Lashing chains or ratchet straps — which should you use?
Lashing chains suit heavy, rigid loads with sharp edges — machinery, steel, pipes — because they combine high working load with near-zero stretch. Every chain carries an EN 12195-3 mark showing its Lashing Capacity (LC) in daN, and it works mainly in direct (diagonal) lashing. By contrast, ratchet straps (EN 12195-2) suit pallets, boxes and light-to-medium cargo secured by tie-down. As a result, one chain restrains far more than a strap, so you generally need fewer of them.
Below, we explain how chains differ from straps, the LC by Grade 80 and Grade 100, when to use each, how to work out the number of chains, and which tensioner you need. For the strap side of the comparison, meanwhile, see our guide to selecting a lashing strap by LC.
What are lashing chains and how do they differ from straps?
A lashing chain is a short-link alloy-steel chain with hooks and a tensioner, designed for cargo restraint during transport only — never for lifting. In practice, the EN 12195 family sets the strength, marking and test requirements for lashing assemblies and their marking, and for chains this means EN 12195-3. Above all, a chain differs from a strap in two ways: much higher LC and almost no stretch.
| Criterion | Chains (EN 12195-3) | Straps (EN 12195-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Alloy steel, short link | Polyester webbing |
| Typische LC | 4,000–16,000+ daN | 250–5,000 daN |
| Stretch under load | very low | up to 7% |
| Main method | direct (diagonal) lashing | tie-down and direct |
| Best for | machinery, steel, pipes, sharp edges | pallets, boxes, light-to-medium cargo |
| Edge / abrasion resistance | high | needs edge protectors |
| Lifting | not permitted | not permitted |
Grade 80 vs Grade 100: what is the LC by chain diameter?
A chain’s working load depends on steel grade and link diameter. For example, Grade 100 delivers roughly 25% more LC than Grade 80 at the same diameter, which means lighter, easier-to-handle gear. In addition, the Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) is always twice the LC.
| Diameter | LC Grade 80 (daN) | LC Grade 100 (daN) | ≈ restraint force |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 4,000 | 5,000 | ≈ 4–5 t |
| 10 mm | 6,300 | 8,000 | ≈ 6–8 t |
| 13 mm | 10,000 | 13,400 | ≈ 10–13 t |
| 16 mm | 16,000 | ≈ 20,000 | ≈ 16–20 t |
The chain tag shows the LC in daN (1 daN ≈ 1 kg of restraint force). Notably, EN 12195-3 makes this marking mandatory, so you must never use a chain without a readable tag.
When should you choose chains over straps?
| Cargo | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Machinery, excavators, plant on low-loaders | Chains — direct lashing |
| Steel sections, pipes, profiles | Chains — sharp-edge resistance |
| Heavy packs, timber | Chains or 50 mm straps |
| Pallets, boxes, sacks | Straps — tie-down |
| Fragile or light cargo | Straps — softer, won’t damage |
For the methods themselves — tie-down, diagonal, loop and blocking — our visual guide to the 5 cargo securing methods covers each one.
How do you calculate chain LC and the number of chains? (EN 12195-1)
You calculate the number of chains to EN 12195-1:2010 — from cargo mass, lashing method, angles and the chain LC. Typically, chains work in direct (diagonal) lashing, where the horizontal restraint component matters most:
Therefore, the closer the chain runs to horizontal (a smaller angle α), the greater the horizontal restraint in direct lashing. For the full calculation with angles and friction, see our LC calculation and lashing-angles guide. Finally, for anchor points and turnbuckles, read our article on eye bolts and turnbuckles.
Load binder or turnbuckle: which tensioner for a lashing chain?
A binder tensions the chain. Moreover, under EN 12195-3 the device must prevent unintended loosening in transit.
| Typ | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ratchet load binder | Precise, controlled pre-tension; ideal for heavy chains |
| Turnbuckle | Smooth length adjustment; often for fixed tensioning |
| Lever binder | Fast, but requires correct technique |
Match the binder to the chain grade and diameter — for example, G80 10–16 mm.
Match the chain and binder to your load. The LPX Trade catalogue carries Grade 80 lashing chains to EN 12195-3, ratchet load binders and hooks. Declaration of Conformity available on request.
Frequently asked questions about lashing chains
What is the difference between a lashing chain and a lifting chain?
A lashing chain (EN 12195-3) restrains cargo in transport only, and it carries an LC mark in daN. A lifting chain (EN 818), however, is for hoisting and carries a WLL mark. Therefore, never mix the two — you may not lift a load with a lashing chain.
What is the LC of a 13 mm chain?
A 13 mm Grade 80 chain has an LC of 10,000 daN (≈ 10 t), while a Grade 100 chain of the same size reaches 13,400 daN. In both cases, the breaking load is twice the LC. For the exact figure, check the chain tag, which shows it under EN 12195-3.
Should I use chains or straps?
Choose chains for heavy, rigid loads with sharp edges — machinery, steel, pipes — because they offer far higher LC, so you need fewer lashings. Straps, on the other hand, suit pallets, boxes and light-to-medium cargo secured by tie-down.
What is the difference between Grade 80 and Grade 100?
Both grades are alloy steel to EN 12195-3. Grade 100, however, gives about 25% more LC at the same diameter, so the chain is lighter and easier to handle. Grade 80, meanwhile, is cheaper and more common. In short, both are safe within their rated LC.
Do I need a separate binder for the chain?
Yes. You tension a chain with a ratchet load binder or a turnbuckle, and under EN 12195-3 the device must prevent unintended loosening. Then match the binder to the chain grade and diameter — for example, G80 10–16 mm.
How many lashing chains do I need?
Calculate the number to EN 12195-1 from cargo mass, lashing method, angles and the chain LC. In direct lashing, for instance, the useful horizontal force depends on the angle: LC_horizontal ≈ LC × cos α. In short, the method mirrors straps, but with the chain’s LC.
Author: LPX Trade Editorial Team.
Last updated: 2 August 2026.
Sources: EN 12195-1:2010 (calculation of securing forces); EN 12195-3:2001 (lashing chains, LC marking); EN 818 (lifting chains, WLL — for clear separation); lashing assembly marking.