Strength of chain vs cable

[TurboCup87]

I installed an anchor in my concrete slab to serve as an attachment point to chain down my trailer. The local Lowe's and HD max out their chain size at 3/8" They also have 3/8" wire cable. I realize that bigger is better in this department, but have some questions.

What is the relative strength and resistance to cutting between cable and chain? I suspect that some of the more motivated thieves carry battery powered cut off wheels, not just bolt cutters.

Cable would likely be somewhat easier to use since I buried the mounting point about 4" below the surface.

Is 3/8" enough?

Thanks GJ!

 

[jnkpile]

Either will do, in my experience locking something only keeps the lazy thieves at bay and the honest people honest. My only suggestion is stainless cable or anodized/coated chain.

 

[IOWNJUNK]

3/8 will work. I would use more than one though, put one in the center of the axle so it's harder to get to.

 

[CJM8515]

Chain is way harder to cut than cable imho. Go to a boating store, buy boat anchor chain, much stronger and heavier than lowes and HD.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Either will do, in my experience locking something only keeps the lazy thieves at bay and the honest people honest. My only suggestion is stainless cable or anodized/coated chain.

Decent advice. A thief that wants something is going to get it, about the only thing you can do is deter.

I lock the safety chains with the coupler to make it harder to cut too.

 

[BFBOB]

Do you have a burglar alarm? If so, today's wireless devices are as reliable as wired. Add a wireless transmitter or two, triggered by a simple wire loop that would have to be cut or disconnected to cut the chain off. A/C units are easily protected this way too. Alarms do work, as two thieves who messed with mine on two occasions can attest.

 

[Art From De Leon]

I bought some 3/8" "Super Strength" chain from some chain and cable specialist store on the internet, which cost about $8.50/ft (1/2" was about $12/ft) but I cannot remember either the correct name of the chain, or who the dealer was. Obviously, it can be cut, but that, and having a self-designed lock in and on the coupler should deter most thieves.

 

[Beemer533]

Take some heavy-duty chain and weave 1/4" stainless cable through it. Makes it a pain in the *** to cut.

Not impossible of course but much more annoying than one or the other by itself..

 

[vetron]

A friend told me that wireless cameras can be blocked and interfered with that's why he'll never use them.
On occasion I've run chain or my long cable thru a tire on my car hauler and thru the frame. I also use a ball hitch lock when I can't park a vehicle in front of it. All of this serves to deter.

 

[2ridgebacks]

Just curious, do you have a torch in the shop? That is going to negate most methods. As an alternative to cable or chain, you can use roller chain.

 

[TurboCup87]

Thanks for all of the advice. The cable weaved into the chain is a good idea.

We do have an alarm system, so I'll have to look into adding an accessory alarm out there. The two outdoor units for the HVAC are right there as well.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

A 12 year old kid had no trouble cutting the 5/8" top-of-the-line cable lock to "borrow" my kayak this spring. If there was any other way to secure it, Id have a chain on there in a heartbeat..

Tommy

 

[69gp]

Seriously all the methods that have been suggested are great to keep the neighborhood thief from taking your items. A battery operated cutoff wheel will go through the chain and cable pretty easy even if it is woven. like they say locks only keep the honest people out.

Think of American Graffiti when they chained the rear end of the cop car up and they drove off pulled the rear end right off. You should try and hide a chain under the trailer and lock it directly to the frame of your trailer. Do not attach to an axle or spring perch. leave a 10 or 15' feet of slack. Who knows you might find a trailer hitch attached to your trailer one day.

But seriously anything that impedes a thief is to your advantage

 

[Beemer533]

Just curious, do you have a torch in the shop? That is going to negate most methods. As an alternative to cable or chain, you can use roller chain.

As has been stated repeatedly, nothing short of hiring a full time security company to watch your stuff will keep someone from taking it...

But what it does do is keep the opportunistic thieves away. If someone is carrying around a torch set, you're screwed regardless.

 

[2ridgebacks]

As has been stated repeatedly, nothing short of hiring a full time security company to watch your stuff will keep someone from taking it...

But what it does do is keep the opportunistic thieves away. If someone is carrying around a torch set, you're screwed regardless.

I was asking if he had a torch. Kind of like locking the deadbolt and leaving a sledge sitting beside the door. You could even see it as a suggestion to look around your shop/property to look for opportunities you have created to make thievery easier.