VEVOR Transport Binder Chain, 4900lbs Working Load Limit, 5/16''x20' G80 Tow Chain Tie Down with Grab Hooks, DOT Certified, Galvanized Coating Manganese Steel for Dock Factory Construction Site, 2Pack

I put the VEVOR 5/16-in G80 binder chain to work the day it arrived, starting with a straightforward task: tying down a mid-size skid steer on a flatbed. From the first throw, it felt like the right blend of heft and usability—substantial enough to inspire confidence, but not so bulky that it slows you down.

Build and Finish

This is a 5/16-inch by 20-foot transport chain built from alloy (manganese) steel and rated to Grade 80. The chain and grab hooks are galvanized, not painted, which matters more than it sounds. The zinc finish shrugs off moisture and mud better than painted or cheaply plated chain; after multiple wet jobs and a few muddy recoveries, I’ve seen the usual scuffs but no early rust blooms. The finish is even and doesn’t feel chalky or too slick.

Both grab hooks are properly sized for 5/16 chain, pinned with solid shafts and secured with cotter pins. The pins seat well, no slop or odd angles, and the throats of the hooks don’t show the thin, sharp edges you sometimes see on bargain hardware. Out of the box, I gave every link and both hooks a quick pass with gloves on—no burrs, no questionable welds, and no “mystery” links.

VEVOR marks this chain as DOT-compliant, and I found clean, legible markings for size and grade. The working load limit is 4,900 lb with a stated 4:1 safety factor, and the alloy spec claims >800 MPa tensile strength. The numbers line up with what I’d expect for a transport chain at this size, and the safety factor gives a comfortable margin for tie-down work when used correctly.

On a Trailer: Day-to-Day Use

Twenty feet is a versatile length. For equipment tie-downs, it will reach where you need without acrobatics, even on longer trailers or awkward anchor layouts. That said, for tasks like binding a skid steer or compact tractor, 20 feet can be more chain than you strictly need. I ended up cutting one chain to 10 feet and adding a new grab hook to the fresh end, which gave me more flexibility: two shorter chains for typical tie-down points and a full-length chain when I need the extra reach.

• Fit with binders: It pairs cleanly with standard 5/16–3/8 ratchet binders. The hooks seat firmly and don’t “creep” out of links under tension.
• Take-up feel: Under a ratchet binder, the chain tightens predictably without any springy sensation. No popping, no twisty behavior that kinks a run.
• Hardware bite: The grab hooks bite into links as they should without chewing them up. After repeated cycles, the link flats show normal, light wear.

I like that the chain doesn’t fight you when snaking around odd geometry—loader arms, bucket eyes, or D-rings set at odd angles. It lays relatively flat and isn’t overly stiff. Handling with gloves is comfortable, which matters when you’re balancing on a trailer rail in 30-degree weather.

Field Work: Pulling and Recovery

Although this is sold as a transport chain, I also used it for a few light recovery and pulling tasks—tugging a shrub stump, reorienting a small fallen tree to a better cutting angle, and nudging a stuck pickup back onto firm ground. Within the stated working load, it behaved exactly as a good chain should: no visible stretch, no scary noises, and the hooks stayed put.

A couple of notes for pulling:

• The grab hooks make fast choke setups around logs or brush, but you’ll want a softener or a rounded attachment point on painted equipment to avoid damage.
• For vehicle recovery, I prefer to use shackles and dedicated recovery points rather than hook-to-hole connections. This chain works well with 3/4-inch bow shackles.

Important caveat: Even though it’s Grade 80, this is not for overhead lifting unless specifically rated and configured for that purpose. Treat it as a transport/tie-down chain and a pulling tool within its WLL.

Durability Over Time

After several weeks of mixed use—tie-downs, dragging logs, short pulls—the galvanized finish is holding up. The highest-wear links show polished flats and shallow scuffs, nothing unusual. I’m not seeing premature flaking or white rust. The pins and cotters in the hooks remain tight, and the hooks haven’t developed any deformation in the throats or the ears.

I rinse the chain when it’s muddy and let it dry before throwing it into a chain bag. A spritz of light oil on the hooks helps if you expect a long winter. The chain coils reasonably well; it’s a heavy 20 feet, but you don’t wrestle it like a 3/8-inch chain.

Compliance and Confidence

For highway work, I pay close attention to ratings and markings. On this chain, the size, grade, and DOT identifiers are visible and consistent with the stated WLL of 4,900 lb and the 4:1 safety factor. For practical tie-down plans, that means:

• Securing a machine in the ~8,000–10,000 lb range with multiple tie-downs and direction-specific restraints is straightforward when you combine two or more of these chains with correctly rated binders.
• On equipment with awkward center of gravity, use additional chains as needed, and pay attention to angles—low and opposed, not steep and vertical.

It’s a simple chain, but the right marks and a conservative WLL do matter if you transport on public roads.

What I Like

• Solid value for a Grade 80, 5/16-inch chain with a galvanized finish and proper grab hooks.
• Predictable behavior under a ratchet binder—no link distortion or creeping hooks.
• Galvanized coating that resists rust and doesn’t flake off at the first scrape.
• DOT markings and a clear WLL make load planning straightforward.
• Versatile 20-foot length that can be cut into two 10-footers when needed.

Where It Could Be Better

• At 20 feet, storage can be clumsy. A chain bag or simple strap would be a welcome inclusion.
• Only grab hooks are included. That’s the right choice for transport, but consider adding a slip hook or a couple of shackles to your kit for pulling and recovery.
• The WLL of 4,900 lb is entirely adequate, but some users may expect a higher WLL from Grade 80 at this size. As always, use the stated WLL, not assumptions based on grade.

Practical Tips

• Pair it with 5/16–3/8 ratchet binders rated at or above the chain’s WLL. Avoid lever binders unless you’re very comfortable with them.
• Inspect markings and hooks before first use. Confirm the size, grade, and WLL, and ensure cotter pins are properly bent.
• If you shorten the chain, add a quality 5/16 grab hook with a rated clevis and record the new effective lengths for quick selection in the field.
• Use edge protectors or softeners on painted or sharp edges to extend chain life and protect equipment.
• Store it dry. A rinse and quick dry will keep galvanized chain looking new far longer.

The Bottom Line

The VEVOR 5/16-in G80 binder chain hits the right notes for everyday transport and utility work: trustworthy markings, a sensible WLL with an appropriate safety factor, a durable galvanized finish, and hooks that actually fit and hold. In use, it’s been reliable for securing equipment and handy for light pulling tasks around a jobsite or property.

I recommend this chain for contractors, landowners, and anyone hauling compact and mid-size equipment who wants a durable, DOT-marked chain without paying a premium. It’s a practical, hard-wearing option that balances metallurgy, finish, and usability. If you keep to the stated working load, pair it with rated binders, and give it the usual care, it should serve you well for a long time.