Introduction
Chain clips, sometimes called snap hooks, carabiner clips, or quick links, are essential connectors used across a huge range of industries — from construction and rigging to camping, marine, and everyday DIY. They provide a fast, reliable way to attach, join or extend lengths of chain, rope or wire.
Whether you’re looking for stainless steel carabiner clips, galvanised quick links, swivels for chains, or heavy duty snap hooks, choosing the right chain clip is vital for strength, safety, and longevity. This guide explains everything you need to know — the types, materials, load ratings, and common applications — so you can confidently select the best chain clip for your job.
What Are Chain Clips?
A chain clip is a mechanical connector that allows two components — typically chains, ropes, or cables — to be quickly joined or released. They are designed for ease of use, durability, and strength. The most common types include carabiner clips (snap hooks), quick links, and swivels, each suited to a slightly different purpose.
Chain clips come in various materials such as stainless steel, zinc-plated steel, brass and galvanised finishes, with different locking systems depending on whether the connection needs to be temporary or semi-permanent.
Main Types of Chain Clips
1. Carabiner Clips (Snap Hooks)
Carabiner clips, also known as snap hooks, are spring-loaded connectors with a hinged gate that opens to allow a chain, rope or ring to pass through. When released, the gate closes automatically, keeping the connection secure.
They are extremely versatile, used in both industrial and leisure settings — from construction and rigging to keychains, pet leads and camping gear. Carabiner chain clips are quick to operate and ideal for light to moderate loads where speed and convenience are priorities.
For safety-critical or load-bearing applications, always ensure the carabiner is rated for lifting or load use rather than recreational use only. Industrial versions are often forged or stamped steel with a screw-lock or twist-lock gate for extra security.
2. Quick Links
Quick links are oval or triangular metal links that open via a threaded collar, allowing the user to insert a chain or rope before screwing it closed. Once tightened, they form a secure and semi-permanent connection.
They are sometimes called chain repair links, connecting links, or maillon rapides. Quick links are widely used to join two ends of chain, create loops, or make temporary repairs.
Unlike snap hooks, quick links cannot open accidentally once tightened, making them ideal for semi-permanent or safety applications such as hanging, lifting, and securing loads.
They are available in a range of materials including galvanised steel quick links for outdoor use, zinc plated for indoor or light use, and stainless steel quick links for marine or corrosive environments.
3. Swivels
Swivels are rotating connectors designed to prevent twisting in ropes or chains under tension. A chain swivel typically consists of two eyes or links joined by a rotating central body that allows full rotation without twisting the attached components.
They are essential in situations where the load might turn or rotate, such as in mooring, lifting, or towing applications. Swivels protect against knotting and mechanical stress caused by torsion.
You’ll find stainless steel swivels used in marine environments, galvanised swivels in industrial rigging, and heavy duty lifting swivels fitted with bearings for smooth, continuous rotation under load.
4. S-Hooks and Spring Hooks
S-hooks and spring hooks are simpler chain clip designs. The S-hook has an open “S” shape allowing quick, tool-free attachment to a chain or fitting. It’s best for static connections or light hanging tasks rather than heavy lifting.
Spring hooks work similarly to carabiners but with a lighter mechanism. They’re ideal for attaching accessories, keys, tags, or hanging lightweight equipment. Stainless or nickel-plated versions are often used in decorative or household contexts.
5. Screw Gate Carabiners
A screw gate carabiner is a more secure version of the standard snap hook. The gate features a threaded sleeve that can be twisted closed to lock it in place. This prevents accidental opening, particularly useful for climbing, rigging or safety harness connections.
Screw gate carabiners are made in various materials — alloy steel for industrial lifting, aluminium for lightweight use, and stainless steel for corrosion resistance. When used as chain connectors, they combine quick operation with strong, secure closure.
Materials and Finishes
Selecting the correct material ensures the chain clip performs reliably in its environment.
Stainless steel chain clips are highly resistant to corrosion and ideal for marine, outdoor or wet environments. They maintain appearance and strength even when exposed to saltwater.
Galvanised chain clips and zinc plated chain clips are cost-effective options for general outdoor and industrial use, providing good resistance to rust.
Brass chain clips offer aesthetic appeal and moderate corrosion resistance, often used in decorative or light-duty situations.
For heavy duty chain clips, forged alloy steel provides superior strength and durability for lifting or load-bearing work.
When corrosion resistance is a priority, stainless steel is the premium choice; when affordability and basic protection are key, galvanised or zinc-plated steel is usually sufficient.
Chain Clip Sizes and Load Ratings
Chain clips are available in a wide range of sizes, from miniature 3 mm links suitable for small chains or tags, to large 16 mm or 20 mm connectors designed for industrial lifting and rigging.
Each clip type has its own Working Load Limit (WLL) — the maximum safe load it can support. This varies depending on size, material, and design. Quick links and swivels used for lifting or load-bearing should always display a clear WLL or load rating.
If you are joining chain, ensure the link or clip matches the chain size and has at least the same working load capacity. Never mix components of unequal ratings in a single system — the weakest component determines the safe working load.
Choosing the Right Chain Clip
Choosing the correct chain clip starts with defining how it will be used.
If you need a temporary or quick connection, a carabiner clip or snap hook is ideal. For a secure, semi-permanent link, select a quick link and tighten it fully. Where twisting or rotation is expected, such as in mooring or lifting, a swivel chain clip prevents strain and tangling.
Next, consider the environment. Use galvanised or stainless steel chain clips outdoors or in wet environments. For indoor or decorative use, plated steel or brass may be sufficient.
Finally, always check the load capacity. For lifting or towing, use only clips rated for load-bearing. Decorative or utility clips may look identical but lack the strength or testing for safety-critical applications.
Typical Uses and Applications
Chain clips appear in almost every industry and activity imaginable. In construction, they connect lifting chains, hoists, and rigging components. In marine and boating, stainless steel quick links and swivels prevent corrosion and twisting of mooring lines.
They are equally common in outdoor and camping equipment, used to attach gear, hang lanterns, or secure tarps. In agriculture and industrial environments, heavy duty chain clips provide quick connections for machinery, gates, and load-bearing tasks.
Everyday uses include keychains, pet leads, hanging signage, sports equipment, and home DIY projects. Their combination of strength, convenience and reusability makes them one of the most versatile fittings available.
Inspection and Maintenance
Chain clips should be inspected regularly, especially when used for lifting, towing, or safety purposes. Check for cracks, wear, corrosion, or deformation. Ensure that gates on carabiners and snap hooks spring closed fully and that threaded collars on quick links screw down tightly.
For stainless steel, a rinse with fresh water helps remove salt and contaminants. For galvanised clips, avoid scratching the coating. Replace any clip that shows visible damage, and never attempt to repair or weld them — this can severely weaken the metal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are chain clips used for?
They are used to connect chains, ropes or cables quickly and securely, for lifting, hanging, towing, or general fastening.
What’s the difference between a carabiner clip and a quick link?
A carabiner clip opens with a spring gate for fast use, while a quick link screws closed, creating a stronger and more permanent connection.
Can I use a carabiner clip for lifting?
Only if it is rated and marked for lifting. General-purpose or decorative carabiners are not safe for load-bearing.
Are stainless steel chain clips better than galvanised ones?
Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance and is ideal for marine or outdoor environments. Galvanised steel provides good protection at a lower cost.
What size chain clip do I need?
Match the clip’s internal diameter and load rating to your chain size and expected working load. When in doubt, choose the next size up for safety.
Summary
Chain clips, whether in the form of carabiner clips, quick links, swivels or spring hooks, are small but indispensable connectors. Choosing the right one depends on how you intend to use it — temporary or permanent, light or heavy duty, indoor or outdoor.
Stainless steel chain clips excel in harsh, marine conditions; galvanised chain clips are practical for general outdoor use; and quick links provide the most secure closure for permanent connections.
By understanding the types, materials and load ratings, you can select chain clips that offer the perfect balance of strength, safety, and ease of use — ensuring every connection is as reliable as the chain itself.