Single jack chain
Jack chain
Weldless single jack chain in trade sizes #20 to #6, in carbon steel, brass and stainless steel, with working load and minimum breaking force for each size.
Specifications
- Material
- Carbon steel, brass or stainless steel
- Type
- Weldless, single jack
- Surface treatment
- Electro galvanized, zinc plated, brass plated or polished
- Trade size range
- #20 to #6
- Wire diameter range
- 0.9 mm to 4.9 mm
Jack chain is a weldless chain with a single loop per link, bent from wire and interlocked rather than welded. It is lighter than double loop chain at the same wire diameter and is used wherever a small, flexible chain is wanted for hanging and light duty work. The standard trade sizes run from #20 to #6, and the full size and load table is set out below.
What Jack Chain Is
Each link of a jack chain is a single loop. The links are formed and interlocked, so the chain has no welded joint and can be shortened by opening a link and removing it. The single loop construction makes the chain light and flexible; it also makes it a light duty chain rather than a load bearing one. It is a general purpose chain, not a grade-marked lifting chain.
Single Jack Chain - Sizes and Loads
The table covers the standard single jack chain trade sizes, with the wire diameter, nominal inside length, weight per 100 feet, working load limit and minimum breaking force for steel and for brass. Sizes are given by the trade number, which is the convention used across the hardware trade rather than a millimetre size.
Trade size | Wire dia | Inside length | Weight /100 ft | WLL (steel / brass) | Min break (steel / brass) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
# | mm (in) | mm (in) | kg | kg / kg | kN / kN |
20 | 0.9 (0.034) | 7.6 (0.30) | 1 | 1 / 1 | 0.1 / 0.1 |
18 | 1.2 (0.047) | 9.9 (0.39) | 1 | 2 / 2 | 0.1 / 0.1 |
16 | 1.6 (0.062) | 12.7 (0.50) | 1 | 5 / 4 | 0.2 / 0.1 |
14 | 2.0 (0.080) | 16.0 (0.63) | 2 | 7 / 5 | 0.3 / 0.2 |
12 | 2.7 (0.105) | 19.1 (0.75) | 4 | 13 / 9 | 0.5 / 0.4 |
10 | 3.4 (0.135) | 23.6 (0.93) | 6 | 20 / 15 | 0.8 / 0.6 |
8 | 4.1 (0.162) | 27.7 (1.09) | 10 | 27 / 20 | 1.1 / 0.8 |
6 | 4.9 (0.192) | 31.5 (1.24) | 14 | 40 / 30 | 1.6 / 1.2 |
Jack Chain or Double Loop Chain?
Both are weldless and both are light duty, so the choice usually comes down to weight and how the chain hangs. Jack chain has one loop per link and is the lighter of the two, which suits hanging and decorative work. Double loop chain has two loops per link, which makes it heavier and gives it a different feel in the hand; it is often chosen for barrier and general hardware use. If the duty needs a rated chain, neither is the right answer - a grade-marked lifting chain is.
Materials and Finishes
Standard jack chain is made in carbon steel, with brass and stainless versions for decorative and corrosion resistant work. Carbon steel is normally electro galvanized or zinc plated. Brass is chosen for its colour, and stainless steel where the chain will be exposed to moisture or cleaning agents. Black and other coated finishes can be supplied for decorative work.
Where Jack Chain Is Used
Common uses include hanging light fittings, signs, pictures and plant baskets, suspending ceiling grid and ductwork, and light general hardware duties. It is also used as a component in equipment where a small flexible chain is needed. It is not used for lifting, towing or any duty that calls for a rated chain.
Ordering
Order by trade size, material and finish. The chain is supplied in bundles, drums or reels, and cut lengths can be arranged. Tell us the size, the material, the finish and the quantity you need and we will confirm the specification and the packing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single jack and double jack chain?
Single jack chain has one loop per link. Double jack chain has two loops per link, which makes it heavier and changes how the chain hangs. Single jack is the more common general purpose form.
How do I choose a size for hanging a light fitting?
Start from the weight of the fitting and the way it is fixed. Use the working load limit in the table as the reference for the chain, and make sure the fixing and any fittings at the ends are rated for the same load. For anything overhead, the fixing is as important as the chain.
Is jack chain a lifting chain?
No. Jack chain is a general purpose weldless chain and is not grade-marked lifting chain. It must not be used for overhead lifting.
Boyuan Metal supplies single jack chain in trade sizes #20 to #6, in carbon steel, brass and stainless steel, with the finishes and packing suited to the duty. Tell us the size, material and finish you need and we will confirm the specification.