Sep 13, 2026News & Insights
DIN 763 vs 764 vs 766 vs 5685: Which Chain?
Four German standards, four different chains. DIN 763, 764, 766 and 5685 differ in link length, calibration and duty - here is how to tell them apart before you order.
If you are sourcing chain in Europe, most of what you are offered will be sold under one of four German standards: DIN 763, DIN 764, DIN 766 and DIN 5685. They look similar in a photograph - round link steel chain - but they are not interchangeable, and ordering the wrong one is one of the most common mistakes a buyer makes.
The differences come down to three things: how long the links are, whether the chain is calibrated, and what duty it is meant for. This guide explains each standard in plain terms so you can match the standard to the application before you ask for a quotation.
The Short Answer
DIN 763 is the long link chain, DIN 764 is a calibrated link chain, DIN 766 is the short link chain most people mean by "short link", and DIN 5685 covers calibrated short link (form A) and long link (form C) chain in smaller sizes. None of the four is a grade-marked lifting chain.
DIN 763: Long Link Chain
DIN 763 is the long link standard. The links are noticeably longer than short link chain, which makes the chain more flexible and lets it wrap easily around posts, rollers and hooks.
It is a general purpose chain. Typical uses are fencing and barriers, agricultural equipment, towing lines and decorative hanging. Because the pitch is long, it bends more easily than a short link chain of the same diameter.
Our DIN 763 chain is made from carbon steel and produced in diameters from 3.2 mm to 25.4 mm. It is supplied zinc plated, with electro galvanized and hot dip galvanized finishes available for outdoor work. We also supply it fitted with agriculture hooks at both ends for farm and livestock use.
DIN 763 is a general purpose chain, not a grade-marked lifting chain, and should not be used for overhead lifting.
DIN 764: Calibrated Link Chain
DIN 764 is a calibrated link chain - calibrated meaning the link dimensions are held to close tolerances so the chain engages smoothly with sprockets and hooks. The calibrated dimensions make it the usual choice where the chain has to work with a wheel, sprocket or other engineered component.
The calibrated dimensions make it the usual choice where the chain has to work with a wheel, sprocket or other engineered component, and it is widely used for general purpose rigging, mooring and marine duty.
Our DIN 764 chain runs from 4 mm to 26 mm diameter. Inside length is 16 mm to 91 mm, inside width 5 mm to 35 mm and outside width 14 mm to 94 mm; unit weight ranges from 31.3 kg to 1400 kg per 100 m. Breaking load is 7 kN to 320 kN with test load from 400 kg to 16,000 kg, per our catalogue table.
DIN 764 is a general purpose calibrated chain, not a grade-marked lifting chain, and must not be used for overhead lifting.
DIN 766: The Standard Short Link Chain
DIN 766 is the German standard most buyers mean when they say "short link chain". The links are short and evenly sized, so the chain sits squarely in hooks and shackles and runs smoothly over sheaves.
Typical uses include general purpose rigging, mooring and anchoring lines, and barrier or decorative chain. It is a general purpose chain, not a grade-marked lifting chain.
Our DIN 766 chain is produced in diameters from 2 mm up to 32 mm, with inside width from about 3.5 mm to 43 mm and unit weight from roughly 0.07 kg per metre to about 23 kg per metre. It is available in carbon steel with electro galvanized, zinc plated or galvanized finishes, and in SUS304, AISI316 and AISI316L stainless steel - the stainless versions being the usual choice for marine and permanent outdoor duty.
DIN 5685: Short Link (A) and Long Link (C)
DIN 5685 is a single standard with two forms: form A is calibrated short link chain, form C is long link chain. It covers the smaller diameters - our production runs from 2 mm to 13 mm.
Because both forms sit under one standard, DIN 5685 is often offered where a light, calibrated chain is wanted: general purpose work, hanging, towing, barriers and decorative applications. The A/C distinction matters when you order, since the two forms are not interchangeable in a sprocket or hook.
DIN 5685 chain is also available in stainless steel, which is the usual choice for marine and outdoor duty.
DIN 5685 chain is a general purpose chain, not a grade-marked lifting chain, and must not be used for overhead lifting.
How to Tell Them Apart Before You Order
Three questions settle most cases. How long are the links - short or long? Does the chain have to run on a sprocket or wheel, in which case it needs to be calibrated? And what is the application - general purpose, agricultural, marine or decorative?
If you already know the standard number, say so and specify the diameter, the finish and the length. If you do not, describe the application and the environment and we will confirm the standard and the size.
Our Chain Range by Standard
See the specification pages for each standard: DIN 763 long link chain, DIN 764 link chain, DIN 766 short link chain and DIN 5685A short link chain. Each page lists the sizes, finishes and catalogue data for that standard.
Ordering and Customization
We supply all four standards in carbon steel, with stainless steel available across the range. Finishes include self colour, zinc plated, electro galvanized and hot dip galvanized. Chain can be supplied in bundles, drums or reels, and cut to length or fitted with hooks and end fittings to your drawing or sample.
Tell us the standard, the diameter, the finish and the total length you need, or send us the application details, and we will confirm the specification and the packing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DIN 763 and DIN 766?
DIN 763 is the long link chain: the links are noticeably longer, so the chain is more flexible and bends easily around posts and rollers. DIN 766 is the short link chain: the links are short and evenly sized, so the chain sits squarely in hooks and runs smoothly over sheaves.
What is DIN 764 chain?
DIN 764 is a calibrated link chain. Calibrated means the link dimensions are held to close tolerances, so the chain engages smoothly with sprockets, wheels and hooks - which is why it is used where the chain has to work with an engineered component.
What does DIN 5685 A and C mean?
DIN 5685 is one standard with two forms: form A is calibrated short link chain and form C is long link chain. The two forms are not interchangeable in a sprocket or hook, so always state the form when you order.
Can any of these chains be used for lifting?
No. DIN 763, DIN 764, DIN 766 and DIN 5685 are general purpose chains, not grade-marked lifting chains, and must not be used for overhead lifting. For lifting, choose a grade 80 or grade 100 lifting chain matched to the load.
Which one should I order?
Three questions settle it: how long are the links, does the chain have to run on a sprocket or wheel, and what is the application? Tell us the standard number if you know it, or describe the application and the environment, and we will confirm the standard and the size.