Gripe chains should be what grade?

• A. Grade 70
• B. Grade 80
• C. Grade 40
• D. 1 hour

Answer: (A)

Gripe chains are used to lash and secure gear during movement, so they must be strong enough to handle real-world loads and the dynamic forces that occur on a ship. Grade 70 is the standard for transport and cargo-control applications like lashings and tie-downs. It provides a high working load limit relative to its weight and is built to resist shock and shifting loads, which is exactly what gripe chains encounter when the ship moves or accelerates.

Grade 80 is intended for overhead lifting and slings, with different requirements for lifting gear, so it’s not the typical choice for lashings. Grade 40 is a common lifting chain but has a lower strength than Grade 70 for tie-down purposes. “1 hour” isn’t a chain grade at all. So Grade 70 is the best match for gripe chains.