Which sign indicates elongation in chain links?

• A. Bent links
• B. Elongation
• C. Gouging
• D. Excessive wear

Answer: (B)

Elongation is the sign that indicates the chain has permanently stretched under load. When a chain is overloaded or subjected to repeated loading, the metal yields plastically, causing a measurable increase in the distance between links. This permanent lengthening reduces the chain’s strength rating and can lead to sudden failure, so it’s a critical indicator that the chain is compromised. Bent links show shape distortion, gouging indicates surface damage, and excessive wear reflects material loss—these don’t directly indicate a length increase. That direct, measurable change in length makes elongation the best indicator of chain degradation.