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<h2 id="uses-for-chains">Uses for chains</h2> <p>Uses for chains include: </p> <h3>Decoration</h3> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Belly_chain/1XcStKCt">Belly chain</a>, type of body jewelry worn around the waist</li> <li><a href="/facts/Jewellery_chain/byBgztur">Jewelry chain</a>, many necklaces and bracelets are made out of small chains of gold and silver</li> <li><a href="/facts/Livery_collar/dCKqjt1z">Chain of office</a>, collar or heavy gold chain worn as insignia of office or a mark of fealty in medieval Europe and the United Kingdom</li> <li>Decorating clothing, some people wear wallets with chains connected to their belts, or pants decorated with chains</li> <li><a href="/facts/Omega_chain/1LzkWQ1X">Omega chain</a>, a pseudo-chain where the 'links' are mounted on a backing rather than being interlinked</li> <li><a href="/facts/Tie_chain/w9Hh7QpV">Tie chain</a>, used to hold in place a tie to the underlying shirt front</li></ul> <h3>Power transfer</h3> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Bicycle_chain/mQtgdzkK">Bicycle chain</a>, type of roller chain that transfers power from the pedals to the drive-wheel of a bicycle, thus propelling it. The chain is made up of a number of rigid links that are hinged together by pin joints to provide the flexibility needed to wrap around the bicycle's gears.</li> <li></li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_gun/XYojYg1B">Chain gun</a>, type of machine gun that is driven by an external power source, sometimes connected by a chain, to actuate the mechanism rather than using recoil</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_pumps/mJKluWdg">Chain pumps</a>, type of water pump where a loop of chain inset discs is passed around then through a tube submerged in liquid</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chainsaw/ndhINGwe">Chainsaw</a>, portable mechanical, motorized saw using a <a href="/facts/Saw_chain/IpxCzsCC">cutting chain</a> to cut wood</li> <li><a href="/facts/Timing_chain/DFVH316I">Timing chain</a>, used to transfer rotational position from the crankshaft to the valve and ignition system on an <a href="/facts/Internal_combustion_engine/Ju4BXzj0">internal combustion engine</a>, typically with a 2:1 speed reduction.</li></ul> <h3>Security and restraint</h3> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Ball_and_chain/l5QNw3K2">Ball and chain</a>, a phrase that can refer to either the actual <a href="/facts/Physical_restraint/Mx5oFcdP">restraint device</a> that was used to slow down prisoners, or a derogatory description of a person's <a href="/facts/Significant_other/7wgHpgvA">significant other</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Belly_chain_(restraint)/7DrfJUKL">Belly chain</a> (or waist chain), a physical restraint worn by prisoners, consisting of a chain around the prisoner's waist, to which the prisoner's hands are chained or cuffed </li> <li><a href="/facts/Bicycle_lock/7tqDEqN9">Bicycle lock</a> (or bicycle chain), lockable chain</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_boom/pnuP63rL">Chain boom</a>, large chains used to exclude warships from harbors and rivers</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_link_fencing/odUvmupP">Chain link fencing</a>, fencing that utilizes vertical wires that are bent in a zigzag fashion and linked to each other</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_mail/1k2FePFU">Chain mail</a>, a type of armor consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Door_chain/nHXKRk7Q">Door chain</a>, a type of security chain on a door that makes it possible to open a door from the inside while still making it difficult for someone outside to force their way inside</li> <li>Gang transport chain, a chain used to shackle two or more inmates together for transport or work outside the facility, forming a <a href="/facts/Chain_gang/04mDR2GD">chain gang</a></li> <li>H-style restraints, a combination consisting of handcuffs on a belly chain with a connector chain running down to a set of leg irons</li> <li>Leg iron chains (<a href="/facts/Fetters/VmcS1WHu">fetters</a>), an alternative to handcuffs</li> <li>Prisoner transport restraints, a combination which consists of a pair of handcuffs attached by a longer chain to a pair of leg irons</li> <li>On chain-linked <a href="/facts/Handcuffs/oJNC4VVV">handcuffs</a>, the cuffs are held together by a short chain</li></ul> <h3>Traction, pulling and lifting</h3> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Anchor/r4M1JQ4k">Anchor cable</a>, as used by ships and boats; in British nautical usage the component is a cable, the material is chain <ul><li>Selected based on <a href="https://support.jamestowndistributors.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019309954-Chain-grades-and-links-explained">chain grade, diameter, coil, and either galvanized steel or stainless steel finish</a></li></ul></li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_sling/x6zQJSWI">Chain slings</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_hoist/Bq7wudq4">Chain hoist</a>, device used for lifting or lowering a load</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_boat/AgvooAxP">Chain boat</a>, a type of river craft that used a steel chain laid along the riverbed for its propulsion</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain-linked_Lewis/Rck2WdN8">Chain-linked lewis</a>, a self-locking lifting device particularly for stone using a chain link as a pivot</li> <li><a href="/facts/Curb_chain/9M0c9Tvl">Curb chain</a>, used on curb bits when riding a horse</li> <li><a href="/facts/High-tensile_chain/BjtNM16z">High-tensile chain</a> (or transport chain), chain with a high tensile strength used for towing or securing loads</li> <li><a href="/facts/Jack_chain/zCmUj9Ps">Jack chain</a>, a toothed chain used to move logs</li> <li><a href="/facts/Lead_shank/jkbEIoWP">Lead shank</a> (or stud chain), used on horses that are misbehaving</li> <li><a href="/facts/Pull_switch/fdVXz05s">Pull switch</a>, an electrical switch operated by a <a href="/facts/Ball_chain/M0lrcJ2b">ball chain</a> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Toilet/7nGlw1aB">Lavatory</a> chain, the chain attached to the cistern of an old-fashioned W.C. in which the flushing power is obtained by a gravity feed from above-head height. Although most cisterns no longer work like that, the phrase "pull the chain" is still encountered to mean "flush the toilet".</li></ul></li> <li><a href="/facts/Rigid_chain_actuator/8abGIwPd">Rigid chain actuator</a>, a type of chain that only bends in one direction, allowing it to operate under compression</li> <li><a href="/facts/Snow_chains/mWj3NwfD">Snow chains</a>, used to improve traction in snow</li></ul> <h3>Weapons</h3> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Chain_gun/XYojYg1B">Chain gun</a>, type of machine gun that is driven by an external power source, sometimes connected by a chain, to actuate the mechanism rather than using recoil</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_shot/LAzR5tlm">Chain shot</a>, a type of ammunition for a <a href="/facts/Cannon/IH7VkIpm">cannon</a>, used to inflict damage to the <a href="/facts/Rigging/bXnKHkKr">rigging</a> of a sail vessel in <a href="/facts/Naval_warfare/Wtc3fJYw">naval warfare</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_weapon/99JEFb0P">Chain weapon</a>, a medieval weapon made of one or more weights attached to a handle with a chain</li></ul> <h3>Other uses</h3> <ul><li>Chains are a standard component of the deflection assembly of <a href="/facts/Basket_(disc_golf)/dYIvXpvC">disc golf baskets</a>.</li> <li>Chains can be used as a <a href="/facts/Percussion_instrument/YojwA7VR">percussion instrument</a> for special effects, such as in <a href="/facts/Arnold_Schoenberg/o9xuyDwC">Arnold Schoenberg</a>'s <i><a href="/facts/Gurre-Lieder/5z9aRmbW">Gurre-Lieder</a></i> and <a href="/facts/Leo%25C5%25A1_Jan%25C3%25A1%25C4%258Dek/PflqLl3v">Leoš Janáček</a>'s <i><a href="/facts/From_the_House_of_the_Dead/PPYlFtsq">From the House of the Dead</a></i>.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Keychain/SL0U3UoM">Keychain</a>, a small chain that connects a small item to a keyring</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_sinnet/35g73mDJ">Chain sinnet</a>, a method of shortening a rope or other cable while in use or for storage</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_stitch/y08jPKUy">Chain stitch</a>, a sewing and embroidery technique</li> <li>Chains were introduced by <a href="/facts/Chanel/oHTevhtr">Chanel</a> as <a href="/facts/Weight/9NMHCsQd">weights</a> in clothes, to improve their overall look.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:1" href="#fn:1"><sup>1</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2"><sup>2</sup></a></li></ul> <h2 id="types-of-chain">Types of chain</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Ball_chain/M0lrcJ2b">Ball chain</a>, type of chain consisting of small sheet metal balls connected via short lengths of wire</li> <li>Calibrated chain, a type chain where the link lengths are within a given tolerance, so that it reliably engages with a <a href="/facts/Windlass/zYqPTvAK">windlass</a>.</li> <li><a href="/facts/Flat_chain/S3r7LrLy">Flat chain</a>, form of chain used chiefly in agricultural machinery</li> <li>Ladder chain, a light wire chain used with sprockets for low torque power transmission</li> <li>Long link chain</li> <li><a href="/facts/O-ring_chain/ATa0Xy93">O-ring chain</a>, a specialized type of roller chain</li> <li><a href="/facts/Roller_chain/YEb9SMmN">Roller chain</a>, the type of chain most commonly used for transmission of mechanical power on bicycles, motorcycles, and in industrial and agricultural machinery</li> <li><a href="/facts/Self-lubricating_chain/Fza8j8lm">Self-lubricating chain</a>, type of chain that uses a bush to continually lubricate the chain</li> <li>Silent chain, a type of chain in which the links engage the sprockets similarly to gear teeth</li> <li>Stud link chain, a type of chain with metal between the sides of each link, keeping the attached links in place. This helps prevent bunching when the chain is run out from a storage bin, as for use in anchoring ships.</li> <li>Short link chain, a chain where the gap between attached links is small relative to thickness.</li></ul> <h2 id="connections">Connections</h2> <p>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. </p> <h2 id="invention">Invention</h2> <p>The metal link chain has been in use since at least 225 BC.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:3" href="#fn:3"><sup>3</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="symbolism">Symbolism</h2> <p>The prevalent modern symbolism is <a href="/facts/Oppression/7Mp3lUwq">oppression</a>, due to the use for a mechanical restriction of the <a href="/facts/Liberty/fHvkBVSv">liberty</a> of a human or animal. </p><p>Chains can also symbolize <a href="/facts/Interconnectivity/3BMeTFXp">interconnectivity</a> or <a href="/facts/Interdependence/C56Ck7DQ">interdependence</a>. <a href="/facts/Unicode/DDu3MfPV">Unicode</a>, in versions 6.x, contains the U+1F517 🔗 LINK SYMBOL, which may show chain link(s). It may also denote a <a href="/facts/Hyperlink/LqNsa84e">hyperlink</a>. </p> <h2 id="gallery">Gallery</h2> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Belt_(mechanical)/k2zQ5tGv">Belt (mechanical)</a> – Method of connecting two rotating shafts or pulleys</li> <li><a href="/facts/Buffers_and_chain_coupler/nnxfDlMM">Buffers and chain coupler</a> – Coupling for railway vehicles</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_(unit)/C5U3VRMQ">Chain (unit)</a> – Unit of length</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_gang/04mDR2GD">Chain gang</a> – Group of prisoners chained together as a form of punishment</li> <li><a href="/facts/Chain_letter/8vVGBwYA">Chain letter</a> – Letter written in succession by a group of people</li> <li><a href="/facts/Gunter%2527s_chain/IQWcQNXb">Gunter's chain</a> – Distance measuring device used for surveying</li> <li><a href="/facts/Lariat_chain/tGTwA96h">Lariat chain</a> – Science demonstration</li> <li><a href="/facts/Rigging/bXnKHkKr">Rigging</a> – Ropes, cables and chains which support masts of sailing ships</li> <li><a href="/facts/Rigging_(material_handling)/x6zQJSWI">Rigging (material handling)</a> – Equipment and procedure in material handling</li></ul> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> Look up <i>chain</i> in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chains. <ul><li><a href="http://www.fehr.com/img/product/description/NACM%20Welded%20Chain%20Specifications.pdf">National Association of Chain Manufacturers</a>, NACM Welded Steel Chain Specifications</li> <li><a href="https://support.jamestowndistributors.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019309954-Chain-grades-and-links-explained">Chain Grades and Links Explained</a> Jamestown Distributors</li> <li><a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Chain">"Chain" </a>. <i><a href="/facts/Encyclop%25C3%25A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition/mPElbCRY">Encyclopædia Britannica</a></i>. Vol. 5 (11th ed.). 1911.</li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>"The Gilded Chain of Chanel". www.asg.org. American Sewing Guild. April 1, 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2025. <a href="https://www.asg.org/the-gilded-chain-of-chanel/" target="_blank">https://www.asg.org/the-gilded-chain-of-chanel/</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>Sterlacci, Francesca; Arbuckle, Joanne (2017). Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry (2 ed.). Rowman & Littlefield. p. 107. ISBN 978-1442239098. <a href="978-1442239098" target="_blank">978-1442239098</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>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. <a href="0-9658932-0-0" target="_blank">0-9658932-0-0</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>