safety chain

Towing trailer tether

A safety chain is a secondary chain that catches something if the primary connection fails.

On towed vehicles, safety chains connect the trailer to the towing vehicle in case the hitch breaks loose.

On jewelry, a small chain attached at both ends prevents a bracelet or necklace from being lost if the clasp opens.

Fireplace screens and industrial equipment use safety chains similarly—backup restraints against accidental release.

mechanical

lock

Mechanism requiring a key

restraintControl over impulses
cableHeavy-duty woven line
anchorSecures ships to seabed

clamp · carabiner · snap hook · shackle · padlock · latch · barrier · hasp · secure · fasten

towing

trailer

Promotional film excerpt

hitchTemporary difficulty or snag
couplerDevice linking two things
tow barRigid pulling connector

ball mount · breakaway · crossing · D-ring · shackle · hook · receiver · fifth wheel · tongue · equalizer

jewelry

clasp

Securing device that clicks

braceletOrnamental wrist band
necklaceNeck-worn ornament
pendantSuspended jewelry ornament

charm · locket · anklet · bangle · lobster claw · toggle · link · fastener · sterling · gold

Categories

chainscuban link, links, link, multi-strand, keychain
safetyhazard, airbag, alert, danger, seatbelt
charm jewelrygold charm, silver charm, key charm, horseshoe charm, evil eye charm
safety alertswarning sign, caution sign, danger sign, hazard sign, warning light
boat launchingboat ramp, slip, trailer, winch, drain plug

Opposites

risk mitigation

safety chainhazard

Source of potential harm

weak link · single point of failure · vulnerability · risk factor · breaking point

primary vs. backup connection

safety chaintrailer hitch

Vehicle's towing attachment point

ball hitch · fifth wheel · kingpin · drawbar

Family

safety, chain, safe, safely, safeness, unsafe, safeguard, safekeeping, chains

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G