Questions on chain

[jbrin0tk]

I saw a sign at my gym today advertising 10-30ft of 3/8 galvanized chain for $2.00 a ft. I was wondering:

a). Is this enough chain to be a decent amount of weight when draped over the bar? I'm not looking for a ton of weight, just enough that I can work with and have it be around 50lbs. or so.

b). I am assuming he can cut it (since he said 10-30 ft.) or if not I can take it somewhere to be cut. If so, how should I have it cut? If I got the 30ft. should I ask for it to be cut into six 5 foot long pieces, or in some other way?

c). Are 3/8 chains big enough to use? I've benched with chains once or twice and I believe they were 5/8 chains but I'm not sure.


I obviously don't know a lot about chains or chain weight. Any advice that anyone has would be appreciated. Thanks, everyone.

[SoCoBarbell]

Go to Home Depot it'll be way cheaper and you can make them cut it up for free. Just buy the box of chain. I've done it several times. Each 5 foot piece of 3/8 chain weighs #7.

[cpa5oh]

If you've got an air compressor and a cutoff tool, that'll work nicely.

[ScottYard]

Soco barbell is right. Although I would have said go to lowes lol. But yea why bother deal with cutting it your self when they can do it for nothing. 5 lengths per side at 70 total pounds is plenty of chain weight for starters.

[jbrin0tk]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I appreciate it.

[MarcusWild]

You can get chain cheap if you have any rigging companies near you. Just call and see where they get chain from. Most places will have some surplus that's not hoist grade. That works fine for lifting.

[jbrin0tk]

Thanks, Marcus.