Choosing the right industrial chain starts with understanding the differences between chain grades. Each grade serves specific functions and environments, and most fall into one of three main categories: overhead lifting chain, transport chain, or general-purpose welded industrial chain.
Quick Guide to Chain Grades
Overhead Lifting: Only Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 120 chains are rated and approved for overhead lifting applications.
Transport & Tie Down: Grade 70 transport chain is a reliable choice for load securement, tie downs, and cargo restraint systems.
Marine, Agricultural & Light-Duty Use: Grade 30 stainless steel chain is commonly used in marine, agricultural, and automotive applications for tie downs and general-purpose tasks.
Specialty Chain: Additional grades such as Grade 43 and Grade 50 are available by special order. Grade 43 is similar to Grade 30 and used for tie downs. Grade 50 stainless steel chain is approved for overhead lifting and offers excellent corrosion resistance.
Still unsure which chain is right for your application? Our knowledgeable team is here to help. Call us to discuss your load requirements, environmental conditions, and usage needs—we'll make sure you get the right chain for the job.
Learn more about the industrial chain grades we offer by watching the video below:
Commercial Chain Buying Options
Whether you're securing heavy loads, lifting overhead, or need chain for general industrial use, choosing the right type and purchase option is key to safety and efficiency. At Fasteners Plus, we offer several buying formats so you can get the exact length, configuration, and grade of industrial chain that fits your job requirements.
Bulk Chain – Full Drums & Crates
If you use chain frequently or across multiple job sites, buying in bulk is the most cost-effective choice. We offer full drums, crates, and even half-drum quantities depending on the chain type.
Available in Grades 70 (including domestic), 80, 100, and 120
Drum lengths vary by chain size and grade
Chain by the Foot – Precision Without Waste
Only need a specific length? Order chain by the foot for the flexibility to get exactly what you need—nothing more, nothing less.
Choose a single continuous length for cutting on-site
Or request custom cut lengths—tell us the measurements, and we’ll handle the cutting
Precut Chain with Hardware
We offer premade tie-down chain assemblies in Grades 70 through 120 to cover a full range of working load limits.
Standard and adjustable styles available
One-leg to four-leg slings with multiple end fittings
Perfect for transport, lifting, or load securement
Custom Industrial Chain Assemblies
Have a unique application? We specialize in custom chain solutions. From tie-down systems to lifting assemblies, our trained team will guide you through chain selection, component matching, and safe working load limits.
Custom lengths, fittings, and configurations available
Submit your specs online or call our sales team for expert help
Overhead Lifting Chains
All overhead lifting chains are made from heat-treated alloy steel and meet strict safety and performance standards.
Grade 80 Alloy Chain
Strong, durable, and heat-treated, Grade 80 chain is rated for overhead lifting, recovery, safety, and tow/binder use.
Embossed with 8, 80, or 800
Common in lifting slings and industrial rigging
Grade 100 Alloy Chain
Roughly 25% stronger than Grade 80, Grade 100 chain offers increased working load limits and resistance to wear and fatigue.
Allows for smaller chain sizes to lift the same load
Identified with 10, 100, or 1,000 markings
Grade 120 Alloy Chain
The strongest lifting chain in the industry—Grade 120 is up to 50% stronger than Grade 80 and 20% stronger than Grade 100.
Higher alloy content and square link design for better abrasion resistance
Blue in color, marked with 12 or 120
Transport Chain
Used for load securement, towing, and tie-downs, transport chain is not rated for overhead lifting but is essential for FMCSA compliance on the road.
Grade 70 Transport Chain
Manufactured from heat-treated carbon steel with a gold chromate finish for easy DOT inspection and corrosion resistance.
Marked with 7, 70, or 700
Ideal for tie-downs, oil rigs, logging, towing, and safety chains
Meets California Highway Patrol and DOT regulations
Note: If chain grade markings are worn or unreadable, DOT inspectors will default to Grade 30 ratings—possibly reducing your allowable working load limit and resulting in a citation.
Grade 30 Proof Coil Chain
Made from low-carbon steel, Grade 30 is a general-purpose chain not approved for lifting but suitable for tie-downs and light-duty use in:
Agriculture
Automotive work
Marine environments
Marked with L3.
Other Welded Industrial Chain
Need Grade 43 or Grade 50 chain? These are available by request. Contact our product experts to order.
Grade 43 High Test Chain
Higher strength alternative to Grade 30
Used in towing, agriculture, construction, and trucking
Marked with L4
Not approved for overhead lifting
Grade 50 Stainless Steel Chain
Corrosion-resistant and suitable for overhead lifting
Call to inquire about custom orders
Heavy-Duty Chain Standards
All of our industrial chains meet or exceed NACM and ASTM standards, and are manufactured under ISO 9001-2000 quality assurance processes.
Find the working load limit that meets your needs by checking out our handy chart.
Working Load Limits
Chain Diameter
Grade 30
Grade 43
Grade 70
Grade 80
Grade 100
Grade 120
1/4"
1,300
2,600
3,150
3,500
4,300
-
9/32"
-
-
-
-
-
5,200
5/16"
1,900
3,900
4,700
4,500
5,700
6,600
3/8"
2,650
5,400
6,600
7,100
8,800
10,600
7/16"
3,700
7,200
8,750
-
-
-
1/2"
4,500
9,200
11,300
12,000
15,000
17,900
5/8"
6,900
13,000
15,800
18,100
22,600
-
Shipping Notes
Please keep in mind that industrial bulk chain is heavy. Shipping rates may be reduced when overall weight reaches 200 pounds. Please call us for additional shipping options on large volume orders.
With thousands of items in stock and ready to ship, most orders placed before 4:00pm CST ship the same day. Delivery takes just a few days for most of the U.S., helping you keep your projects on schedule.
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