Chain for use in Disaster

[caregiver222]

Chains are extremely useful. They can be used to extricate vehicles from mud-holes, pull trees down and off of roads, and for emergency rowing purposes.

Like everything else these days, there are standards for rescue chains.

Basically, there are only two types of chains suitable for rescue and disaster work.

Grade 100 Alloy
Grade 80

If I had my druthers, only grade 100 alloy would be used. If you want to purchase a loength of chain to keep available on your truck, pick-up or car trunk, specify grade 100 Alloy.

The specs are as follows:

Grade 80 Chain

9/32 inch 3500 lb breaking strength / .72 lbs per foot
5/16th inch 4500 lb breaking strength / 1.06 lbs per foot
3/8th inch 7100 lb breaking strength
5/8th inch 18,100 lb breaking strength
3/4 inch 28,300 lb breaking strength
1 inch 47,700 lb breaking strength

Grade 100 Chain (recommended)

3/8th in 7100 lbs breaking strength (sold in 16 foot lengths with clevis for about $110, 20 foot loengths $125)
5/8 in 22,600 lbs breaking strength (20 foot with clevis and grab hooks $350)

The grades 80 and 100 have been established in the United States by the National Association of Chain manufacturers ASTM/ANSI A391/A391M

Chain sold at the local hardware store is soft and unacceptable for towing or rescue work. Be very careful when using chains or cables to tow or pull, because if they break, they will "whiplash" and the loose ends will travel at a speed that is likely to cause death.

Chain often comes with a black coating that is not rust-resistant.

[caregiver222]

Let's assume you are an ordinary person, with a limited budget, and are not in the "professional rescue" business.

The chain you should purchase is a single-length chain sling, referred to as a "type S".

This consists of a large oval link on one end of the chain, and a hook on the other.

These are further designated by the letters SOS, SOG, SOF and SOL, depending on the shape of the hook on the end. And of these are suitable.

Chains also come in 120 grade, which is super-strong, but also super-expensive.

When you buy your single chain (that's basically what you need as a homeowner, although chains are sold in doubles, tripples and quadruple slings types) it will come with a certificate and an identification tag.

Wow!

The identification will include the name of the manufacturer, the grade of chain, the nominal chain size, the reach of the sling, the rated loads, and the angles at which the sling is certified to work at. Always look for proper and clear identification when you purchase your rescue chain.

[caregiver222]

An less expensive alternative to chains are nylon or kevlar "towing straps", which have become quite popular for vehicle recovery purposes (removing vehicles stuck in mud or snow). These come in widths of from 2 inches to 12 inches and have breaking strengths varying from 20,000 lbs to 400,000 lbs, depending on model, and come in from one-ply to four-ply variations.

Two-inch straps are offered in 16 foot, 20 foot, 25 foot and 30 foot lengths and have an approximate breaking strength of 20,000 lbs

Three-inch straps are offered in 20 foot, and 30 foot lengths and come in two different strengths, one-ply ( 27,000 pounds breaking strength) and two-ply 44,000 pounds breaking strength)

Four-inch straps are offered in 20 foot and 30 foot lengths and also come in two different strengths, one-ply (36,000 pounds breaking strength) and two-ply (60,000 pounds breaking strength)

Six-inch wide straps are available in 16 foot and 20 foot lengths and have a breaking strength of 54,000 pounds.

[caregiver222]

This is a forum for disasters, and in such cases, you can feel free (morally at least) to disobey a few rules. Technically, for example, it is illegal to tow a vehicle with chains in many states. Nevertheless, these rules were instituted after accidents and are there for the general safety of all.

When towing another vehicle, if the towed vehicle does not have it's engine running, steering may be very difficult. In addition, if the towing vehicle brakes suddenly you may bump into them (an old tire husk between vehicles is one solution). Remember there is something else to be concerned about. The impact sensor that blows up the air bag! If you "bump" into the vehicle in front (and with some sensors it doesn't have to be much of a bump) you may have the airbag explode in your face.