Stamped marking on chain

[Tony H]

When discreet start stamping chains? I have a 30-40 year old 3/8 chain. Maybe zinc plated, never used. Trying to decide whether I want to spent $40ish for grab and slip hooks to make a pull chain if I ever need one. Don't know the grade of this chain, not sure when stamped chains became a standard

 

[Tinhack]

Chain grades have been around as long as I remember. If it's zinc plated, it's probably Grade 30. In which case I wouldn't use it to pull more than a riding lawn mower. Here's a chart.

 

[Tony H]

I know the weights for the grades and sizes. Just wondering when chain markings began.

 

[oosik]

Just a rough guess here. Chain marking began with the use of chain. This would make the system pretty darn old. I would guess it started with marks that indicated - maker of the chain - type of chain - strength of the chain.

 

[rScotty]

I wonder if it is an old anchor chain? They were often stamped and proofed and hot dip zinc plated.

My old industrial pulling chain has got to be 50 years old and it is not stamped.

I keep arguing with myself as to whether I should replace it. An alternative would be to have it proof tested. Maybe I'l look to see if there is someone local who does that.

 

[Tony H]

I wonder if it is an old anchor chain? They were often stamped and proofed and hot dip zinc plated.

My old industrial pulling chain has got to be 50 years old and it is not stamped.

I keep arguing with myself as to whether I should replace it. An alternative would be to have it proof tested. Maybe I'l look to see if there is someone local who does that.

It IS an old anchor chain. It was a spare anchor on an old 43' trawler. I can't imagine a place by me that has those qualifications. I used to work by and use a UL facility to test my electronics designs.... Many hours away from There these days

 

[rScotty]

It IS an old anchor chain. It was a spare anchor on an old 43' trawler. I can't imagine a place by me that has those qualifications. I used to work by and use a UL facility to test my electronics designs.... Many hours away from There these days

Well, if it has stampings, someone knows what they mean. With anchor chain is normal to proof test the chain to it's rating everytime they renewed the zinc Ask around and see if the markings are familiar. That will be a place to start. Somebody local probably tests chains if there is trucking or construction where you are.

I use old untested chain myself....but then I know I'm stupid that way. And I never, ever work under a chained load. Not even my toes.
rScotty

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

With a 3/8 anything you should be fine pulling anything you find pullable. It ain't like you are un sticking bull dozer with trac hoes. Pulling out log trucks. Though it will probably still work fine. Jerking is what breaks chains, shock loads.

 

[Opti-Mist]

I have an unmarked 1/2" chain w/slip hook on one end and grab hook on the other. Just like the old logging chains when I was a kid. I'm 80 now.

 

[hosspuller]

I have an unmarked 1/2" chain w/slip hook on one end and grab hook on the other. Just like the old logging chains when I was a kid. I'm 80 now.

I found the most often used chain I have; is a 6 foot chain with a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other end. Used for pulling shrubs, chain harrow behind tractor (to move it away from rear wheels when turning), pulling tee posts with loader, etc. Makes using tractor to lift or pull stuff quick & easy. It's easy to make too.