CL Chain Score

[mayhem]

Been looking for some decent chains to keep in the toolbox for awhile now. Every so often you just run into a situation where a good heavy chain is the right solution and a strap is just a bad idea that winds up netting you yet another broekn strap.

Trolling on the local CL I found an ad for a guy selling some chains, got in touch with him, first caller was a no show so I stopped at his house on the way home. Got myself a bucket of 5/16 chains are one 3ft,three 6ft. and one 24ft and some 3/8 chains are one 19ft.,one 22ft. and two7/8 clevises. All chains have hooks on both ends and I couldn't find any obviously bent or stressed links on any of them. $60 for the lot, they're all good ol US case hardened steel, guy's father had a towing business and he's had these chains just sitting in his garage for decades and decided he was tired of looking at them.

Considering the price of new chains today I think this was a pretty good deal. I don't "need" them...been doing fine without them till now, but every once in a while I've got a situation where it would be really nice to be able to wrap a good strong chain around something and give it a good tug with the truck, or even skid some logs or whatever.

 

[zzr7ky]

Hi -

I like chains. They are better for some things than straps or lines. I do like to use a tire on occasion to reduce the shock/stress on lighter vehicles.

 

[Flatbedford]

That is a score and a bargain.

 

[RNLA]

Sometimes I hate to carry 50ft. of binder chain on my chip truck but I have it in a bucket in one of the gear boxes. I have had to use it to pull a small stump or two, and sometimes to skid a log. Nice score on your chain, I bought mine new $$$.

 

[mayhem]

How do I determine the grade of the chains I have? Is it stamped on the links or anything? Had to hit TSC yesterday and saw that they're getting close to $4/ft for grade 30 3/8 chain, which is the weakest grade they had.

 

[firefighterjake]

Those chains might cut a bit dry once you slap them on to your chainsaw . . .

 

[mayhem]

Yeah, but I just bought one of those Husqvarna roller guide sharpeners so a little time and effort will be rewarded.

My bar spec's a 72 link chain though, I measured out 72 links on the 3/8 chain and it seemed long to me. Probably just an optical illusion.

 

[wkpoor]

Best chain deal out there is Lowes. They sell 3/8 grade 70 in a bag with hook ends. Can't remember exact price but a couple of years ago it was kinda like the Englander deal that everyone was posting and getting in on. Nobody could come close to the deal. I bought 4 bags 20' in each bag. Binders I did get at TSC.

 

[KarlP]

A good source of new Chinese G70 chain is Manufacturer Express - http://www.mfrexpress.com/cargo-control-binder-chain-c-2_9.html

Prices on various chains seem to be +- a dollar or two each month on different length chains. This place is a couple bucks more than other online suppliers, BUT they have free shipping for orders over $50. They are in NJ and I'm in MA so I generally get things the next day. My mailman gives me a really dirty look when I get two 20' 3/8 chains with ends in a 'flat rate' box so I try not to be around when he delivers it. :-D