This area provides guidance on which types of security chains might be relevant to your application. There is a lot more detail on our main Security Chains information page.

Important Fundamentals: How to Fit a Lock to a Chain

It is vital that you understand the recommended way to use a chain, and especially, how to correctly fit the lock. These aspects are discussed in detail on our Security Chains information page. That page continues with guidance on How to Choose the Right Length of Chain.

Chain Suitability

The following table summarises common uses and the main characteristics of each of our chains:

Chain	Typical Use	Weight per Metre	Chain Width	Max Length	Noose Chain Available?
New Protector 22mm Titan Short Link Chain RoundLock Version	Exposed High-Value Items and other Extreme situations	12.0kg	82mm	1.8m	No
Protector 19mm Long Link Chain	High-Value Motorcycle or similar (e.g. ?10K+) in a Garage	6.3kg	67mm	6.2m	No
Protector 16mm Long Link Chain	Motorcycle or similar (e.g. ?5K-?10K) in a Garage	4.5kg	66mm	6.2m	Yes **
Protector 13mm Long Link Chain	High-Value Bicycle (e.g. ?2K-?5K) in a shed or garage, or Portable Chain for Motorcycles	2.9kg	52mm	6.2m	Yes **
Protector 11mm Long Link Chain	Good Quality Bicycle (e.g. ?1K-?3K)	2.1kg	46mm	6.2m	Yes **

* Chain Width reflects the diameter of a circular hole that the chain will just pass through, allowing for the sleeve.
** Click for Noose Chain explanation.

As well as the fundamental suitability of your intended chain, which is generally dictated or suggested by considering the above information, we recommend that you also consider usability, and the chain, or chains, generally have a major impact on this aspect.

Hint: You will invariably need to know the position of the ground anchor you intend to use (or whatever alternative anchoring point that may already be available) and, also, the position of the item you need to secure. You should usually decide those basic aspects, first, and then consider which might be the most appropriate chain to use.

Hint when Securing Multiple Items: If you are securing multiple items, we suggest that you bear in mind that it can be helpful to use more than one chain. E.g. if you are securing 2 motorcycles, or 4 bicycles, it can be preferable to position the ground anchor at the centre of the group and to have one chain going one way, and another chain going the other way, with both chains coming back and looping through the anchor. As well as reducing the number of bikes that a chain has to be removed from, if you want to release the most awkward bike, a multi-chain strategy also reduces the risk if a thief manages to defeat a single chain: He doesn't get everything in one go!

Hint when Securing Motorbikes and Similar: For home security for motorbikes and similar-value items (e.g. trailers, chippers, small plant), most people choose a Protector 16mm chain as a minimum, or the Protector 19mm chain to have something that gives a bit more protection. If there has been a previous attack involving an angle grinder, or if they are becoming more prevalent in the local area, or if the item is relatively exposed (e.g. outdoors on the street), the Protector Titan 22mm RoundLock chain provides a significant additional level of deterrent (at a higher price, and much harder to handle as well as to route through the bike).

Hint when Securing High-Value Bicycles and Similar: For home security for high-value bicycles and similar-value items (e.g. ?5K), most people choose a Protector 13mm chain as a minimum, or the Protector 16mm chain to have something that gives a bit more protection but it is significantly harder to handle when threading through bicycle wheels/spokes. The 16mm chain will stop even 42" bolt croppers, but it might be worth also considering two 13mm chains instead, especially if the ?5K+ value is composed of multiple bikes: Use one chain going one way from the anchor, and another chain going the other way.

Hint: for Portable Motorcycle Use: It is normally sensible to go as far as a Protector 13mm chain, frequently with the Noose option, if it will need to be carried on a motorcycle. A few customers do carry the Protector 16mm chain, but it will require a strong pannier or top box to carry it safely. It is not recommended to carry a heavy chain in a rucksack, and even less recommended to loop any chain around your body! Another option where portability is required, is the DIB D-Lock: It is more restricted in terms of how it can be used, but it is much lighter.

Hint for Portable Bicycle Use: Security that can be used with confidence when it has to be possible to carry it on a bicycle is a challenge! Most people won't go heavier than a Protector 11mm chain, around 1.0m in length. A DIB D-Lock, on its own, can be a good alternative to a chain and lock.

And choose a padlock to suit the chain by following the guidance in the Padlocks Selector.