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What are Chains?
Chains are a measuring instrument used in surveying and are composed of 100 links of 4mm galvanized mild steel wire. These links are connected by three circular or oval wire rings, providing flexibility to the chain.
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Why Measurements Are Necessary
Measurements are essential in almost all aspects of life. From the kitchen to the office, measurements are used to ensure accuracy and precision in a variety of tasks. In engineering and construction, measurements play an important role in calculations and surveys. Different units of measurement exist such as meters, centimeters, feet, inches, acres, and yards.
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Instruments Used for Measurement
Various instruments are used for measurements, including chains. Chains are composed of 100 links of 4mm galvanized mild steel wire joined by three circular or oval wire rings providing flexibility to the chain. This makes them an ideal measuring tool for surveying.

Parts of Chains used in Surveying
Overview of Chain Measurement
The chain measurement consists of many small parts used for handling or reading the measurements. It is provided with brass handle with swivel joint for easy rolling or unrolling without twisting and knots. There are also tally marks at every 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th link for easy reading of measurements. At the center of the chain is also a circular talley for easier reading.
Detailed Explanation of Chain’s Features
The chain measurement consists of many small parts that are used to handle and read measurements. It comes with a brass handle with swivel joint that allows for easy rolling and unrolling without knots and tangles. Additionally, tally marks are provided at every 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th link for easy reading of measurements. For even more convenience, a circular tally is provided at the center of the chain for easier reading.
Benefits of Chain Measurement
The chain measurement provides a number of benefits for easy handling and reading of measurements. The swivel joint of the brass handle allows for easy rolling and unrolling of the chain without knots or tangles. The tally marks at different intervals make it easier to read measurements, and the circular tally at the center of the chain provides even more convenience.


Types of Chains used in Surveying
Depending upon the length of the chain, these are divide into following types,
- Metric chains
- Steel band or Band chain
- Gunter’s chain or surveyor’s chain
- Engineer’s chain
- Revenue chain
A. Metric chains
What is a Metric Chain?
Metric chains are the most widely used chains in India and come in a variety of lengths such as 5, 10, 20 and 30 meters. The most popular length for a metric chain is 20 meters, and each link of this type of chain is 0.2 meters. The total length of the chain is marked on the brass handle at each end and tallies are provided at every 2 meters of the chain for quick reading.
Advantages of Metric Chains
Metric chains offer a number of advantages, including accuracy and convenience. Their size and length make them perfect for a variety of uses like measuring distances, laying out plots, and more. The tallies provided on the chain ensure quick and accurate reading, making them ideal for construction and agricultural uses. Additionally, the length of the chain is clearly marked on the brass handle at each end, making it easy to identify the exact length.
Uses of Metric Chains
Metric chains are widely used for a variety of purposes, including measuring distances, laying out plots, and more. These chains are also used for construction and agricultural purposes, as they can measure areas, set boundaries, and calculate angles accurately. They are also used for surveying and engineering applications, such as mapping, land surveying, and more. Finally, metric chains are also used in the manufacturing industry to measure and cut materials with precision.
B. Steel band or Band chain
What is a Band Chain?
A band chain is a long, narrow strip of steel with a uniform width of 12 to 16 mm and a thickness of 0.3 to 0.6 mm. It is divided by brass studs every 20 cm or alternatively, it may have graduated engraving to measure centimeters.
How Are Band Chains Used?
Band chains are typically wound on steel crosses or metal reels for easy use and workability. They can then be unrolled for use. Band chains are available in lengths of 20m and 30m and a width of 12-16mm.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Band Chain?
Using a band chain offers many advantages, including easy use and workability due to its light weight, as well as its ability to be divided into smaller sections by brass studs or graduated engraving. The uniform width and thickness also make it a reliable measurement tool.
C. Gunter’s chain or surveyor’s chain
What is a Gunter Chain?
Gunter chain is a standard measuring device consisting of 100 links, each link measuring 0.66ft or 7.92 inches. It measures 66ft in length, which is convenient for land measurements.
How is a Gunter Chain Used?
Gunter chain is commonly used to measureland areas. Ten square Gunter chains is equal to 1 acre and 10 Gunter chains is equal to 1 furlong. 80 Gunter chains is equal to 1 mile.
D. Engineer’s chain
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This chain comes in 100ft length.
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100-Foot Long Chain Available for Purchase
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Its consist of 100 links each link being 1ft long.
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Chain Links Each Measuring 1 Foot in Length
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At every 10 links a brass ring or tags are provided for indication of 10 links.
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Brass Rings and Tags Placed Every 10 Links for Measurement
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Readings are taken in feet and decimal.
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Readings Taken Using Feet and Decimal Measurements
E. Revenue Chain
Standard Measurement of Cadastral Survey Chain
The standard measurement of a cadastral survey chain is 33 feet in length, with 16 individual links. Each link measures 2 feet in length. This type of chain is commonly used in cadastral survey to measure distances between land parcels.
Testing and Adjustment of Chain
Tolerance for Chain Lengths
When dealing with chain lengths, a tolerance must be taken into account. This is because of the various changes that metal chains can undergo due to temperature or human error. Depending on the chain length, the tolerance varies, with the following being the most common: 5m chain = + or – 3mm, 10m chain = + or – 3mm, 20m chain = + or – 5mm, 30m chain = + or – 8mm.