Teach me about log chains, please

[clovis]

I picked up a bucket of junk at an auction today, and I couldn't believe that in the bottom of the bucket were two heavy log chains.

These are not light duty chains, but the kind you grab when your neighbor gets an Allis WD-45 hung up in a ditch and wants to borrow your chains to try to get pulled out. 

One measures 12 feet long, the other 13 feet. Both have hooks on the ends, and the chains are not broken, repaired or mended.

How are chains measured? I've seen some listings on ebay that note the size of the chain. What exactly are they referring to?

What is an approximate value?

Also, there are two chain tools with this lot, but I don't know what they are called. These tools have two hooks on them, and a long steel handle. I think they are used for cinching down a chain that is holding down a load. (Sorry, but my brain is short on memory right now).

Thanks!!!!   

[Neals]

At the auctions here an average price is about $10.00 an item. The hook and handle thingies are boomers/load binders. Be careful with those boomers if you use them. They are dangerous in inexperienced hands. I know of one broken arm and one broken jaw as well as some teeth missing. 

[oldtools]

Any Photos?

[amertrac]

The size of the chain is measured as to the thickness / circumference of the metal in the link  AS 1/4 in chain would be made of 1/4 in round rod metal welded into links . chain can be made to last forever and chain can be made to break depending on the annealing process. chain comes in a lot of different sizes and a million hooks are availlble. When buying hooks make sure the hook is the same size as the chain and it seats properly when hooked to the chain  bob w.

[oleblu]

As a farm boy I want nothing to use but 3/8" chain and up. I can buy a 25' long 3/8" chain with hooks on both ends for about $55. These are the hardended  "trucker" chains that are stronger than common "soft" chain. The hardened chain will have a flat spot made in a link about every foot with a number on the flat spot. That is how the DOT officer can verify the proper chain is used for a specific load. The binder and hooks will have similar markings.

[clovis]

Thank you for your replies!!! I appreciate your time and input!

I measured the links, and they measure out right at 7/16". I also checked the hooks, and found a 7/16" marking on those too. I did not find any markings on the links, even though I didn't check each one. I'll double check those soon.

Someone spent some money on those chains when they bought them. I see lots of chains at auctions, but not as many heavier chains like these.

The load binders: One is marked Lebus, and I can't read the other yet. Maybe 'Alt' or 'Alto'

[clovis]

At the auctions here an average price is about $10.00 an item.

Log chains at auctions around here can range greatly in price, and it is funny if you think about it.

At the same auction, a similar log chain, with the same length, sold for $22.50, even though it did not have a hook on one end.

At an auction about two weeks ago, I saw some light duty chains, not fit for use on a swing set, sell for $35.

I've seen guys bid like crazy on a pile of broken, repaired pieces of junk, stuff that I wouldn't even want to carry home, and it sells for unbelievable money.   

[clovis]

My goodness.

I had my wife stop by Tractor Supply today to check prices on chain sold by the foot.

She reported that chain is 3.49 to 3.79 a foot, and the hooks are almost $7 each.

Yikes! It has been a while since I priced chain by the foot.