Equipment
The 10 Best Lifting Chains
What are the best lifting chains?
Weight lifting chains are a form of added resistance on top of barbell or bodyweight exercises.
By adding the weight of heavy-duty steel chains to your workout, your muscles have to work harder to match the resistance and complete each repetition.
People at all fitness levels can benefit from lifting with chains, as there are many different widths and lengths available to suit beginners and advanced lifters.
With many lifting chain brands out there, it can be hard to find the right ones to challenge your body properly.
Luckily we carefully researched all the top choices and came up with this list of the best lifting chains to maximize your strength training.
The Best Lifting Chains Compared
Our equipment lists are created by researching the best-reviewed products from the most reputable web sources.
Here’s our list of the 10 best lifting chains:
In A Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick:
10. Dominion Strength Training – Leather Dip Belt Strap With Chain
Dominion Strength Training is a premium leather dip belt strap with a sturdy chain for weighted pull-ups and dips.
It fits any weightlifting belt and helps you load exercises effectively whether you’re working with kettlebells, dumbbells, iron plates, or bumper plates.
The brand uses top-grain leather and durable steel hardware to create these popular dip belt straps, which easily hold several 45 lb. plates.
There is a lifetime replacement guarantee protecting against wear and tear too.
Pros
- Top-grade leather strap for dip belts.
- Fits all weightlifting belts.
- Works with 1-inch plates.
- Suits weighted pull-ups and dips.
- Lifetime replacement guarantee.
- Holds multiple 45 lb. plates.
Cons
- Not made for barbells.
9. Suninlife – Lifting Chains
Suninlife weight lifting chains are durable Olympic barbell chains measuring 5.2 feet and weighing 26, 35, or 44 lb., depending on how much resistance you want.
These steel powerlifting chains with collars are rust-resistant thanks to high-quality Q235 steel construction, plus a galvanized and polished finish.
1.8-inch chain links keep them connected to any Olympic bar, while the spring snap hook allows you to split the chains in two for greater versatility.
You can also connect them to other collared weight lifting chains for heavier weights and even more resistance.
Plus, the L-shaped screw and black bar collar are easily assembled, so you can quickly attach or remove these chains from barbells.
Pros
- Heavy-duty Olympic barbell chains.
- Great for powerlifting, squats, and bench presses.
- Comfortable hanging on shoulders.
- Resists corrosion and rust.
- Easy attachment and assembly.
- Spring snap hook for quick splitting.
Cons
- May be too short for people over 6 feet tall.
8. Hawk Sports – Neck Exerciser With Chain
If you want to work your neck and traps, this neck exerciser from Hawk Sports is a smart investment.
It helps with strength and resistance training by lifting your head up and adding weight to each rep, thanks to a fully adjustable neck strap and sturdy steel chain.
There are 2-D rings, adjustable side hooks, and hook/loop Velcro to keep it comfortable around the head and neck.
The breathable fabric construction is sweat-wicking and hand washable, while the heavy-duty stitching lasts for years.
It comes with a 30-inch extra long adjustable chain for weight plate connections and 4mm soft neoprene head and forehead padding.
Pros
- Neck lifting chain with 2-D rings and side hooks.
- Hook/loop Velcro is easy to use.
- 30-inch extra long adjustable chain.
- 4mm soft neoprene padding.
- Sweat-wicking and hand washable.
- Protected by a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Some people find a neck harness uncomfortable.
7. Gymreapers – Dip Belt With Chain
Gymreapers delivers the best dip belt with a chain for explosive weightlifting, pull-ups, and dips.
The 30-inch thick steel chain offers a secure fit for your desired weight, while the belt itself has a contoured design with soft back support.
This is the ideal multi-use dip belt as it suits chin-ups and hip belt squats for more effective bodyweight exercises.
Features include an enlarged steel carabiner for easy connection, a thick D-ring attachment, and neoprene back padding.
Gymreapers says its dip belt is aesthetic and comfortable, so it can boost triceps, biceps, chest, and lats. It’s also protected by the brand’s lifetime replacement guarantee.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel chain on a dip belt.
- Comes in black, red, or ranger green color.
- Contoured back support for extra comfort.
- Increases resistance for bodyweight training.
- Can be used with plates for added weight.
- Supports squats, chin-ups, and pull-ups.
Cons
- Doesn’t work on barbells.
6. U9 – Lifting Chain
U9 offers the best weight lifting chain grip with ultra-functional strength training chains available in 6, 10, 14, or 18 lb.
The specially-shaped links offer a comfortable one-hand or two-hand grip, as both sides of the link serve as a strong handle.
The chain links have a very mobile connection, allowing you to switch up your grip without losing contact, whether you want a neutral, reverse, or direct grip.
High-quality rubber coating reduces the risk of injury and damage while ensuring quiet, comfortable performance every time.
There is a metal rod inside each link to provide ample durability and weight throughout the entire chain.
Pros
- Short, easy-to-handle lifting chains.
- Available in 6, 10, 14, or 18 lb.
- Supports neutral, reverse, and direct grip.
- Durable metal rod for rigid structure.
- Good for group exercise with noise reduction.
- Works well for beginners.
Cons
- Not as heavy as other chains.
5. Happybuy – Lifting Chains
Happybuy has the best lifting chains for powerlifting with this set of two 22 lb. bench press chains with collars.
The 5-foot length is ideal for most lifters using Olympic bars as the load gets heavier as the chain lifts off the ground during a bench press or deadlift.
The short chain links are easy to use, while the entire chain features high-quality steel and a zinc coat for anti-rust durability.
These lifting chains are perfect for pushups and dips as they boost bodyweight for stronger lifts every time.
Plus, there’s a spring snap hook in the middle of the chains so that you can make one chain into two shorter ones depending on your workout.
Pros
- Olympic barbell chains are ideal for powerlifting.
- 44 lb. total weight of two lifting chains.
- Steel black bar collar for fast attaching.
- Anti-rust zinc coating and durable steel.
- Versatile use with spring snap hook.
- 5-ft. chain is easier to control.
Cons
- May be too short for users over 6 feet.
4. Titan Fitness – Lifting Chains
Titan Fitness has the optimal lifting chains for low hang resistance with this pair of 6 foot 3/4 inch heavy steel chains.
Each chain weighs 31 lb. and provides challenging resistance to increase your one-rep max for deadlifts, bench presses, back squats, and more.
These chains come with carabiners, and the connector chain hangs weight low on the bar, so you get the highest resistance level to improve acceleration and speed.
With the lighter weight at the bottom and heavier weight at the top, these chains help produce bigger gym results.
There’s less fiddling around with these shorter Titan Fitness chains compared to longer ones, so if you want clean and controlled movements, it’s an excellent choice.
Pros
- Includes carabiners and connector chains for a low hang.
- Durable build for heavy-duty steel chains.
- Ideal for advanced lifters with 62 lb. of resistance.
- 6-foot length is ideal for effective workouts.
- Improves acceleration and speed.
- Good for deadlifts and back squats.
Cons
- Galvanized quality isn’t as great as other chains.
3. RopeFit – Lifting Chains
RopeFit makes the best galvanized steel lifting chains for beginners, as this chain set weighs 28 lb. and can be used for squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
There are 2x 5 foot 1/2 inch chain sections and 2x 4 foot 3/16 inch leader chains, plus two spring links, all made from heavy-duty forged steel.
These rust-resistant chains boost top-end strength and can be adapted and stacked to suit different exercises.
RopeFit chains are easy to attach to barbells and don’t take up a lot of bar space, so you can still maintain your intended grip.
For the best results, put the lead chains through the main chain to ensure the weight comes off the floor when you reach the top of your movement.
Pros
- High-strength galvanized stainless steel chains.
- Durable lead and larger chains attach to barbells.
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space on the bar.
- Easily adaptable for different exercises.
- Rust-resistant chains.
- Can stack chains for more weight.
Cons
- Difficult to measure.
- Length is a bit excessive for most users.
2. Advantage Rigging – Weight Lifting Chain Package
If you’re into powerlifting and CrossFit, then Advantage Rigging has the ideal weight lifting chain package for you.
This 65.6 lb. weight lifting chain package is 32.8 lb. on each side, with 5/8 and 1/2 inch thickness, plus two snap links and a pair of carabiners.
By combining 5-foot pieces of 5/8 and 1/2 inch chain, Advantage Rigging gives advanced lifters heavy resistance via carabiner attachments.
These collar-free chains are easy to adjust and encourage faster lifts, better stability, and improved form.
A lot of people connect the chains to a barbell to generate more resistance and help strengthen weak spots during weight training workouts.
Pros
- Advanced chains for CrossFit and powerlifting.
- Carabiner attachments for better control.
- Collar-free chains boost stability and form.
- Works well for barbell resistance.
- Heavy-duty design.
- Rust-proof lifting chains.
Cons
- Fiddly fastening mechanisms.
- 10 feet is too long for some lifters.
1. Ader – Barbell Olympic Weight Lifting Chain Set
The Ader – Barbell Olympic Weight Lifting Chain Set is the best overall with your choice of black or zinc lifting chains in 30, 45, and 60 lb.
This set of three alloy steel chains is made of heavy-duty forged steel dipped in oil for a non-toxic oxide finish.
Each chain is about 60 inches long and the thickness varies between 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 inch, with zinc shaft collars securing the chains.
This makes it easy to secure the chains, so links are in the right position on and off the ground.
Users say these chains don’t chip easily, making them a long-lasting option for effective lifting with chains.
Pros
- Heavy-duty forged steel lifting chains.
- Collars keep chains in the correct position.
- Variety of 30, 45, and 60 lb. chains.
- 60 inches long for easy control.
- Non-toxic oxide finish.
- Rust resistant.
Cons
- Finish may feel a bit oily.
FAQs About Lifting Chains
Lifting chains add a whole new level of resistance to strength training routines.
To better understand what to expect from lifting with chains, here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions about lifting chains.
Q: How Do You Use Lifting Chains?
To use lifting chains, you can either safely put the chains around your neck and shoulders for bodyweight exercises or use barbell collars to attach directly to barbells.
The bulk of the chains rest on the ground at the start of the lift and then come off the ground when you reach the strongest point of the movement.
This effectively adds resistance to force your muscles to work harder in each rep, which leads to more muscle development and strength gains.
Q: What Does Benching with Chains Do?
Benching with chains increases the overall weight as each link comes off the floor. If you want more resistance with the lifting load, then powerlifting chains are a great idea.
There are many benefits to adding resistance during strength training, including increased bone, muscle, and tissue strength.
Also, benching with chains increases muscle mass so your body can better burn calories and fat.
When you want an extra challenge in the gym, workout chains are an excellent choice that gives you a training advantage.
Q: What Does Squatting with Chains Do?
Squatting with chains lets you overload at the top of the lift while keeping it light at the bottom so you can regroup and go back into another explosive squat.
If you want maximum drive and power with each squat, lifting chains have a noticeable impact.
You can feel the extra resistance, and while your muscles work harder, you’ll experience a powerful burn.
The more squats you do with chains, the bigger strides you can make toward your strength training goals.
Q: How Heavy Are Lifting Chains?
Most lifting chains are between 10 and 50 lbs. If you want a heavier lift, you can use multiple chains simultaneously to maximize the resistance.
Whichever weight you go with, keep in mind that accommodation resistance training with lifting chains can trigger a physiological response by increasing the strength of stabilizing muscle groups.
That’s why incorporating heavy lifting chains into your workout routine supports continued progress over time so you can keep reaching your gym goals.
Q: How Long Should Lifting Chains Be?
Lifting chains should be at least 5 feet long, if not closer to 6 or 7 feet, for the best results in the gym.
People on the taller side usually like their lifting chains to be a little longer, while shorter workout chains work for those under 6 feet tall.
The best lifting chains are easy to control even with their heavier weight and length.
This means you can build stronger muscles thanks to the high metabolic cost and calorie burn of weight lifting chain workouts.
Q: Which Lifting Chains to Choose?
When buying weight lifting chains, the main thing to consider is how heavy you want them to be. If you’re starting out, somewhere between 10-20 lb. is probably a good place to begin.
If you’re an experienced weightlifter, you could opt for 40-60 lb. lifting chains for greater resistance on squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and more.
Remember, even two 20-minute resistance training sessions a week can make a big difference, but it’s important to have a safe grip.
You don’t want to end up injuring your hands or wrists, so look for barbell chains that are easy to grip and attach with proper barbell collars and clips.
You may also want to consider if you want weight lifting chains on a belt or standalone chains to wear around your neck and shoulders.
Summary
Weight lifting chains are an exciting way to take strength training to the next level by adding resistance and intensity to your workouts.
The best lifting chains are heavy-duty and high-strength, so you can use them with a barbell or put them over your shoulders for extra resistance.
There are plenty of workout chains to choose from, and no matter which one of our top picks you go with, you can expect to feel more muscle burn and see greater muscle growth.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best lifting chains:
- Ader – Barbell Olympic Weight Lifting Chain Set
- Advantage Rigging – Weight Lifting Chain Package
- RopeFit – Lifting Chains
- Titan Fitness – Lifting Chains
- Happybuy – Lifting Chains
- U9 – Lifting Chain
- Gymreapers – Dip Belt With Chain
- Hawk Sports – Neck Exerciser With Chain
- Suninlife – Lifting Chains
- Dominion Strength Training – Leather Dip Belt Strap With Chain
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other equipment lists:
