Chain size 5/16 or 3/8?

I used to run 5/16 now i run 3/8 . ... 3/8 work out ur arms and shoulders more when u throwing it around. Never had a problem with 5/16

 

Hook them onto the back of a pickup and drag them threw the dirt and it will get rid of the rust. If they still in good physical condition they should last a very long time. Maybe one of the steel haulers like @jamespmack or @650cat425 would know what the lifespan of a chain should be

 

Treat them well by not bending links, or stretching them very long time. Always use edge protectors. Im certain some of mine are 30 years old. Or what ever year they first required to have G70 stamped on them.

Pitting and abuse are about it.

 

I would run until you can't see the g70 number. Give them some light oil now and then and be good to go. On old chains sometimes it's a good idea to mark a few of the links where they're stamped in case you get questioned by the dot/mto

 

Anchor points must abide by 102 standards. All trailer manufacturers specify WLLs for anchor points and tie bars, unless you're running a super old trailer.

 

My 1995 dont have ratings.

 

Agreed... all the ones I'm currently using are 10 years old. I've broken 3 reitenour j hooks in that 10 years, but never had an issue with any of my chains, 5/16 or 3/8.

 

25 years. Is that only old, As opposed to super old?

 

Both points are incorrect.
Anchor points are not required to be rated (this has been covered 100 times). You get 3” per side for anchor points.

Appendix D to Part 658 - Devices That Are Excluded From Measurement of the Length or Width of a Commercial Motor Vehicle



3. Devices excluded from width determination, not to exceed 3 inches from the side of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Corner caps;

(b) Hazardous materials placards and holders;

(c) Lift pads for trailer on flatcar (piggyback) operation;

(d) Rain gutters;

(e) Rear and side door hinges and their protective hardware;

(f) Side marker lamps;

(g) Structural reinforcement for side doors or intermodal operation (limited to 1 inch from the side within the 3 inch maximum extension);

(h) Tarping systems for open-top trailers;

(i) Movable devices to enclose the cargo area of flatbed semitrailers or trailers, usually called tarping systems, where no component part of the system extends more than 3 inches from the sides or back of the vehicle when the vehicle is in operation. This exclusion applies to all component parts of tarping systems, including the transverse structure at the front of the vehicle to which the sliding walls and roof of the tarp mechanism are attached, provided the structure is not also intended or designed to comply with 49 CFR 393.106, which requires a headerboard strong enough to prevent cargo from penetrating or crushing the cab; the transverse structure may be up to 108 inches wide if properly centered so that neither side extends more than 3 inches beyond the structural edge of the vehicle. Also excluded from measurement are side rails running the length of the vehicle and rear doors, provided the only function of the latter, like that of the transverse structure at the front of the vehicle, is to seal the cargo area and anchor the sliding walls and roof. On the other hand, a headerboard designed to comply with 49 CFR 393.106 is load bearing and thus limited to 102 inches in width. However, the “wings” designed to close the gap between such a headerboard and the movable walls and roof of a tarping system are width exclusive, provided they are add-on pieces designed to bear only the load of the tarping system itself and are not integral parts of the load-bearing headerboard structure;

(j) Tie-down assembly on platform trailers;

(k) Wall variation from true flat; and

(l) Weevil pins and sockets on low-bed trailers.

 

Lol and about all I have is all 1/2 inch chain. I keep four 3/8 chain for smaller pieces. But also have a few 5/8 chain n binders.