5/16 chain

Bkpigs · Feb 19, 2019

Trying to get my new to me 04 F-250 organized. I am trying to figure out what to fit in the cab behind the rear seat to get me out of a "pickle". Right now I am arguing with myself about having either roughly 60 or 70 foot of 5/16 chain or about 30 foot of 3/8 chain. I know the 3/8 chain would be stronger but sometimes the slop hole is long and it is nice to get a little further out with the recovery vehicle (either mine or another). Is the 5/16 strong enough for this?
Trying to not have to get a tool box for this truck. With a 6.5 foot bed I don't want to eat another 2 foot of it with a box.
Oh, and there isn't enough room for all the chains and the jumper cables, oil, clevis, etc.

Thanks.

Bkpigs · Feb 19, 2019

I should have mentioned that each size has several smaller lengths of chain to get the total length.

Also, I know recovery straps are the "best" option. But right now this is what I have to work with.

Blue Jay · Feb 19, 2019

I would get straps for this, if a chain breaks it can kill some one.

rustred · Feb 19, 2019

chain is totally useless for pulling. I would get 20' or 40' nylon slings as needed. at least if your pulling someone out of the ditch you can give it some slack and a jerk. cant do that with a chain with out damaging stuff.

moresmoke · Feb 19, 2019

If whatever piece of steel the strap is hooked to (hook/shackle) breaks it can kill someone. I know of more people killed by snatch straps/ropes than by
chains or cables.

chuck from neb · Feb 19, 2019

A chain is much safer then a stretch rope

55 50 Ron · Feb 19, 2019

What are you using this truck for so that you might get in a "pickle"? Based on the member map of this website I think you are in the Okawville, IL area. What is a "long slop hole"? I have family in Okawville and have visited there. I've noticed the lowland near the Kaskaskia River and wondered if that could be some of the "long slop hole"?

rustred · Feb 19, 2019

probably means they are not paying attention to the load rating for the slings or shackles. there is no chains allowed In the oil patch for pulling.

JF in MI · Feb 19, 2019

Agreed. Straps stretch and build up energy like a rubber band. Snap a rubber band across the room then try the same thing with a chain necklace.

john in la · Feb 19, 2019

The strongest thing out there is cable because it allows you to use snatch block.
It also requires a winch because storing cable without a winch can be a mess.

Straps are the strongest for the room they take up.
You can get a 2 inch strap 20 feet long in a 6000 to 8000 lb capacity that will roll up into about 6 inches by 2 inches.

For chain you need to pay attention to grade.
The higher the grade the more it will cost and the stronger it will be.
In other words a grade 43 5/16 chain is stronger than a grade 30 3/8 chain.

funky_g00 · Feb 19, 2019

I included the specs on 5/16 and 3/8 chain below. No matter how you pull something out there will be hazards in what you use. I have known people to be injured by rope and chain. The important thing to know is the limits. Chains should never be yanked and obvious if you are buried to your axles 5/16 chain will not cut it no matter what grade it is..

Chain Strength Chart in lbs

gr30 gr43 gr70 gr80 gr100
5/16 1,900 3,900 4,700 4,500 -
3/8 2,650 5,400 6,600 7,100 8,800

Proof Load: 2 x WLL

Breaking Strength: 4 x WLL

(exception Gr 43 is 3 x WLL)

CAUTION: ONLY USE WLL FOR DESIGN PURP

MarkB_MI · Feb 19, 2019

Not all chain is the same.

Grade 30 "Proof Coil"
5/16" Working Load: 1900 lbs; Weight: 100 lbs/100 ft
3/9" Working Load: 2600 lbs; Weight: 145 lbs/100 ft

Grade 70 "Transport"
5/16" Working Load: 4700 lbs; Weight: 97 lbs/100 ft
3/8" Working Load: 6600 lbs: Weight: 137 lbs/100 ft

504 · Feb 19, 2019

The best way I have found to keep chains stored in a tight place(under a front seat)take a one gal plastic jug and cut a side out
of it and put the chain in it. A twenty foot 3/8 will fit right in.

rustred · Feb 19, 2019

they are called slings. each one has its load rating woven right in the sling. I dont know where u get this stretch and build up energy thing from. do you see crane's lifting with chains??? simply not allowed. its the chain to worry about when it snaps. it will come right through your back window. no way will a sling do that.

rustred · Feb 19, 2019

chain is totally useless for pulling. I would get 20' or 40' nylon slings as needed. at least if your pulling someone out of the ditch you can give it some slack and a jerk. cant do that with a chain with out damaging stuff.

Bkpigs · Feb 19, 2019

55 50 Ron, ha! You pay a lot of attention to figure out someone's story. Yes, the "pickle" would be river bottoms. Mainly hunting season, other than that if it is wet I walk.

I looked into the straps and they are relatively cheap. I think I will get a 20 footer rated for 20,000 pounds and put the longer 3/8 chain in there.

kcm.MN · Feb 19, 2019

If you would be most likely to just dead-pull, then I'd go with straps. They don't take up much space, are MUCH lighter than chain, very cheap.

If you'd be more likely to get a running start and "hit" your strap or chain to get your stuck vehicle out, then spend the money on a good quality recovery rope, also known as kinetic recovery rope (strap, whatever).

You mention that there would be shorter lengths and smaller chains in that mix. Keep in mind that if you have 60' of Grade 70 3/8" chain and 10' of standard 5/16" chain, then the ENTIRE strength of your total chain is the weaker 5/16" chain. That will be the point that fails, which makes the entire length fail when/if needed.

As for the cheap straps, NEVER USE ONE THAT'S FRAYED!! They're CHEAP! Replace a worn one with new. There's lots of lengths and sizes. Buy straps that are rated at a minimum of double what you believe you'll ever need.

20' strap with 10K load/30k break strength runs about $1.25 per foot on Amazon. Look for straps with excellent ratings, and lots of folks that gave the rating.

If you want chain, here's a 5-pack of Grade 70, 3/8" for $190 ($38 each):
https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Chain-B...;qid=1550632470&sr=1-8&keywords=chain

And a 4-pack of Grade 70 5/16" for $120 ($30 each):
https://www.amazon.com/Chain-Binder...550632597&sr=1-2&keywords=5/16"+chain

grizz02 · Feb 19, 2019

why not use cable 3/8 cable it will roll up nice and is a lot lighter then chain , that's what the wrecker is going to use to pull you out

chuck from neb · Feb 19, 2019

The onlyway you damage things with a
chain is by jerking it anybody who jerks
a chain to pull out equipment isn't using
their noggin. When a chain breaks it goes
in a straight line won't come through a
back window unless it's pointed upwards.
Well pull out a stuck combine or a
thousand bushel grain cart with a heavy
chain with a good study pull.

moresmoke · Feb 19, 2019

Every time I go to the steel supply house, they lift my order with chains on the house crane.

Just because it is not allowed in the oil patch, doesn?t mean it?s not allowed anywhere. In my world slings are for lifting only.

RBoots · Feb 19, 2019

How bout a couple truck tire chains?
Those will usually get you moving out of
"most" situations and don't take up a lot
of room. Then maybe 2 20' 5/16" chains
for "other stuff"

Ross

D Slater · Feb 20, 2019

About every recovery type has a danger. Years ago I was pulling on a vehicle when a long 3/8 chain broke. It ended up going over the tailgate and down across the cab and hood. Didn't do the sheet metal any favors.

Two Dogs · Feb 20, 2019

"chain is totally useless for pulling." How about pushing then?

BarnyardEngineering · Feb 20, 2019

Chains are perfectly fine for pulling. IDIOTS who jerk chains are useless for pulling.

Mike M · Feb 20, 2019

You can buy some darn strong 5/16" chain but it will be expensive.

Brian G. NY · Feb 20, 2019

"[u:25375436bb]Totally[/u:25375436bb] useless"?
That's absolutely your opinion!
Chains have been used for towing for years!

showcrop · Feb 20, 2019

(quoted from post at 20:14:33 02/19/19) chain is totally useless for pulling. I would get 20' or 40' nylon slings as needed. at least if your pulling someone out of the ditch you can give it some slack and a jerk. cant do that with a chain with out damaging stuff.

That is a pretty radical statement. Perhaps even to the point of numb, unless you are under the influence of a mind numbing drug.

OregonAaron · Feb 21, 2019

Chains and tow straps both have thier places. Pulling stuck rigs out of the mud I would prefer a strap. The stretching can be a major advantage and the strap you can tug and jerk. A properly rated chain is great for pulling lower speed when traction and power allow for a no jerk steady pull. There is a reason 4 wheel drive guys prefer tow straps. Around the ranch I used chains primarily, but when it comes to stuck rigs I always use a strap.

Bob in WY · Feb 21, 2019

I carry a 20' 1-1/4" nylon rope with hooks braided on each end. That covers most of my needs but if I need something longer I lengthen it by attaching 5/16" chain to the rope until I have the length I need. By keeping the rope in there it helps absorb shock and gives a sling shot effect for pulling something out.

Jimmydog · Feb 21, 2019

Chains can and DO snap back like rubber bands! I've seen it happen. I was pulling stumps with JD A and I hooked into one I probably should have dug and chopped on a little more than I did. I was looking right at it when it broke, no way I could have got out of the way fast enough. Did a heck of a number on the back-up light. What didn't get broke got bent. I doubt it would have been fatal, but it sure as heck would of left a mark.

JD

DoubleO7 · Feb 21, 2019

A sling is for lifting.
A strap or rope with metal hooks is a tow strap or rope and none of those three should be used for snatching or jerking anything.
Use a recovery or snatch strap (or rope) designed for such purposes.

5/16 chain

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