Chain & String

About Chain & String

Chain and string are fundamental materials for countless applications across construction, industrial, agricultural, and DIY projects. From load-bearing chains used in lifting operations to heavy-duty string for marking out building lines, these versatile products form the backbone of many professional and domestic tasks. Whether you're a builder needing to set out foundations, a farmer securing livestock enclosures, or a gardener creating support systems for climbing plants, the right chain or string makes all the difference to both safety and efficiency.

The chain and string selection at Tooled-Up.com encompasses a comprehensive range of products manufactured to meet British and European standards. Available in various materials including galvanised steel, stainless steel, zinc-plated finishes, and synthetic fibres, these products are designed to withstand the demanding conditions of professional use whilst remaining accessible for home DIY enthusiasts. Chain products range from fine-link decorative options through to heavy-duty load-bearing chains suitable for lifting, securing, and towing applications.

Quality string products serve purposes from temporary marking and measuring through to permanent installations. Builder's line, mason's twine, and general-purpose string are manufactured to provide consistent strength and durability, with high-visibility options available for site safety and improved visibility during setting out work. Many professional-grade strings feature specially treated fibres that resist rot, UV degradation, and moisture damage, ensuring reliable performance throughout extended outdoor use.

Jargon Buster

• Working Load Limit (WLL): The maximum load that a chain is designed to handle during normal use, typically one-quarter of the breaking strength. Always specified in kilograms or tonnes and crucial for safe lifting operations.
• Galvanised Chain: Steel chain that has been coated with zinc to provide corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor and marine environments where rust prevention is essential.
• Link Diameter: The thickness of the wire or rod used to form each link of the chain, measured in millimetres. Larger diameters generally indicate greater strength and load capacity.
• Proof Load: The maximum force applied during testing to verify a chain meets its rated capacity without permanent deformation or failure. Chains should never be loaded to proof load during normal use.
• Mason's Line: High-visibility twisted or braided string specifically designed for bricklaying and building work, offering minimal stretch properties for accurate course setting and alignment.
• Break Strength: The ultimate tensile load at which a chain or string will fail. Working loads should always be significantly below this threshold to maintain safe operating margins.

Who Uses Chain & String?

Chain and string products serve a diverse range of trades and applications:

• Bricklayers and Masons: Using builder's line for setting courses, checking alignment, and establishing level references across brickwork and blockwork.
• Construction Site Managers: Employing barrier chains for site security, hazard marking, and access control around dangerous areas or excavations.
• Groundworkers and Landscapers: Utilising string lines for setting out foundations, drainage runs, paving levels, and garden features with precision.
• Farmers and Agricultural Workers: Securing gates, creating temporary barriers, and maintaining fencing systems with appropriately rated chains.
• Lifting Equipment Operators: Using certified lifting chains for hoisting machinery, materials, and equipment in compliance with HSE regulations.
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Employing chain for securing heavy equipment, removing seized components, and supporting pipework during installation.
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners: Tackling projects from hanging gates and securing sheds through to garden planning and general purpose fastening applications.
• Carpenters and Joiners: Using string lines for establishing straight reference points during decking construction, fencing installation, and structural work.

How to Choose the Right Chain & String

Selecting appropriate chain or string requires careful consideration of several critical factors to ensure both performance and safety:

Load Requirements: Always determine the maximum load your chain will bear and select a product with an appropriate Working Load Limit well above this figure. Never exceed manufacturer specifications, and remember that angular loads reduce capacity significantly. For lifting operations, ensure chains are certified to BS EN 818 standards and accompanied by proper documentation.

Material and Finish: Consider the operating environment carefully. Galvanised or stainless steel chains offer superior corrosion resistance for outdoor or marine applications, whilst bright zinc-plated options suit indoor use. For string, synthetic materials like polyester and nylon resist rot and moisture better than natural fibres, though traditional cotton and hemp lines remain popular for certain masonry applications.

Link Size and Configuration: Chain link diameter directly affects strength, flexibility, and weight. Smaller links offer greater flexibility for wrapping around irregular shapes, whilst larger, heavier chains provide maximum load capacity. Short-link and long-link configurations each suit different applications, with short-link generally offering better resistance to twisting.

String Properties: Consider whether you need low-stretch properties for accurate setting out work (essential for bricklaying), high visibility for safety and ease of use, or maximum break strength for load-bearing applications. Braided lines typically offer less stretch than twisted varieties.

Length Requirements: Chain is commonly available by the metre or in pre-cut lengths, whilst string typically comes on reels or in balls. Calculate your requirements carefully, allowing for fixings and any slack needed for proper operation. Purchasing continuous lengths reduces the need for joining, which always represents a potential weak point.

Compliance and Certification: For professional lifting, rigging, or load-bearing applications, ensure products meet relevant British and European standards. Look for clear Working Load Limit markings and retain all certification documentation as required by HSE regulations.

Popular Accessories

Maximise the utility and safety of your chain and string with these complementary products available from Tooled-Up.com:

• Chain Connectors and Links: Quick-release links, repair links, and joining shackles for creating custom lengths or temporary connections.
• Line Winders and Reels: Preventing tangles and damage whilst storing string between uses, with wall-mounted and portable options available.
• Line Pins and Blocks: Purpose-designed fixtures for securing builder's line at corners and ends, providing stable, accurate reference points.
• Shackles and Karabiners: Safe connection points for attaching chains to lifting equipment, securing loads, or creating adjustable fastenings.
• Chain Hooks: Grab hooks, slip hooks, and eye hooks in various sizes for different load-bearing applications.
• Swivels and Rotators: Preventing chain twist and wear during lifting or hanging applications.
• Padlocks and Security Devices: Securing chain barriers, gates, and equipment against unauthorised access.
• Corner Blocks: Protecting brick and block corners from line damage whilst maintaining accurate course alignment.

Safety Information

Chain and string applications, particularly those involving load-bearing, require strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent injury and equipment damage:

Inspection Regime: Before every use, visually inspect chains for stretched links, cracks, excessive wear, corrosion, or deformation. Any damaged chain must be withdrawn from service immediately. String should be checked for fraying, cuts, UV degradation, and contamination that might reduce strength. Maintain inspection records for all lifting equipment as required by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

Load Limitations: Never exceed the stated Working Load Limit of any chain. Remember that angular loads significantly reduce capacity - a chain at 60 degrees from vertical experiences loads 15% greater than the weight being lifted. Always use appropriate spreader beams or rigging to maintain optimal loading angles. For critical applications, apply an additional safety factor beyond manufacturer specifications.

Proper Attachment: Ensure all connections use appropriately rated hardware with compatible dimensions. Oversized shackles on small chain links, or vice versa, can result in dangerous load concentrations and potential failure. Never use makeshift connections or alter chains by welding, as this compromises heat treatment and structural integrity.

Environmental Considerations: Chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, and abrasive conditions all affect chain and string performance. Consult manufacturer guidance on environmental limitations and replace products exposed to conditions beyond their design parameters. Salt water environments require stainless steel specifications rather than standard galvanised finishes.

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate gloves when handling chains and wire rope to prevent cuts and abrasions. Safety boots with steel toecaps protect against dropped loads, and high-visibility clothing ensures you're seen when working with barrier chains on active sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between working load limit and break strength?
The Working Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum load a chain should carry during normal use, typically set at one-quarter of the break strength to provide a 4:1 safety factor. Break strength is the point at which the chain will actually fail. Always work within the WLL - never approach break strength in any application.

Can I use galvanised chain for lifting operations?
Standard galvanised chain is suitable for securing, barrier, and general-purpose applications, but lifting operations require chain specifically manufactured and certified to BS EN 818 standards. Lifting chain undergoes special heat treatment and testing, with clear WLL markings and certification documentation. Never use hardware store chain for overhead lifting.

Why does my builder's line keep stretching?
All string exhibits some stretch, but excessive elongation usually indicates either a twisted construction (which stretches more than braided) or synthetic materials that haven't been pre-stretched during manufacture. Professional mason's lines use low-stretch materials specifically to maintain accuracy during bricklaying. Consider upgrading to a premium braided line treated for minimal elongation.

How do I calculate the correct chain length for securing loads?
Measure the distance around your load, then add sufficient length for proper connection hardware and any adjustment needed. Remember that wrapping chain at acute angles reduces its effective working load, so maintain gentle curves where possible. For transport securing, refer to Department for Transport guidelines on the number of securing points required based on load weight and type.

What maintenance do chains require?
Clean chains regularly to remove dirt, debris, and corrosive materials using a wire brush and appropriate cleaning solution. Apply a light lubricant to prevent rust on steel chains (but never on lifting chains about to be used, as this can affect grip). Store chains dry, coiled loosely rather than kinked, and off the ground. Keep lifting chains separately with their certification documentation and inspection records.