There is a certain type of heat-treated steel chain that you may want to use with your business. It is a unique type, one that is often used for heavy lifting. It is called a grade 80 chain, and it’s quite common in locations where businesses need to rescue vehicles or even ships out in the ocean. It can be used for safety purposes, recovery projects, and can certainly be beneficial for those that are towing cars and trucks. Here is an overview of what a grade 80 chain is, and why this particular one, over all of the others, would be the most useful.
Are There Different Grades Of Chains?
There are several different types of chains that are all graded in a certain manner. For example, grade 80 chains are single leg chain. This is a designation given to this chain because it can handle about 7100 pounds of weight. On the other hand, a 100-grade chain has a capacity of nearly 9000 pounds. Therefore, as the numbers go up, the higher the capacity to move and lift different objects.
Why Are They Numbered?
The simple answer is that the number is representative of the mean stress value of the chain. This refers to how much stress, or how much pressure, can be placed on the chain before it breaks. This refers to the strength to weight ratio. Therefore, if you are attempting to pull something with a tow truck that is 10,000 pounds, and you are using a 100-grade chain, this will be over the capacity of the chain by about a thousand pounds.
Where Would An Grade 80 Chain Be Most Useful?
These are chains that are typically used in situations that involve vehicles that need to be towed are moved. It can also be very useful as a sling component, one that is used with a pulley and chain apparatus, capable of lifting heavy objects up overhead. At the very least, it is a heavy-duty tow chain that can be used by professional tow truck drivers are those that simply need to pull heavy vehicles behind them.
If you are in the tow truck business, and you want the best possible chain to use, and 80-grade chain might be exactly what you need. However, if you are working with big-rig trucks, such as 18 wheelers, you will certainly need to go far beyond this capacity. You may want to speak with the company owners that sell them. Tell them what business you are in before you decide to purchase one over another. Also, make sure that they are made of a steel alloy designed for heavy lifting. All of these factors and questions should be addressed prior to getting a brand-new grade 80 chain.
So there you have it, hopefully, this gives you more insight into the different types of chains available, including grade 80, which are very common in the lifting industry.