is, if it's crappy looking at a garage sale? Is there something stamped into the links, or what?

 

[OzarkChris]

How do you tell what grade it is, if it's crappy looking at a garage sale? Is there something stamped into the links, or what?

Besides being gold in colour, grade 70 chain is also usually embossed with a number 7, 70, or 700 on each link

 

[ArlyA]

I think you could spend the rest of your life cruising yard says and find nothing but junk. Or buy a chain of known strength, put the slip hook on it and get the job done. My time has value.

 

[OzarkChris]

I think you could spend the rest of your life cruising yard says and find nothing but junk. Or buy a chain of known strength, put the slip hook on it and get the job done. My time has value.

Agreed, but if you are already at an auction or yard sale, it doesn't hurt to look.

Not sure about most of y'all, but momma has me stop at just about every garage sale & antique store when we go shopping - I get 15-20 mins @ feed store and the shopping trip is all day