You’re standing at the supply counter, and there are three spools of chain on the shelf: Grade 70, Grade 80, and Grade 100. They all look like chain. The price differences are significant. Which one do you actually need?
The answer depends entirely on one question: are you securing cargo on a truck, or are you lifting a load overhead? Use the wrong grade for the wrong application and you’re either wasting money or risking lives.
In This Article:
Steel Composition and Heat Treatment
The “grade” number refers to the chain’s ultimate breaking stress in newtons per square millimeter (N/mm²) — essentially, how strong the steel is per unit of cross-sectional area.
- Grade 70: ~700 N/mm² — medium carbon steel, heat treated. Stronger than mild steel (Grade 30/43) but not designed for the repeated stress cycles of overhead lifting.
- Grade 80: ~800 N/mm² — alloy steel (typically manganese-nickel or chromium-manganese), quenched and tempered. Designed for overhead lifting with fatigue resistance.
- Grade 100: ~1000 N/mm² — high-alloy steel with advanced heat treatment. Approximately 25% stronger than Grade 80 at the same chain size, or equivalent strength at a smaller (lighter) size.
The key difference isn’t just raw strength — it’s ductility and fatigue resistance. Grade 80 and 100 alloy chains are engineered to deform visibly before failure (giving warning) and to withstand thousands of load cycles. Grade 70 transport chain is not designed for repeated cyclic loading and can fail without warning under overhead lifting conditions.
WLL Comparison Tables by Chain Size
| Chain Size | Grade 70 WLL | Grade 80 WLL | Grade 100 WLL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ (7mm) | 3,150 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 4,300 lbs |
| 5/16″ (8mm) | 4,700 lbs | 4,500 lbs | 5,700 lbs |
| 3/8″ (10mm) | 6,600 lbs | 7,100 lbs | 8,800 lbs |
| 1/2″ (13mm) | 11,300 lbs | 12,000 lbs | 15,000 lbs |
| 5/8″ (16mm) | 15,800 lbs | 18,100 lbs | 22,600 lbs |
| 3/4″ (20mm) | N/A | 28,300 lbs | 35,300 lbs |
Note: WLL values are approximate and vary by manufacturer. Always refer to the specific manufacturer’s published ratings. Grade 70 WLL uses a 4:1 design factor for transport; Grade 80/100 WLL uses a 4:1 design factor for overhead lifting per ASME B30.9.
Grade 70: Transport Chain
Grade 70 is the standard for cargo securement on flatbed trucks. It’s the chain you see with yellow-chromate (gold) coating, used with binders to secure heavy loads for over-the-road transport.
Characteristics:
- Gold chromate finish (the signature yellow color)
- Every link marked with “70” and the manufacturer’s mark
- Meets NACM (National Association of Chain Manufacturers) specifications
- Compliant with DOT/FMCSA cargo securement regulations (49 CFR 393)
- Design factor of 4:1 for transport applications
Use it for: Flatbed cargo securement, with load binders (lever or ratchet type). Securing heavy equipment, steel, lumber, and machinery during transport.
Never use it for: Overhead lifting. Grade 70 is not rated or certified for overhead lifting applications. It lacks the fatigue resistance, ductility, and traceability requirements of lifting chain. Using Grade 70 for overhead lifts violates OSHA regulations and ASME B30.9.
Grade 80: The Workhorse Lifting Chain
Grade 80 is the industry standard for overhead lifting slings. It’s what most chain slings are made from, and it’s the baseline grade specified by crane and rigging standards.
Characteristics:
- Black finish (self-colored) or painted — no chromate coating
- Every link marked with “8” or “80” and manufacturer’s identification
- Meets EN 818-2 (European) and ASTM A391 (US) specifications
- Proof tested at 2.5× WLL before leaving the factory
- Designed for cyclic loading — fatigue tested per ASME B30.9
- Deforms visibly before failure (ductile behavior)
Use it for: Overhead lifting slings, crane rigging, hoisting applications, and any situation where a load is suspended over personnel.
Can also be used for: Transport securement (it exceeds Grade 70 requirements), though it’s more expensive than necessary for transport-only applications.
Grade 100: Maximum Strength, Minimum Weight
Grade 100 is the premium lifting chain, offering approximately 25% more WLL than Grade 80 at the same chain diameter — or equivalent WLL at one size smaller (and lighter).
Characteristics:
- Often marked with blue or purple identification
- Every link marked with “10” or “100” and manufacturer’s mark
- Meets EN 818-2 with higher mechanical requirements
- 25% stronger than Grade 80 at the same diameter
- Allows use of smaller, lighter slings for the same capacity
The weight advantage matters in practice. A 3/8″ Grade 100 chain sling has a WLL of 8,800 lbs and weighs about 1.4 lbs/ft. To get the same capacity in Grade 80, you’d need 1/2″ chain at 2.5 lbs/ft — nearly twice the weight. For riggers handling slings all day, that weight difference is significant for both ergonomics and crane capacity utilization.
Cost consideration: Grade 100 chain typically costs 30–50% more than Grade 80 per foot. The payback comes from reduced sling weight (which means more of the crane’s capacity is available for the actual payload) and easier handling for the rigging crew.
Color Coding Standards
The industry uses color coding to help quickly identify chain grade, though the specific colors can vary by manufacturer:
| Grade | Common Color | Link Marking | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 30 | No color (zinc or self-colored) | 3 or 30 | General purpose only (NOT lifting or transport) |
| Grade 43 | No standard color | 4 or 43 | Utility/anchor chain (NOT lifting) |
| Grade 70 | Gold / Yellow chromate | 7 or 70 | Transport securement only |
| Grade 80 | Black / Red | 8 or 80 | Overhead lifting + transport |
| Grade 100 | Blue / Purple | 10 or 100 | Overhead lifting (premium) + transport |
Never rely on color alone for identification. Always check the link markings. Paint wears off; stampings are permanent.
Which Grade Do You Need?
Quick Decision Guide
- Securing cargo on a truck/trailer? → Grade 70 (most cost-effective for transport)
- Lifting loads overhead with a crane or hoist? → Grade 80 (industry standard) or Grade 100 (when weight savings matter)
- Both transport and occasional overhead lifting? → Grade 80 (rated for both applications)
- Tying up a boat or hanging a swing? → Grade 30 or 43 is fine (no load securement or lifting involved)
What You Should Never Do
- Never use Grade 70 for overhead lifting. This is an OSHA violation and a serious safety hazard. Grade 70 is not fatigue-rated and can fail suddenly under cyclic lifting loads.
- Never use Grade 30 or 43 for transport securement or lifting. These are utility-grade chains for applications like barriers, hanging signs, or agricultural use. They are not rated for any cargo control or lifting application.
- Never use unmarked chain for any rated application. If you can’t read the grade marking on the links, the chain is unidentified and must not be used for lifting or transport securement.
- Never mix grades in the same sling assembly. The sling is rated to the weakest component. Mixing a Grade 100 sling with Grade 80 fittings means you have a Grade 80 assembly — but with potential confusion about the actual rating.
- Never heat-treat, weld, or modify chain in the field. Any alteration to the chain’s metallurgy voids its rating. Damaged links must be replaced by the sling manufacturer, not repaired on site.
Conclusion
The grade number on a chain link is not a suggestion — it defines the chain’s metallurgy, capacity, and approved application. Grade 70 for transport, Grade 80 or 100 for lifting. Get it right every time, because there’s no margin for error when steel hangs overhead.
Looking for chain suppliers? Browse our supplier directory to find manufacturers and distributors of Grade 70, 80, and 100 chain products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Grade 70 chain for overhead lifting?
No. Grade 70 transport chain is designed exclusively for cargo securement (tie-down) on vehicles, not for overhead lifting. It is heat-treated differently than lifting chain and may fail without warning under the dynamic and shock loads typical of crane operations. Only Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy chain are approved for overhead lifting per ASME B30.9 and OSHA 1910.184. Grade 70 chain is identifiable by its gold chromate finish; lifting chain is typically self-colored (black) or painted blue (G80) or orange (G100).
What is the price difference between chain grades?
As of 2025, approximate prices per foot for 3/8-inch chain: Grade 30 at $2-3, Grade 43 at $3-5, Grade 70 at $5-8, Grade 80 at $8-14, and Grade 100 at $15-25. Grade 100 costs 3-5x more than Grade 70 but offers 50% higher WLL at the same diameter, allowing lighter chain for the same capacity. For transport securement where Grade 70 is adequate, the cost savings over Grade 80/100 are substantial. For overhead lifting where Grade 80/100 is mandatory, the cost is a necessary safety investment.
How do I read the grade markings stamped on chain links?
Grade markings are embossed or stamped on every link or every few links. Look for numbers: 30 or 3 (Grade 30), 43 (Grade 43), 70 or 7 (Grade 70), 80 or 8 (Grade 80), 100 or 10 (Grade 100). Some manufacturers also stamp their logo or a letter code. The markings are small and may require a magnifying glass to read on worn chain. If you cannot identify the grade, do not use the chain for rated applications — treat it as Grade 30 (the weakest common grade) for WLL calculations.