Buy Chains, Cables & Cable Locks Online in Australia
Chains, Cables + Cable Locks Selection — Quick Reference
Chains + cables + locks cover SECURING (security) + RESTRAINT + light LIFTING + utility applications. Selection by load + environment + primary requirement (strength vs flexibility vs security).
| Product | Best For | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanised Hardware Chain | Security + barrier + general securing — NOT lifting | 50-600 kg WLL utility |
| Stainless Steel Chain (304/316) | Marine + decorative + food/hygiene | Per diameter |
| Steel Wire Rope (Flexible) | Pulley systems + restraint + light winches | Per dia + construction |
| PVC-Coated Wire Rope | Architectural + balustrade + visible service | Per dia |
| Cable Locks (Combination) | Lighter security + multi-user access | Per lock spec |
| Cable Locks (Keyed) | Secure access + tamper-resistant | Per lock spec |
| Chain Locks (Heavy-Duty) | Hi-security — bike + gate + container | Boron-alloy hardened |
| Padlocks (Standard + Hi-Sec) | See padlocks | Per lock series |
| Towing + Tow Bar Chain | Trailer + vehicle towing | Per chain spec — DOT rated |
Critical safety rule: Hardware chain is NOT lifting chain. NEVER use hardware/security chain for overhead lifting — use Grade 80 / Grade 100 lifting chain (see lifting chains) for any overhead lift. Hardware chain WLL ratings are not safety-rated for lifting human + critical-load applications. Match lock cut resistance to security need — bolt-cutter-resistant boron-alloy shackle for outdoor + theft-prone applications. Companion: link chains, lifting chains, padlocks, load restraints.
Chains, Cables & Cable Locks
Chains, steel cables, and cable locks serve a wide range of securing, lifting, and restraint applications in workshops, on worksites, and in logistics operations. The right product for the job depends on the load, the environment, and whether strength, flexibility, or security is the primary requirement. AIMS Industrial supplies chains, wire rope, and cable locks for industrial and trade use across Australia.
Transport and Securing Chain
Grade 43 and Grade 70 high-tensile steel chain is used for load restraint in transport and logistics — securing loads on truck trays and trailers in compliance with the Load Restraint Guide. Grade 70 (gold chromate finish) is the standard for transport load restraint — its higher working load limit and compliance with Australian transport regulation makes it the correct choice for securing cargo on public roads. Chain must be used with appropriate load binders (lever-type or ratchet-type) that are rated to the same or greater working load limit as the chain.
Lifting Chain (Grade 80 and Grade 100)
Lifting slings and assemblies require Grade 80 (alloy steel) or Grade 100 chain rated for overhead lifting use. These are manufactured to AS 3776 and stamped with the WLL for single-leg and multi-leg configurations. Grade 43 and Grade 70 transport chain must never be used for overhead lifting — they are not rated for dynamic lifting loads and can fail without warning. If you are lifting with chain, confirm the chain is Grade 80 or Grade 100 and is accompanied by a current certification and inspection record.
Wire Rope and Steel Cable
Steel wire rope (commonly called steel cable) offers high strength, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion where rigid chain would be impractical. Common configurations include 6×19 (more flexible, moderate abrasion resistance) and 6×7 (stiffer, better abrasion resistance) constructions in ungalvanised and galvanised finishes. Galvanised wire rope is specified for outdoor and marine applications where corrosion resistance is needed. Wire rope is used in winching, crane applications, cable barrier systems, and architectural applications.
Cable Locks
Cable locks use a looped or straight section of flexible steel cable with an integral or padlock-secured locking mechanism. Common security applications include securing equipment, machinery, vehicles, and assets in the field where a fixed anchor is available. Cable locks are not a high-security solution for determined attack but are effective against opportunistic theft. For higher security requirements, a hardened shackle security chain with a quality padlock provides significantly more resistance to cutting tools.
Fittings and Accessories
Chain and cable fittings — D-shackles, grab hooks, sling hooks, turnbuckles, thimbles, ferrules, and rope clips — are available to suit most standard chain and wire rope sizes. All fittings used in lifting or load restraint must be rated to at least the same WLL as the chain or cable they are attached to.
Order from AIMS Industrial
AIMS Industrial stocks transport chain, lifting chain, wire rope, cable locks, and associated fittings. For WLL calculations or compliance questions, contact our team.
People Also Ask — Chains, Cables and Cable Locks
Q: What chains and cables does AIMS stock?
Light to medium-duty chains (proof coil chain, transport chain, gate chain — for general utility), cable assemblies and wire rope (for tie-downs, light lifting), security cables (lockable steel cables for asset security), cable locks (combination and key padlocks integrated with cable), and cable accessories (turnbuckles, thimbles, cable clamps). For heavy lifting chains (grade 80, grade 100): see [Chain Slings](/collections/chain-slings) and [Lifting Equipment](/collections/lifting-equipment) collections.
Q: Proof coil, BBB, or alloy chain?
Proof coil chain (general utility): general tie-down, gate chains, light pulling — NOT rated for lifting. Cheapest chain. BBB chain (Better Boom Bracing): industrial grade, suitable for transport tie-down with appropriate fittings. Alloy chain (Grade 80, Grade 100): lifting-rated, for overhead lifting per AS 3775. Don't use proof coil for lifting — not rated. For workshop tie-down and gate work: proof coil. For commercial transport: BBB. For lifting: grade 80 alloy.
Q: Steel cable or chain — which?
Steel cable (wire rope): flexible, suits pulley systems and confined spaces, lighter weight per WLL. Susceptible to bending fatigue at small radii and abrasion damage. Chain: heavier, less flexible, but tolerates abrasion and confined sharp edges better. For pulley and winch systems: steel cable. For tie-down and direct-pull applications: chain. Both have their place in workshop and rigging applications.
Q: What size cable lock for security?
Match cable size to required attack resistance. Light security (bicycle parking, casual deterrent): 6-10mm cable diameter. Workshop security (tool storage, container lock): 12-16mm cable. Heavy security (high-value equipment, vehicle securing): 20mm+ cable, often with anti-attack sheath. The cable thickness directly correlates with attack resistance. For workshop daily use, 12mm cable lock provides reasonable security against casual theft attempts.
Q: Combination or key cable lock?
Combination: no keys to manage, accessible to multiple users with the combination, harder to defeat without combination knowledge. Best for shared-access security. Key: faster to operate when you have the key, lower-cost typically, more secure if the key is kept secure (only authorised holders can access). For workshop daily use, either works — depends on whether multiple users need access. For trade vehicles: key typically preferred (single user).