Not all chain is built for the same job. A chain used to secure equipment on a flatbed is not automatically suitable for lifting that equipment, and a general-purpose chain must never be substituted for a properly rated alloy chain sling. Choosing the right grade, size, fittings and configuration protects the load, the equipment and—most importantly—the people working nearby.
St. Pierre Chain & Wire Rope supplies industrial chain to contractors, manufacturers, trucking fleets, utilities, municipalities, towing companies and marine operations throughout Greater Boston. From our Worcester facility, we supply Grade 30 proof coil chain, Grade 70 transport chain, and Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy lifting chain in a range of sizes. We also fabricate custom chain slings and industrial chain assemblies with properly selected master links, hooks, coupling links and related hardware.
Whether you need chain by the length, a replacement sling or a made-to-order assembly, you can speak directly with experienced people who understand working load limits, sling angles and component compatibility. Call (800) 926-2342 or email Orders@stpierreusa.com to discuss your application and confirm current availability.
What Grades of Industrial Chain Does St. Pierre Supply?
Chain grade indicates the material and strength category of the chain, but grade alone does not determine whether a particular chain is appropriate for the job. Chain size, configuration, sling angle, temperature, environment and condition can all affect capacity. The working load limit marked or published by the manufacturer must always be followed.
Grade 30 Proof Coil Chain
Grade 30 is a general-purpose, low-carbon steel chain used for barriers, fencing, light-duty pulling and other non-lifting applications. It is versatile and economical, but it is not approved for overhead lifting.
Grade 70 Transport Chain
Grade 70 is heat-treated carbon steel chain commonly used for cargo securement, load binding, tiedowns, towing and trucking applications. It is often identified by a gold-colored finish and has a higher working load limit than Grade 30 chain of the same nominal size. Grade 70 is not approved for overhead lifting. Cargo-securement chain, binders and attachment points must be selected and used according to their marked working load limits and applicable securement requirements.
Grade 80 Alloy Lifting Chain
Grade 80 is heat-treated alloy steel chain commonly used in overhead lifting slings. It combines strength, durability and flexibility for demanding applications in construction, fabrication, maintenance and manufacturing. For overhead lifting, the chain must be incorporated into a properly designed, fabricated, identified and inspected sling with compatible, load-rated components.
Grade 100 Alloy Lifting Chain
Grade 100 alloy chain generally provides approximately 25% more working load capacity than Grade 80 chain of the same nominal size. That additional capacity can allow a lighter sling to handle a comparable load or provide more lifting capacity without moving to the next larger chain diameter. Grade 100 assemblies require appropriately rated components, and the completed sling must be rated according to the capacity of the entire assembly.
If you are replacing an existing chain or sling, do not rely on link diameter or color alone. Confirm the chain grade, manufacturer identification, working load limit and condition. Chain with missing identification, excessive wear, stretching, cracks, deformation, severe corrosion, heat damage, cuts or gouges should be removed from service until evaluated by a qualified person.
What Industries Use Industrial Chain in Boston?
Greater Boston’s construction, transportation, manufacturing, utility, marine and public-works operations require chain for very different purposes. St. Pierre serves customers using industrial chain for:
- Construction and steel fabrication: Alloy chain slings for lifting machinery, structural steel, precast components and fabricated assemblies
- Manufacturing and plant maintenance: Lifting dies, motors, pumps, fixtures and other equipment with cranes and hoists
- Trucking and equipment transport: Grade 70 transport chain and rated binders for securing machinery, steel and other cargo
- Utilities and public works: Lifting and positioning equipment, poles, vault covers and infrastructure components
- Towing and recovery: Rated chain and assemblies selected for the vehicle, equipment and recovery method
- Marine and waterfront work: Chain and rigging products selected for the load and operating environment
- Warehousing and material handling: Chain slings, hoists, shackles, hooks and related hardware used in planned lifts and maintenance work
Every application presents a different combination of load, connection points, lift geometry and environmental exposure. If the job does not fit a standard configuration, our staff can help identify the information needed to select the correct chain and assembly.
Chain Sling Assemblies Fabricated in Worcester
St. Pierre fabricates alloy chain sling assemblies at our Worcester, Massachusetts facility for customers throughout Greater Boston and New England. We build standard and custom configurations using properly selected chain and load-rated fittings from established lifting-equipment manufacturers, including Columbus McKinnon and The Crosby Group.
A chain sling is a complete lifting system. Its rated capacity depends on the chain, master link, coupling links, hooks and other components, as well as the number of legs and the angle at which those legs will be used. Installing a lower-capacity component can reduce the working load limit of the entire assembly. Our staff considers the complete configuration rather than treating each piece as an unrelated catalog item.
Available Sling Configurations
St. Pierre can fabricate chain slings in configurations that include:
- Single-leg slings for vertical and straight-line lifts
- Double-leg, triple-leg and quad-leg bridle slings for loads with multiple lifting points
- Basket and choker configurations when appropriate for the load and application
- Adjustable assemblies made with approved shortening devices
- Assemblies with grab hooks, sling hooks, foundry hooks or other rated end fittings
- Custom industrial chain assemblies for lifting, securement, towing and material handling
For a multi-leg sling, angle matters. As the sling leg moves farther away from vertical, the tension on that leg increases. A sling should therefore be selected using the actual lift geometry—not simply by dividing the load weight by the number of legs.
Proof Testing and Documentation
St. Pierre offers in-house proof testing for chain, wire rope and other rigging assemblies up to 100,000 pounds. Proof-test certificates and supporting documentation can be supplied when requested or required by the customer’s specifications.
Tell us about any testing, certification or documentation requirements when requesting a quote. That allows our team to confirm the appropriate testing procedure, documentation and lead time before the assembly is built. It also avoids the delay and added handling involved in sending an assembly to an outside testing source.
How Do You Order Industrial Chain From St. Pierre?
Ordering begins with the application. You do not need to arrive with a completed sling design, but the following process will help us quote the correct product.
Step 1: Describe the Job
Tell us whether the chain will be used for overhead lifting, cargo securement, towing, pulling or another industrial purpose. For a lifting sling, useful information includes:
- Total weight of the load, including fixtures and attachments
- Number and location of lifting points
- Number of sling legs
- Required reach or finished length
- Expected sling angle
- Crane hook or hoist connection dimensions
- Load-side connection and required hook throat opening
- Exposure to heat, chemicals, sharp edges, moisture or severe abrasion
- Proof-testing and documentation requirements
If you are unsure about one of these items, our staff can help you identify what needs to be confirmed before the assembly is specified.
Step 2: Request a Quote
Email your information to Orders@stpierreusa.com or call (800) 926-2342. Our team will review the intended use, grade, size, configuration and fittings, then confirm pricing, availability and expected lead time. For replacement slings, photographs of the tag and end fittings may be helpful, but they do not replace the need for accurate load and dimensional information.
Step 3: Approve the Assembly and Documentation
Once the specifications are confirmed, St. Pierre will fabricate the assembly and perform any required testing within our available capability. The completed order can be prepared for pickup, delivery or shipment based on the order and destination. Requested test documentation will accompany or be provided with the order.
Why Boston Businesses Choose St. Pierre for Industrial Chain
St. Pierre Manufacturing Corp. has been family-owned and operated since 1920. Our history began with tire chains and expanded into forged products and industrial rigging. During World War II, St. Pierre produced aircraft parts and anchor chain, earning the United States Navy “E” for Excellence. Today, our Chain & Wire Rope division continues that hands-on tradition by supplying lifting, pulling, securement and material-handling products to customers throughout New England.
Boston-area customers choose St. Pierre because we offer:
- Experienced assistance from people familiar with lifting and rigging applications
- Industrial chain in multiple grades and sizes, subject to current availability
- Custom chain sling and rigging assembly fabrication in Worcester
- In-house proof-testing capability up to 100,000 pounds
- Rigging hardware from recognized manufacturers
- Local pickup and delivery or shipping options based on the order and destination
- A substantial regional inventory backed by more than a century in business
Our business extends beyond industrial rigging. St. Pierre still manufactures and supplies tire chains, including our Roller Grip designs, for municipal fleets, snow contractors, utilities and trucking operations. We also manufacture USA-made pitching horseshoes and supply quality bocce sets. These product lines are different, but each reflects the practical manufacturing experience and family tradition behind the St. Pierre name.
Chain Accessories and Related Hardware
A chain assembly can only be rated as a complete system. St. Pierre supplies compatible rigging hardware from manufacturers such as The Crosby Group and Columbus McKinnon, including shackles, grab hooks, sling hooks, master links, eye hooks, swivels and coupling components. We also supply load binders for cargo-securement applications.
For customers assembling or maintaining a complete lifting system, St. Pierre can also supply wire rope, wire rope slings, synthetic slings, hoists, eyebolts, turnbuckles and other rigging and material-handling equipment. Working with one knowledgeable regional supplier can simplify purchasing and help prevent mismatched chain, fittings and hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Grade 80 and Grade 100 Chain?
Both are heat-treated alloy chain grades commonly used in properly fabricated overhead lifting slings. Grade 100 generally provides approximately 25% more working load capacity than Grade 80 chain of the same nominal size. The chain and every component in the sling must be compatible, properly rated and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can Grade 70 Chain Be Used for Overhead Lifting?
No. Grade 70 is transport chain intended for applications such as cargo securement, load binding and towing. It is not approved for overhead lifting. Overhead lifting requires appropriate alloy chain and rated components assembled, identified, inspected and used as a lifting sling.
Does St. Pierre Supply Chain Directly to Boston-Area Customers?
Yes. St. Pierre supplies chain, sling assemblies and rigging hardware to Boston-area customers from our Worcester facility. Orders may be picked up, delivered or shipped depending on the order and destination. Call (800) 926-2342 or email Orders@stpierreusa.com for current availability and lead time.
Can St. Pierre Fabricate a Custom Chain Sling Assembly?
Yes. We fabricate single-leg and multi-leg alloy chain slings and custom chain assemblies in Worcester. Provide the load weight, required reach, number of legs, lift angle, connection points and preferred end fittings if known. Our staff can help determine what additional information is needed.
Can St. Pierre Proof-Test an Assembly and Provide Documentation?
Yes. St. Pierre has in-house proof-testing capability up to 100,000 pounds. Tell us the required test load, standard or customer specification, and documentation needs when requesting a quote so we can confirm that the requested test is within our capability.
What Is the Minimum Order for Industrial Chain?
St. Pierre supplies individual assemblies as well as larger chain and rigging orders. Because quantities, grades, sizes and fabrication requirements vary, contact our team for current minimums, availability and pricing rather than relying on a published one-size-fits-all minimum.
Does St. Pierre Carry Chain for Non-Lifting Applications?
Yes. We supply chain for cargo securement, towing, pulling and general industrial or utility applications in addition to alloy chain for overhead lifting. Tell us how the chain will be used so we can help identify the appropriate grade and working load requirements.
Get Industrial Chain and Custom Assemblies for the Boston Area
Call St. Pierre Chain & Wire Rope at (800) 926-2342 or (508) 853-8010, or email Orders@stpierreusa.com to request a quote. Include the intended use, grade and size if known, required length or reach, quantity, fittings, working load requirements and any proof-testing or documentation needs.
St. Pierre serves construction, manufacturing, trucking, towing, utility, municipal and marine customers throughout Greater Boston and New England. Industrial chain, custom-fabricated chain slings, rigging hardware and in-house proof testing are available from our Worcester, Massachusetts facility.