- Huyett Marketing Department
- 03/03/2022
For many centuries, engineers, builders, and farmers who wanted to lift, tow, lash, or tie-down heavy objects had only one option—rope made from natural fibers. Chain existed, but it was used for other purposes:
moving water or
blocking access to waterways.
It wasn't until the Industrial Revolution improved manufacturing technology that engineers began to make widespread use of chain to replace rope. Like fiber rope, a chain is flexible in compression and load-bearing in tension, but it is much stronger and more durable, which is why it is still widely used today.
But chain has a competitor that is just as popular for rigging and lifting—wire rope. Wire rope is more complex to manufacture than chain, so it wasn't a practical solution until the mid-19th century, when cast iron wire rope became widespread in the
mining industry and, later, in the U.S. railroad industry.
Today, both steel chain and wire rope are used across dozens of industries in applications that include lifting slings, winch and crane lines, towing lines, tie-downs, and more. Even though they fulfill the same fundamental role, chain and wire rope have different properties. It is worth understanding the benefits and tradeoffs before choosing wire rope, chain, and their associated rigging hardware.
What is Chain?
In the rigging and lifting context, a chain is a series of connected links, where each link is an oval torus-shaped metal component constructed by bending and welding wire of a specific diameter. A chain can be made from many different metals, including precious metals, but for rigging and lifting, the most common materials are carbon and alloy steels. The strength of a length of chain is determined by the metal it is made of and the diameter of the wire that forms its links.
Two chains with the same nominal diameter may have different strengths if they are made of different metals. To find a chain suitable for a particular job, use the chain grading scale and the rated capacity or working load limit of a length of chain. Read the Chain Grading Scale entry in our
Rigging Equipment Glossary to learn more.
For example,
proof coil chain, also known as Grade 30 chain, is made of low carbon steel and is weaker weight‑for‑weight than Grade 80 chain, which is made of alloy steel.
What is Wire Rope?
Wire rope is similar to rope constructed from natural fibers: a collection of threads twisted and combined together to form a strong, flexible length. In the case of wire rope, the "threads" are wires made of carbon steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel. Individual wires are helically combined into strands, which are arranged around a core made of synthetic fibers or metal. Lubrication is added to reduce abrasion and protect the wire from corrosion.
The strength and other properties of wire rope are determined by the material it is made of and its construction. A rope's strength is indicated by its minimum breaking strength, which is divided by a design factor or safety factor to determine the safe load, a subject discussed in greater depth in
An Introduction to Wire Rope and Wire Rope Hardware.
What is Rigging Hardware?
Rigging hardware is a large category of equipment used with wire rope and chain for lifting, hoisting, securing, and anchoring loads and other objects. Rigging hardware is used to connect wire rope and chain to loads, lifting machines such as cranes, and other rigging hardware. Other uses of rigging hardware include joining lengths of rope or chain and securing objects to the ground, fixed structures, and vehicles.
Wire Rope vs. Chain: Which is Best for Rigging and Lifting?
For many applications, chain and wire rope are more-or-less equivalent. Provided you select a product with an appropriate rated capacity, both are suitable. However, there are some key differences that may influence your decision to use chain or wire rope.
Advantages of Wire Rope
Wire rope is strong, durable, and suitable for jobs ranging from lightweight towing to lifting very heavy loads. Compared to chain, wire rope has the following advantages:
- Lower cost: Wire rope is less expensive than chain of an equivalent capacity.
- Lower weight: For a given capacity, wire rope is lighter with a smaller diameter.
- Higher maximum lifting capacity: Wire rope is stronger than chain of equivalent size.
Disadvantages of Wire Rope
Wire rope is an excellent choice in many scenarios, but it is not always the best option.
- Lower repairability: Because of its intricate construction, wire rope cannot easily be repaired. Damaged wire rope must be removed from service in accordance with OSHA's wire rope inspection regulations. Two lengths of wire rope can be joined with wire rope clips, but the joined lengths must be undamaged.
- Lower versatility: Wire rope's properties depend on its design, which introduces various tradeoffs. For example, wire rope that is highly resistant to abrasion cannot endure bending fatigue as well as wire rope designed for fatigue resistance.
- More easily damaged: Wire rope is durable, but abrasion, kinking, and crushing can cause damage that significantly reduces the rope's capacity.
- Unsuited to harsh environments: Wire rope should not be used in high-temperature or highly corrosive environments. As a general rule, fiber-core wire rope should not exceed 180°F, and metal-core wire rope should not exceed 400°F, although users should consult the manufacturer's guidance for temperature limits on metal-core wire rope.
Advantages of Chain
Chain has been used for centuries and continues to be widely used for a vast range of applications. Advantages of chain relative to wire rope include:
- Easy to repair: Chain can be repaired with inexpensive and easy-to-install chain repair links.
- Easy to inspect: Chain is straightforward to inspect for damage and easy to proof test following repairs. It is usually obvious when a chain has been overloaded because it elongates, whereas damage to wire rope may be more difficult to identify.
- More durable: Chain is more resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and chemical damage than wire rope.
- Can be used in high-temperature environments: Chain is more suited to high-temperature environments, although the specific tolerances depend on the chain grade and material. For example, OSHA recommends maximum temperatures for alloy steel chain of 600°F before working load limits are reduced and 1000°F before a chain must be retired from service.
Disadvantages of Chain
Finally, let's consider the disadvantages of chain compared to wire rope:
- Weight: Chain is significantly larger and heavier than wire rope, all else being equal. The extra weight and size mean heavy-duty chain takes up more storage space and is more expensive to transport. Because chain is heavier, it may also increase wear on machinery and is more likely to damage other equipment.
- Cost: Chain is usually more expensive than a wire rope with an equivalent capacity.
In conclusion, for many common lifting and rigging scenarios, both chain and wire rope are suitable. However, chain is preferable if repairability and durability in harsh environments are a priority. Wire rope is preferable if you need lightweight hardware or to lift or secure very heavy loads.
Rigging Hardware for Chain and Wire Rope
In addition to the differences already discussed, chain and wire rope require different hardware to connect to loads and other rigging equipment.
Chain's construction makes it straightforward to attach a link to rigging hardware that includes an eye or clevis. Rigging hardware that connects to chains, often known as chain fittings, includes:
- Shackles, such as anchor shackles and chain shackles
- Clevis ends
- Rigging and lifting hooks, including grab hooks, slip hooks, and snap hooks
Wire rope can also be used with shackles, clevis ends, and hooks. However, because wire rope is a continuous length without links, it requires additional wire rope hardware to form an eye to which other equipment is attached.
Wire rope hardware includes:
Huyett stocks a comprehensive range of
rigging and lifting hardware,
chain hardware, and
wire rope hardware. View our complete product range at huyett.com or
contact our Sales Team for more information.
