Chain

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A common metal short-link chain Broad chain closeup.jpg
A common metal short-link chain
Roller chains Kettenvergleich.jpg
Roller chains

A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A chain may consist of two or more links. Chains can be classified by their design, which can be dictated by their use:

Contents

Two distinct chains can be connected using a quick link, carabiner, shackle, or clevis. The load can be transferred from a chain to another object by a chain stopper.

Uses for chains

Links of the American Revolutionary War-era Hudson River Chain as a memorial at West Point The Great Chain Today.jpg
Links of the American Revolutionary War-era Hudson River Chain as a memorial at West Point

Uses for chains include:

Decoration

Power transfer

Security and restraint

Traction, pulling and lifting

Ball chain pull switch for a ceiling light A pull switch for a ceiling light.jpg
Ball chain pull switch for a ceiling light

Weapons

Other uses

Chains on a disc golf basket Rantzow disc golf basket on the Halsans hus disc golf course in Lulea, Sweden in 2008. Hole 4%3F Photo 4.jpg
Chains on a disc golf basket

Types of chain

Connections

Several methods are available to connect chain ends to each other or to other objects, and to apply a load to a chain away from the ends. These methods are usually specific to the type of chain, and must be of the correct size.

Invention

The metal link chain has been in use since at least 225 BC. [1]

Symbolism

The prevalent modern symbolism is oppression,[ citation needed ] due to the use for a mechanical restriction of the liberty of a human or animal.

Chains can also symbolize interconnectivity or interdependence. Unicode, in versions 6.x, contains the U+1F517🔗LINK SYMBOL, which may show chain link(s). It may also denote a hyperlink.

See also

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References

  1. As early as 225 BC, chain was used to draw a bucket of water up from a well. This very early bucket chain was composed of connected metal rings. Tsubakimoto Chain Co., ed. (1997). The Complete Guide to Chain. Kogyo Chosaki Publishing Co., Ltd. p. 240. ISBN   0-9658932-0-0. p. 211. Retrieved 17 May 2006.