Grade 70 vs. Grade 80 Chain: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Chain grades cause more counter questions than any other product we sell. The short version: Grade 70 ties loads down. Grade 80 and above lift loads up. Here is the longer version.

Grade 70: transport chain

Grade 70 is heat-treated carbon steel built for load securement — binding equipment to a trailer, securing steel, towing and recovery work. Its gold chromate finish is not decoration: officers at roadside inspections recognize G70 by that gold color, and it is the standard the DOT expects for chain tie-downs on heavy equipment. The grade number means higher working loads per pound of chain than the older G30/G43 hardware-store grades — a 3/8" G70 transport chain carries a 6,600 lb WLL.

Everything in our chain builder is Grade 70 transport chain, sold by the exact foot with the hooks you pick on each end. If you would rather grab a standard setup, the 3/8" x 20' assembly with clevis grab hooks is the classic — or buy 3/8" G70 by the foot and we will cut it to length.

Grade 80 and up: lifting chain

Grade 80 (and Grade 100) are alloy steel chains, typically black or blue, and they carry a rating Grade 70 legally cannot: overhead lifting. Hoists, cranes, chain slings — anything where the load hangs over a person needs alloy lifting chain with the matching rated fittings. If your job is lifting rather than securing, start with our custom sling builder or the lifting-rated chain assemblies in the store, and never substitute transport chain for a lifting leg.

So which one do you need?

• Hauling a skid steer to a job site? Grade 70 chain and binders. That is the DOT-standard setup.
• Towing and recovery? Grade 70 — J-hooks, grab hooks, T-hooks, V-bridles, the whole wrecker kit.
• Lifting an engine, setting trusses with a crane, rigging a hoist? Alloy chain (G80/G100) or a rated web sling — never transport chain.

One more inspection note: grade is stamped right on the links (a "7", "70", or "G7" for Grade 70). If a chain has no grade markings, it does not belong on a DOT load.

Not sure what your setup calls for? The Help Me Choose tool sorts tie-down, towing, and lifting jobs in four questions.

Always rig within the rated Working Load Limit. Inspect straps and chain before each use and remove them from service if cut, gouged, excessively worn, corroded, or deformed.