Comparison of welded chain grades and specifications
Jul 23, 2026|
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Selecting the right welded chain for an industrial application is not as simple as picking the largest size available. With multiple grades, each offering distinct strength characteristics and intended uses, understanding the differences between welded chain grades is essential for safety, performance, and cost efficiency.
This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of welded chain grades and specifications—from Grade 30 proof coil to Grade 120 alloy chain—so you can make an informed decision for your specific machinery and operating conditions.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| What chain grade means | The grade number (e.g., G80) represents the ultimate tensile strength in N/mm²—higher numbers mean stronger chain. |
| Carbon vs. alloy steel | Carbon steel chains (Grades 30, 43, 70) are not for overhead lifting; alloy steel chains (Grades 80, 100, 120) are. |
| Overhead lifting rule | Only Grade 80 or higher alloy welded chain should be used for overhead lifting applications. |
| Grade 70 for transport | Grade 70 is the preferred welded chain for load securement and tie-downs. |
| Grade 100 advantage | Grade 100 offers approximately 20% higher working load limit than Grade 80 at the same diameter. |
| Grade 120 performance | Grade 120 is about 50% stronger than Grade 80 and 20% stronger than Grade 100. |
| Key specifications | Working Load Limit (WLL), proof test load, minimum breaking force, and material composition define each grade. |
| Heat treatment | Alloy steel welded chains are heat-treated to achieve their superior strength and fatigue resistance. |
Chapter 1: What Do Welded Chain Grades Actually Mean?
The grading system for welded chain is based on the ultimate tensile strength of the chain's material. The number following the "G" (for Grade) indicates the minimum tensile strength in newtons per square millimeter (N/mm²).
Grade 80 (G80) means the chain has a minimum tensile strength of 800 N/mm²
Grade 100 (G100) means the chain has a minimum tensile strength of 1,000 N/mm²
This grading system applies exclusively to welded steel chains and is not intended for stainless steel chains or weldless chains. The grade directly influences the chain's Working Load Limit (WLL)—the maximum load that can be safely applied in direct tension to an undamaged straight length of chain.
Chapter 2: Carbon Steel Welded Chain Grades (Grades 30, 43, 70)
Carbon steel welded chains are the most common and economical options for general-purpose applications. However, they have a critical limitation: they are not approved for overhead lifting.
Grade 30 – Proof Coil Chain
Grade 30 is a general-purpose carbon steel welded chain used in farm equipment, general utility, guardrails, and non-critical securing. Not for overhead lifting.
Grade 43 – High Test Chain
Grade 43 offers about 20% higher load ratings than Grade 30 and is used in industrial towing, construction, and lumbering. Not for overhead lifting.
Grade 70 – Transport Chain
Grade 70 is a high-strength carbon steel welded chain specifically designed for load securement, truck tie-downs, and cargo binding. Not for overhead lifting.
Chapter 3: Alloy Steel Welded Chain Grades (Grades 80, 100, and 120)
Alloy steel welded chains are heat-treated and manufactured with specific alloying elements to achieve superior strength, ductility, and fatigue resistance. ASTM requires that alloy welded chain shall be able to elongate a minimum of 20% before fracture.
Grade 80 – Alloy Chain
Grade 80 is the industry standard for overhead lifting, hoist chains, mining conveyors, and heavy rigging. Approved for overhead lifting. 100% proof-tested to 2× WLL.
Grade 100 – Alloy Chain
Grade 100 offers approximately 20% higher WLL than Grade 80 at the same diameter, allowing smaller chain for the same load. Used in high-capacity lifting, offshore, and load binding. Approved for overhead lifting.
Grade 120 – Alloy Chain
Grade 120 is about 50% stronger than Grade 80 and 20% stronger than Grade 100. It enables significant weight reduction and can be used down to -60°C. Used in ultra-heavy lifting, deep-sea, and extreme mining. Approved for overhead lifting.
Chapter 4: Side-by-Side Comparison of Welded Chain Grades
| Grade | Material Type | Overhead Lifting Approved? | Key Applications | Strength Relative to G80 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G30 | Carbon Steel | ❌ No | General utility, farm | ~40% of G80 |
| G43 | Carbon Steel | ❌ No | Construction, towing | ~55% of G80 |
| G70 | Carbon Steel | ❌ No | Load securement, transport | ~70% of G80 |
| G80 | Alloy Steel | ✅ Yes | Overhead lifting, mining | 100% (baseline) |
| G100 | Alloy Steel | ✅ Yes | High-capacity lifting | ~120% of G80 |
| G120 | Alloy Steel | ✅ Yes | Ultra-heavy, offshore | ~150% of G80 |
Chapter 5: Key Specifications You Must Understand
Working Load Limit (WLL): Maximum safe load in straight tension. For same diameter, G100 ≈ 20% higher than G80; G120 ≈ 50% higher.
Proof Test Load: Manufacturing test force – not used in service.
Minimum Breaking Force: Tensile force at break – an acceptance test, not a service guarantee.
Material Composition: Alloying elements and heat treatment determine grade performance.
Chapter 6: How to Choose the Right Welded Chain Grade
| Application Type | Recommended Grade | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead lifting | G80, G100, G120 | Only alloy chains approved for overhead lifting |
| Load securement / tie-downs | G70 | Preferred for transport and cargo securing |
| Mining conveyors | G80 or higher | Heavy-duty alloy withstands extreme loads and abrasion |
| General industrial towing | G43 | Cost-effective carbon steel for ground-level pulling |
| Agricultural / farm use | G30 or G43 | Economical for non-critical applications |
| Ultra-heavy / offshore lifting | G100 or G120 | Maximum strength with minimum weight |
The Golden Rule: Never use carbon steel welded chain (Grades 30, 43, or 70) for overhead lifting. Only alloy steel welded chain (Grades 80, 100, or 120) should be used when a load is elevated overhead.
Chapter 7: Environmental Considerations for Welded Chain Selection
| Environment | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Corrosive / marine | Galvanized or E-coated finish; stainless steel welded chain |
| Abrasive / mining | Hard-faced or induction-hardened welded chain |
| High temperature | Alloy steel with specialized heat treatment |
| Food processing | Stainless steel welded chain with polished surface |
| Outdoor / wet | Black E-coating or galvanized finish |
Chapter 8: SHINING's Welded Chain Expertise
With over 20 years of manufacturing experience and a factory area of 36,000 square meters, SHINING is a premier manufacturer specializing in high-performance welded chain systems. The company's welded chain portfolio includes:
G80 welded link chains – Engineered for mining conveyors and overhead lifting, featuring premium galvanized or black E-coated finishes for exceptional corrosion resistance
G100 welded link chains – Ultra-high strength alloy chains offering superior working load limits for safer lifting of heavier loads
WHX series welded chains – Heavy-duty industrial chains with tensile strengths reaching 700 kN, designed for high-load applications in pulp mills, mining, and bulk material handling
WH132SS stainless steel welded chains – Corrosion-resistant chains ideal for food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and marine applications
Customized welded chains – Built to customer drawings and specifications for non-standard applications
Every SHINING welded chain undergoes rigorous quality control, including 100% load testing and material traceability, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
