Axe Sickle 2 Pcs 5/32 x 23 Inch Link Chain 304 Stainless Steel Coil Chain for Transport Tie Down Binder Chain Pulling Towing Hanging, Home, Camping, Pet Towing, 4mm

Why I picked up this chain

I reach for short runs of stainless chain far more often than I expected. Hanging a shade sail, extending a hammock on a freestanding frame, adding a spacer in a home gym—two-foot segments are the Swiss Army knife of quick, adjustable connections. That’s why I tested Axe Sickle’s 304 stainless chain in the 23-inch, 5/32-inch size. It’s sold as a two-pack, so you can run them individually or couple them for a 46-inch run.

After several weeks of mixed indoor and outdoor use, it’s a solid light‑ to medium‑duty option with a few important caveats, mostly around realistic load expectations and hardware compatibility.

Build quality and materials

This chain is made from 304 stainless with a buffed finish. The surface is not mirror‑polished, but it’s clean and consistent, with no nasty burrs or sharp edges. Each link is welded, and the welds on my sets were continuous and neatly ground; there were no cold joints or gaps that would scare me off.

Measurements on my sample:
- Wire diameter: 3.95–4.00 mm (about 5/32 inch), checked with calipers
- Link length: ~0.86 inch (about 22 mm)
- Inner width: ~0.32 inch (about 8 mm)
- Segment length: 23 inches each, end to end

The dimensional accuracy matters because it dictates which connectors will fit through the links. More on that below.

A quick magnet check suggests true 304 stainless—only the slightest attraction from a strong magnet, which is typical for cold‑worked 304. That’s consistent with the corrosion performance I saw after leaving one length outdoors through rain and temperature swings: no orange rust, no tea staining. If you’re near salt spray or plan for long‑term marine use, I’d move up to 316 stainless, but for general outdoor exposure 304 is a practical, cost‑effective choice.

Rating, expectations, and what it should (and shouldn’t) do

The stated working load limit (WLL) is 150 kg / 330 lb. That’s a reasonable rating for 4 mm stainless coil chain and squarely puts this product in the light‑ to medium‑duty category. It handled everything I threw at it within that envelope, including:
- Extending a freestanding hammock (static load under 250 lb)
- Hanging a 100 lb punching bag from a ceiling bracket (with a proper spring and shackle, no shock loading)
- Adding length on a cable machine attachment where a short offset was needed (well under the rating in actual use)

A few safety notes from that experience:
- WLL is not breaking strength. Don’t assume a big safety factor. Treat 330 lb as the real limit and avoid shock loads.
- This is not chain for overhead lifting or life safety. It’s not graded alloy lift chain. Use purpose-rated hardware for those scenarios.
- Despite the product page language, I wouldn’t choose this for vehicle towing or heavy mooring. It’s fine for light dinghy mooring, kayak tie‑offs, or gate chains, but not for high‑load, mission‑critical applications.

Fit and compatibility

The link geometry determines how easily your connectors pass through:
- With an inner width around 8 mm, the chain accepts small hardware comfortably.
- 1/4 inch (6 mm) quick links, shackles, and carabiners fit well.
- 5/16 inch (8 mm) hardware can fit but is tight and can bind depending on the shape of the gate or pin.
- 3/8 inch (10 mm) pins will not pass through.

If you need to pass a bulky hook or large eye, consider using a small quick link as an adapter: quick link attaches to the chain, then your larger hook attaches to the quick link.

Each piece is 23 inches long, which I’ve found to be a sweet spot for “adjustable but not floppy.” For longer runs, I often connect both to get about 46 inches. If you routinely need more, buying chain by the foot may be better value; use these for the last adjustable segment near the load.

Real‑world use

• Shade sail: I used one segment to tension a corner of a sail between a stainless D‑shackle on the sail and a wall anchor. The short length was ideal for fine-tuning tension. After a month outdoors with rain and sun, there’s no corrosion and no stretch.
• Home gym: I added a segment to a lat pulldown attachment to tweak my starting position. The links nest well without twisting the carabiner gate, and the chain didn’t leave black smudges the way some galvanized chains do.
• Hammock: On a steel frame, I used the chain to get the sag dialed in precisely. Using a 1/4 inch quick link, it’s easy to count links for repeatable setup on both ends.

In each case, the finish is smooth enough not to fray webbing or rope that occasionally rides over a link, though I still recommend pairing with proper softeners or using metal‑to‑metal connections for longevity.

Durability and corrosion resistance

304 stainless is a good match for general outdoor use. I intentionally left one piece on a backyard gate where it was rained on repeatedly and exposed to morning sprinklers. After weeks, the finish still looks clean, and the weld areas haven’t shown the “tea stain” you sometimes see on lower‑quality stainless. If you live by the ocean or plan to use these in a marine environment, expect much better performance than plated or galvanized chain, but 316 stainless would still beat 304 for long‑term salt exposure.

Quirks and gotchas

• Product copy: Some listings say “0.5 inch thickness,” which is clearly a typo. The wire is about 5/32 inch (4 mm). Plan your hardware around the 8 mm inner width and 4 mm wire diameter, not the “0.5 inch” claim.
• Not a lifting chain: Although the product description throws in “lifting” and “towing,” the 330 lb WLL says otherwise. Use it as a tether, tie‑down extender, light hanger, or safety lanyard—not for hoisting loads overhead or towing vehicles.
• Short length by design: Two 23-inch pieces are versatile, but if you need a continuous 6–8 foot run, buy bulk chain. I treat these as “adjustable spacers” more than full runs.

Value

For true 304 stainless, the two‑pack format is practical and typically good value. You’re paying for corrosion resistance, clean finish, and predictable sizing rather than brute strength. If you were considering galvanized chain at a lower price, remember that stainless doesn’t shed zinc dust, is friendlier around fabric/webbing, and looks better over time.

Tips for getting the most out of it

• Use 1/4 inch (6 mm) hardware for the cleanest fit. If in doubt, add a small quick link to bridge to larger hooks or shackles.
• Avoid shock loads. If you’re hanging a bag or swing, consider adding a spring or webbed hanger to absorb impacts.
• Inspect the welds periodically. Mine were sound, but regular checks are good practice on any chain you rely on.
• For coastal use, rinse after salt exposure or step up to 316 stainless if you can.

Pros and cons

Pros
- True 304 stainless with clean, buffed finish
- Accurate dimensions and consistent welds
- Corrosion-resistant in rain and general outdoor use
- Handy 23-inch segments; two‑pack offers flexibility

Cons
- 330 lb WLL limits use to light/medium duty
- Link opening (~8 mm) constrains hardware choices
- Product copy has a confusing “0.5 inch thickness” line
- Not suitable for overhead lifting or heavy towing

Recommendation

I recommend this Axe Sickle stainless chain for anyone who needs short, corrosion‑resistant chain segments for light to medium duty: hanging accessories, extending tie‑downs, dialing in hammock or swing length, or making adjustable connections outdoors. The build quality is solid, the stainless holds up in wet conditions, and the sizing is predictable. Just respect the 330 lb working load limit, pair it with appropriately sized 1/4 inch hardware, and avoid critical lifting or towing tasks. Used within its lane, it’s a reliable, tidy solution that’s earned a permanent spot in my kit.