Oct 26, 2026News & Insights
Grab Hook vs Slip Hook: Picking the Right Tie-Down Hook
One holds a chain at a fixed point, the other lets it slide. How grab hooks and slip hooks differ, and how to choose the right one for a tie-down.
Two hooks do most of the work on a tie-down chain, and they look alike. A grab hook grips a link and holds the chain at a fixed point, shortening the assembly. A slip hook lets the chain run through a smooth, wide throat, tightening around a load instead. The choice comes down to what the hook has to do: hold a point, or gather a load.
What a Grab Hook Does
A clevis grab hook attaches to the chain with a clevis pin, and its narrow throat is shaped to grip a chain link so the hook holds the chain at a fixed point. That makes it the standard hook for shortening and tensioning a tie-down: the chain can be set to a length and stay there. The narrow throat is the point of the design - it captures one link, rather than letting the chain slide.
What a Slip Hook Does
A slip hook has a wider, smoother throat that lets the chain run through instead of catching on a link. That makes it the hook for gathering a load: the chain slides through the throat until it is snug, then holds under tension. It suits tying down a bundle, a stack or an odd shape. A latch (slip) variant is available to help keep the chain in place.
The Difference in One Line
A grab hook holds a point; a slip hook gathers a load. The grab hook's narrow throat captures a link, so the length is fixed where it is set. The slip hook's wide throat lets the chain slide, so the hold tightens under load. Same chain, different job.
How to Choose
Ask what the hook has to do. Shortening a chain to a set length - the usual job on a truck or trailer - points to a grab hook. Pulling a load together, or tying an irregular shape, points to a slip hook, where the sliding throat gathers. Many tie-downs use both: a grab hook to set the length, a slip hook where the chain meets the load. They are used with transport chain for load securement, and hooks are sized by the chain they fit, so match the hook to the chain.
Grade and Safe Use
The hooks are made in grades that suit securing work, and the grade is marked; match the hook to the chain, since an assembly is only as strong as its weakest part. One caution applies to both: a tie-down hook is not a lifting hook. Grade 43 hooks are for tie-down and towing, not overhead lifting, and lifting needs grade-marked components such as grade 80 or grade 100 with hooks rated to match. In use, keep the pull in line with the hook; check for wear, a bent throat or a pin that will not seat; retire a damaged hook, and never weld, heat or repair one. Our guide to chain and fittings for towing covers the securing side in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a grab hook and a slip hook?
A grab hook has a narrow throat that grips a link and holds the chain at a fixed point - how a tie-down is shortened. A slip hook has a wider, smooth throat that lets the chain slide, so it gathers and tightens around a load.
Which hook is better for tying down a load?
Use a grab hook where the chain length has to be set and held. Use a slip hook where the chain has to gather a bundle or pull an irregular shape together.
Can these hooks be used for lifting?
No. Grade 43 tie-down hooks are for securing and towing, not overhead lifting, which needs grade-marked components such as grade 80 or grade 100 with hooks rated to match.
Boyuan Metal supplies clevis grab hooks, including the latch (slip) variant, with grade 43 and grade 70 chain and the fittings for tie-down and towing. Tell us the chain, the load and how the hook will be used, and we will confirm the assembly.