I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings here, but the fear being interjected into using chains to pull things, having them break, and flying dangerously in either direction is not very well founded (IMO).
A chain, (unlike a nylon rope, nylon fishing line, or anything that stretches and builds up energy), is unlikely to stretch, break, and fly around. Now that being said, it does not mean you can let a chain go loose, and then get a running start and give it a big jerk. All bets are off, as the one message stated - the hook may come loose and then something flies dangerously away. Chains seldom break, especially with the size tractors we are talking about. If they do, they drop to the ground.
I don't mean to imply one shouldn't be careful when pulling things. But if you are pulling from your tractor drawbar, and don't jerk the chain, you should be quite safe and not have to worry.
Be very cautious when using a nylon or synthetic rope, no matter what. If it stretches and breaks - don't be in the line of fire. There is a reason that rope pulling contests DO NOT use a nylon rope or the like for pulling (at least they shouldn't be). Many accidents of lost fingers, thumbs, hands, and other injuries when the stretched rope breaks and recoils through the hands and amongst the bodies of the pullers.
