Is a general purpose chain of standard commercial quality. Made from low carbon steel, this chain is frequently used for fabricating tow chains, logging chains and, when appropriate, tie down or binding chains. The manufacturer’s symbol and grade marking of  3, 30, or 300 is placed on the chain links every foot or so. Grade 30 Proof Coil Chain is not to be used for overhead lifting.

Is a higher strength chain used for years in the trucking industry for tie downs that meet DOT specifications. Made from a higher carbon steel, its strength surpasses proof coil working load limits, size for size, by a factor of 2 to 1. The manufacturer’s symbol and grade marking of 4, 40, 43, or 400 is placed on the chain links every foot or so. Grade 40 High Test Chain is not to be used for overhead lifting.

Is used primarily to tie down loads on over-the-road equipment. Made from heat-treated carbon steel it has about 25% more strength than high test chains. The manufacturer’s symbol and grade marking: 7, 70, or 700 is placed on the chain links every foot or so. Grade 70 High Test Chain is not to be used for overhead lifting.

Is designed to stretch a minimum of 15% before it breaks, alloy chain is the only grade of chain approved by OSHA and other agencies for overhead lifting. Its alloy, heat-treated steel makes it ideal for making lifting slings and heavy duty tow chains. The manufacturer’s symbol and grade marking: 8, 80, or 800 is placed on the chain links every foot or so. Grade 80 Alloy Chain is suitable for overhead lifting.

The most recent alloy chain, provides about 25% higher working load limits than Grade 80 alloy chain with some limitations reported in lower ambient temperatures and availability of fittings. The manufacturer’s symbol and grade marking: 10 or 100 is placed on the chain links every foot or so. Grade 100 Alloy Chain is suitable for overhead lifting.