I believe, but am not 100% sure, that a chain rated for overhead lifting has
a greater safety margin and is designed to fail somewhat gracefully. For
example, a regular chain rated for 1000 pounds may actually be designed for
2000 pounds. A overhead lifting chain rated for 1000 pounds may be designed
for 4000 pounds. And when overloaded, the hooks on the overhead chain are
designed to bend first (instead of a link breaking first), giving ample
warning instead of just letting the load drop. But again, I'm not 100% sure
about this.

Personally I would just pay extra for real lifting chains and not risk
myself or my load.

"RainLover" wrote in message
...
I've been looking at chain lately (3/8") and I've noticed something that
so far, every hardware guy
says he's never seen before. On the box of chain, without exception, they
all say "DO NOT use for
lifting or any situation where a life could be endangered if the chain
fails.

Tell me if I'm wrong here, but what in the hell could a person use a 3/8"
chain for that wasn't
potentially dangerous. If the chain has a rating of 6,500 pounds and
breaks, someone is going to be
around!!!

Is this a case of lawyers being in charge of chain-making or is there
actually different chain that
is approved for lifting and all the stuff at H.D., Lowes, Ace is made for
something else... what I
don't know.

Any suggestions? :-)

James, Seattle

www.jameskelseystudios.com