Cut Your Own Chain Links for Lag Screws
Chain links are the attachment points for your lag screws — slide a couple links onto the screw before you drive it in and you've got a hook point for ratchet straps, which is how most people strap down their camp. For 3/8" lags you want 1/4" utility chain, not hardened steel. It fits the lag perfect, no washers needed, and you can actually cut it. The hardware store sells it by the foot and they'll cut it to length, but they typically won’t cut a bunch of small sections. Their cutters aren't made for that, it takes forever, and half the time they just break. So now I cut my own sections with 42" bolt cutters (36” would probably work). Takes minutes, and I can order the chain straight to my house without stepping foot in a hardware store.
1/4” Chain runs about 10 links a foot and you’ll lose a link every cut, so be sure to factor that into your calcs.
Amazon Links
- 1/4" Galvanized Utility Chain · Fits 3/8" lags perfect, no washers needed. Hardware stores sell by the foot if you need smaller quantity.
- 42" Bolt Cutters — Harbor Freight · Best deal I found, under $40. Not on Amazon, so it's not in the cart above.
- 42" Bolt Cutters — Amazon · If you can't get to a Harbor Freight.
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