Technical Foundation
What Is a Connecting and Clevis Link?
A connecting link joins two lengths of chain end-to-end using a bolt-and-nut or hammerlock closure, restoring a continuous chain run without welding, while a clevis link uses a U-shaped clevis body and pin to connect chain to a hook, shackle or other rigging hardware. Both must be matched exactly to the chain's grade (43, 70, 80 or 100) and nominal diameter — a link is only rated for the working load limit (WLL) of the chain grade it's designed for, and mixing a lower-grade link into a higher-grade chain run downgrades the effective WLL of the whole assembly to the weakest link's rating.
Grade 70 links (and chain) are standard for transport/tie-down and towing applications, identifiable by their yellow or gold chromate finish, while Grade 80 and 100 links are used in overhead lifting and rigging where alloy steel construction and proof-testing to a specified load are required by OSHA and ASME B30.9. Grade 80/100 lifting components are typically stamped with the grade, size, and manufacturer's mark for traceability — a rigging link without this markings shouldn't be used for overhead lifting since its grade and load rating can't be verified.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Grade | Grade 43, 70, 80, 100 | Link grade must match chain grade exactly — mismatched grade downgrades the assembly's WLL |
| Nominal Size | Matched to chain diameter, e.g. 3/8", 1/2" | Undersized or oversized links won't seat correctly in the chain link |
| Working Load Limit (WLL) | Stamped rating per link | The maximum load the link is rated to carry — never exceed the stamped WLL |
| Application Class | Transport/tie-down (G70) vs. overhead lifting (G80/G100) | G80/G100 requires alloy steel and proof-testing per ASME B30.9 for lifting use |
| Markings/Traceability | Grade, size, manufacturer stamp | Required on lifting-grade links for OSHA/ASME compliance and load verification |
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Applications
Where Connecting and Clevis Links Get Used
Connecting and clevis links are specified according to the chain grade they join, the application class (transport vs. overhead lifting), and required working load limit.
Rigging & Overhead Lifting
Grade 80 and 100 clevis links connecting lifting chain slings to hooks and rigging hardware.
Transportation & Load Securement
Grade 70 connecting links used in tie-down chain assemblies for securing cargo on trucks and trailers.
Towing & Recovery
Grade 43 and 70 links used in tow chain assemblies for vehicle and equipment recovery.
Agricultural Equipment
Connecting links repairing and extending utility chain used with tractors and farm implements.
Construction & Material Handling
Clevis links connecting chain slings to construction lifting and hoisting equipment.
General Chain Repair
Repair links restoring a broken or worn section of chain without full chain replacement.
FAQ
Connecting and Clevis Links Questions, Answered
Can I mix a lower-grade connecting link into a higher-grade chain?
No — the working load limit of the entire chain assembly is limited by its weakest component. Installing a Grade 43 link into a Grade 70 chain run effectively downgrades the whole assembly to Grade 43 load ratings, which is both a safety hazard and typically a compliance violation for load-rated applications.
What's the difference between a connecting link and a clevis link?
A connecting link joins two straight lengths of chain end-to-end, using a bolt/nut or hammerlock closure across the link body. A clevis link has a U-shaped clevis body with a removable pin, designed to connect chain to a hook, shackle, or other rigging hardware rather than to another length of chain.
Do I need Grade 80 or Grade 100 for overhead lifting?
For any overhead lifting application, you need alloy steel chain and link components rated and proof-tested per ASME B30.9 — commonly Grade 80 or the higher-capacity Grade 100. Grade 43 and 70 components are not rated for overhead lifting and should not be substituted regardless of apparent load capacity.
How do I know what working load limit a link is rated for?
Lifting-grade links are stamped with their grade, size, and manufacturer's mark, and the WLL is published by the manufacturer for that specific grade/size combination — never estimate WLL visually. A link without legible markings shouldn't be used for a rated application since its grade and rating can't be verified.
What's a quick link and when is it appropriate to use?
A quick link is a lighter-duty, screw-collar connecting link intended for general-purpose fastening and light-duty applications, not for overhead lifting or high-load rigging. It should not be substituted for a properly graded and rated connecting or clevis link in any load-bearing rigging or chain-repair application.
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