LEAF CHAIN ULTIMATE TENSILE STRENGTH
Minimum ultimate tensile strength (MUTS) values for BL series leaf chains per ASME B29.8.
Values are given in lbf with metric equivalents in kN.
Leaf chains are widely used in lifting devices, forklifts, and material handling equipment due to their high strength and compact design.
One of the most important parameters when selecting a leaf chain is its ultimate tensile strength, which represents the maximum load the chain can withstand before breaking.
According to ASME B29.8 standard, each BL series leaf chain has a specified minimum ultimate tensile strength, expressed both in pounds-force (lbf) and kilonewtons (kN).
The table below provides the reference values for different chain numbers.
Leaf chain minimum ultimate tensile strength — ASME B29.8
| Chain No. |
Min. Ultimate
Tensile Strength |
Chain No. |
Min. Ultimate
Tensile Strength |
| lbf (kN) |
lbf (kN) |
| BL-422 | 5000 (22.2) | BL-1044 | 52000 (231.3) |
| BL-423 | 5000 (22.2) | BL-1046 | 52000 (231.3) |
| BL-434 | 7500 (33.4) | BL-1066 | 78000 (347.0) |
| BL-444 | 10000 (44.5) | — |
| BL-446 | 10000 (44.5) | BL-1222 | 34000 (151.2) |
| BL-466 | 15000 (66.7) | BL-1223 | 34000 (151.2) |
| — | BL-1234 | 55000 (244.6) |
| BL-522 | 7500 (33.4) | BL-1244 | 68000 (302.5) |
| BL-523 | 7500 (33.4) | BL-1246 | 68000 (302.5) |
| BL-534 | 11000 (48.9) | BL-1266 | 102000 (453.7) |
| BL-544 | 15000 (66.7) | — |
| BL-546 | 15000 (66.7) | BL-1422 | 43000 (191.3) |
| BL-566 | 22500 (100.1) | BL-1423 | 43000 (191.3) |
| — | BL-1434 | 71000 (315.8) |
| BL-622 | 11000 (48.9) | BL-1444 | 86000 (382.6) |
| BL-623 | 11000 (48.9) | BL-1446 | 86000 (382.6) |
| BL-634 | 17000 (75.6) | BL-1466 | 130000 (578.3) |
| BL-644 | 22000 (97.9) | — |
| BL-646 | 22000 (97.9) | BL-1622 | 65000 (289.1) |
| BL-666 | 33000 (146.8) | BL-1623 | 65000 (289.1) |
| — | BL-1634 | 99000 (440.4) |
| BL-822 | 19000 (84.5) | BL-1644 | 130000 (578.3) |
| BL-823 | 19000 (84.5) | BL-1646 | 130000 (578.3) |
| BL-834 | 29000 (129.0) | BL-1666 | 195000 (867.4) |
| BL-844 | 38000 (169.0) | — |
| BL-846 | 38000 (169.0) | BL-2022 | 97500 (433.7) |
| BL-866 | 57000 (253.6) | BL-2023 | 97500 (433.7) |
| — | BL-2034 | 146000 (649.4) |
| BL-1022 | 26000 (115.6) | BL-2044 | 195000 (867.4) |
| BL-1023 | 26000 (115.6) | BL-2046 | 195000 (867.4) |
| BL-1034 | 41000 (182.4) | BL-2066 | 292500 (1301.1) |
When choosing a chain for your application, it is important to consider not only the ultimate tensile strength, but also working load, fatigue resistance, and environmental factors such as corrosion.
Leaf chains (BL series) are commonly paired with sheaves and clevises, and must be selected in accordance with design safety factors.
This chart is intended as a quick engineering reference for leaf chain tensile strength values, but users should always verify the selection against operating conditions and manufacturer recommendations.
For additional technical details, please refer to the
leaf chain dimensions chart or consult the ASME B29.8 standard for comprehensive design data.
Reference
- ASME B29.8-2010 — Leaf Chains, Clevises, and Sheaves