Can One Long Safety Chain be Safely Cut in Half to Make 2 Safety Chains

Published 04/08/2014

Question:

Hello, I apologize in advance that this isnt technically a question towards this product... But I am hoping you will be able to give me a second opinion as the advice you give is the reason I keep coming back and have been a returning customer. I have a car trailer with a gross weight of 7000lbs. Someone recently used it and dragged the chains on the ground because their truck sat lower than mine, so I am looking to fix them. I thought of simply buying this item, but at the same time I have 5 ft of 5/16 transport grade 70 chain here with a WLL of 4700lbs. My thought was to just make two 30inch pieces from the 5ft, replacing my 32inch of current chain, and reusing the s-hook, bending it open and back closed again. I dont see how that chain would be too small for the job, but would like a second opinion. Granted the latching hook would be nice, even if it was one of the s-hooks you sell, but I never had a standard s-hook come loose, and since I already have them and the chain I figure Ill just use it and avoid buying and shipping costs. Thanks in advance!

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

That should work provided that in the process of shortening the chain to make 2 chains and when bending or flexing you do not stress the metal. If the metal is heated up or you see stress marks in the metal, fractures or discolored areas these are signs that the metal is fatigued and should not be used for this application.

Of course the ideal solution is to just go ahead and use a new chain such as 2 of # 1483-535-04. Then you know you will have nothing to worry about. And of course, you can never be too safe.

If you do make 2 chains from one chain you might want to have a machine shop do it because they have equipment that is less likely to stress the metal.

expert reply by: Michael H