Destruction Tester

07/13/2026

Today we did some destructive testing on a 1/2” 6x7 sandline. We occasionally preform breaks on sandline batches to ensure service and swab rig lines are preforming to spec. This one was pulled under load loaded with duplex sleeve ends until it finally separated.

This one held strong all the way to 24,600 lbs — coming in above spec. Have you ever had to shear sand line or accidentally parted?

07/07/2026

Today we tested 3/8” Grade 70 Trailer Safety chain in a straight pull. 3ft chain chunks.
The straight pull broke at 33,700Lbs.
That’s a solid jump compared to the twisted version we tested last time (around 27,000 lbs). Twisting the chain to shorten it really does cost you strength.

Next up: knotted chain!

Twisted or Straight trailer chains ? Drop your thoughts below.

07/06/2026

Today we took a 3ft piece of Grade 70 chain and twisted it 10 times to simulate how a lot of guys shorten chain for trailers.

We’ve tested Grade 70 chain in a straight pull before, Twisting the chain like this creates stress points and should reduce its overall strength.

This is a common shortcut for folks hauling trailers. Always use the correct length of chain or proper binders instead of twisting it up.
Do you think it’s ok to twist chain to shorten it on a trailer? Drop your stories below.

07/02/2026

Today we tested a very improper rigging setup on a 3/8” Grade 100 chain by request.

We wrapped the clevis grab hook around a 2” shackle pin, then hooked it back onto the 3rd link below the clevis sling hook (basketed to itself).

This created a sharp bend and heavy point loading right where the grab hook grabbed the chain link. That’s why it failed much earlier than it should have. The low D/d ratio from the pin helped reduce the chain’s strength.

Have you ever seen someone rig a chain improper? Drop your stories below.

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06/30/2026

Today we tested an SGG 3/8” Grade 100 chain setup by pulling it between two sets of 3/8” chain to see what would give first.

The SGG chain made it through with only some stretched hooks and grooving. No catastrophic failure. The black chain on the other end ended up being the one that let go.

The side loading from the grab hook played a big role in where the failure happened.These tests always show something interesting about how loads actually move through a system.

Have you ever seen side loading cause a failure in an unexpected spot on the job? Drop your experiences below.

06/28/2026

Grade 100 vs Grade 80.
3/8” self-locking swivel hooks going toe-to-toe in the test bed.One’s rated 8,800 lbs, the other 7,100 lbs. We didn’t stop until they had nothing left to give.

The Grade 100 hung in there all the way to 45,800 lbs. The Grade 80 made it to 37,000 lbs before it finally waved the white flag.
Both hooks stretched like crazy before they let go.

Which one do you think held up better than expected? Drop your thoughts below.

06/26/2026

Here’s something we’ve never seen before. An 1-1/8” Yoke master ring that came back from the field in a very unique, almost “figure eight” like twist.

This one was used in railroad recovery work, where they regularly deal with some serious loads. We’re not entirely sure what caused this exact deformation, but it’s a wild example of what extreme forces can do to even heavy-duty gear.

What do you think happened here? Drop your theories below!

06/26/2026

5/8” Crosby eye-eye swivel hook pushed to the absolute limit.

Rated for 5,200 lbs WLL, this swivel held strong until the welded nut sheared clean off the bolt, splitting the whole assembly in two.

A clear look at how these components fail under extreme static stress — and why knowing your gear’s real limits matters.
What’s the most impressive swivel or hook you’ve relied on in the field? Drop your stories below.

06/25/2026

06/25/2026

We threw a 3/8” Grade 80 self-locking swivel hook in the test bed
Rated for 7,100Lbs, this one held strong until the hook opens at 33,000lbs before giving up at 38,000 lbs. Safe to say it put on a proper stretch show first.

These things don’t go down easy.
What’s the most impressive stretch or deformation you’ve seen from a hook or shackle in the field? Drop your stories below!