Stainless Steel Chain
Stainless steel chain is mainly used for marine and decorative purposes. It is not load rated, and specifically suited for light-duty applications.
Description
Stainless Steel Chain, Quick Facts
| Product | Stainless steel chain, Grade 304 and Grade 316 |
|---|---|
| Load rated | No, not load rated and not for overhead lifting |
| Typical use | Corrosion resistant lashing, securing, marine, architectural and decorative work |
| Dimensional standard | SANS 189 |
| Supplied | Cut to length, grade and link type advised on enquiry |
| Documentation | Material and product documentation on request, no load test certificate |
| Supplied from | Toco Lifting, Germiston and Cape Town |
Toco Lifting has supplied lifting, lashing and rigging equipment across South Africa and SADC since 2002 and is a registered Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008). Stainless steel chain is supplied as a general purpose product, not a lifting appliance.
Toco Lifting (Pty) Ltd supplies stainless steel chain across South Africa and SADC, in Grade 316 and Grade 304, for corrosion-resistant lashing, securing, marine and architectural work. Stainless steel chain is not load rated and is not for overhead lifting – it is a general-purpose chain chosen for its corrosion resistance, not its lifting capacity. Toco supplies it cut to length and advises on the right grade and link type for the environment.
Need stainless steel chain cut to length, or advice on Grade 304 versus Grade 316 for your environment? Call 011 345 8800 or email sales@toco.co.za.
Toco Lifting has supplied lifting, lashing and rigging equipment since 2002, operating from a Germiston head office and a Cape Town branch, and is a registered Lifting Machinery Entity, LME No. 008. Stainless steel chain sits in Toco’s general-purpose and lashing range alongside the steel wire rope, sling and rigging lines. Where a job needs rated lifting chain, Toco supplies grade 80 and grade 100 alloy chain and certified chain slings instead, so the chain is always matched to the duty rather than assumed.
What is stainless steel chain used for?
Stainless steel chain is a general-purpose chain chosen for environments where rust and chemical attack are the main concern. Typical uses are marine and deck hardware, anchor and mooring work, architectural and balustrade detailing, light-duty securing, and decorative applications. It is selected because it resists corrosion in wet, coastal, chemical and washdown conditions where plain or galvanised chain would degrade. It is not a lifting product and carries no rated working load limit.
Grade 304 or Grade 316 stainless steel chain?
Both are austenitic stainless steels, and the right one depends on the environment. Grade 304 (A2) gives good general corrosion resistance and suits indoor, architectural and lighter marine exposure. Grade 316 (A4, marine grade) adds molybdenum for far stronger resistance to saltwater, chlorides and chemical pitting, which makes it the choice for coastal, marine and aggressive chemical environments such as ammonia plants. Toco supplies both grades and will advise on the right one for your conditions.
Is stainless steel chain load rated? Can it be used for lifting?
Toco’s stainless steel chain is manufactured to the dimensional requirements of SANS 189; as supplied it is not load rated and must not be used for overhead lifting. Stainless chain is selected for corrosion resistance, not for proof-tested lifting capacity, and it does not carry a rated working load limit. For any rated lifting duty, use grade 80 or grade 100 alloy chain and certified chain slings, which are proof tested and supplied with the correct lifting documentation. Matching the right chain to the duty is a safety and compliance requirement, not a preference – using a non-rated chain to lift is unsafe and not permitted.
Short-link and medium-link configurations
Toco supplies stainless steel chain in short-link and medium-link configurations in both Grade 304 and Grade 316. Link type affects how the chain feeds through guides and sheaves and how flexibly it sits, so the configuration is chosen to suit the fitting and the application. Chain is supplied cut to the length required. Call to confirm the grade, link type and diameter held for your job.
Where stainless steel chain is used
| Sector | Typical stainless chain duty |
|---|---|
| Marine and fishery | Deck hardware, anchor and mooring work, washdown environments |
| Architectural and construction | Balustrade, barrier and decorative detailing where finish and corrosion resistance matter |
| Transport and general industry | Light-duty securing and general-purpose chain work in corrosive conditions |
| Food, chemical and washdown plant | Corrosion-resistant general use where hygiene or chemical exposure rules out plain steel |
Toco does not limit stainless steel chain to these sectors. It is supplied for any general-purpose, lashing or corrosion-resistant duty. For rated lifting, Toco supplies grade 80 and grade 100 alloy chain and certified chain slings instead.
Certification and documentation
Because stainless steel chain is not a lifting appliance, it is supplied as a general-purpose product rather than a proof-tested lifting item, so it does not carry a load-test certificate. Supporting material and product documentation are available on request. If your application is in any way load bearing, speak to Toco first so the correct rated and certified product is supplied instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is stainless steel chain load rated?
No. Stainless steel chain is not load rated and must not be used for overhead lifting. It is a general-purpose, corrosion-resistant chain. For rated lifting, Toco supplies grade 80 and grade 100 alloy chain and certified chain slings, which are proof tested and supplied with the correct documentation.
What is the difference between Grade 304 and Grade 316 stainless chain?
Grade 316 contains molybdenum and resists saltwater, chlorides and chemical pitting far better than Grade 304, which makes it the marine-grade choice. Grade 304 gives good general corrosion resistance for indoor, architectural and lighter marine use. Toco supplies both and will advise on the right grade for your environment.
Can stainless steel chain be used in marine or coastal conditions?
Yes, and Grade 316 is preferred for direct saltwater and coastal exposure because the molybdenum content resists chloride pitting. Grade 304 suits lighter or sheltered marine use. Stainless chain is widely used for deck, anchor and mooring hardware for exactly this reason.
What is stainless steel chain used for if not lifting?
It is used for marine and deck hardware, anchor and mooring work, architectural and balustrade detailing, light-duty securing and decorative applications. It is chosen wherever corrosion resistance matters more than load rating, in wet, coastal, chemical or washdown environments.
Does Toco supply stainless steel chain cut to length?
Yes. Toco supplies stainless steel chain cut to the length you need, in short-link and medium-link configurations and in both Grade 304 and Grade 316. Specify the grade, link type, diameter and length, then call 011 345 8800 or email sales@toco.co.za for a quote.
Should I use stainless or galvanised chain?
Choose stainless where long-term corrosion resistance is the priority, particularly Grade 316 for marine and chemical exposure. Galvanised chain is a more economical option for general outdoor use. Neither is a lifting product – for lifting, use rated grade 80 or grade 100 alloy chain. Toco will advise on the right choice.
Request a stainless steel chain quote. Tell Toco the grade, link type, diameter and length you need, or ask for advice on Grade 304 versus Grade 316 for your environment. Call 011 345 8800 or email sales@toco.co.za. Germiston head office and Cape Town branch, supplying South Africa and SADC.
