Here’s a list of some of the most popular chain locks available today. You can order by weight, length and security rating. I find the weights difficult to imagine so I have added a “number of cans of coke” weight to make it a bit easier! You can also filter which locks are shown by using the search field. For example if you just want to see Sold Secure Silver rated locks, enter “Silver” into the search field.
There’s a similar table that compares U-locks here. If you’re still unsure about what type of lock you need, check out my bike lock buying guide. And if you need more specific recommendations, read our chain lock buying guide.
Most of the information comes from the websites of the brands themselves. However, the weights of the OnGuard locks are not provided on their website, so I had to hunt around a bit and they may not be 100% accurate. If you see any mistakes please let me know and I will correct them!
Any data that needs further explanation is annotated with * and further details are provided at the foot of the table.
I hope you find the table useful. I’ll be adding more locks as I find them and if you have any locks you would like added please let me know below.
And if you do find it useful please share…
| Model | Thickness | Weight | Weight in cans of coke | Length | Lock | In house score | Sold Secure score | ART score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kryptonite New York Legend Chain 1590 | 15 mm | 9.50 lb (4.31 kg) | 11 | 35.5" (90 cm) | Padlock | 10/10 | - | 5/5 |
| Kryptonite New York Legend Chain 1515 | 15 mm | 15.95 lb (7.23 kg) | 18.5 | 60.0" (150 cm) | Padlock | 10/10 | - | 5/5 |
| Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410 | 14 mm | 10.80 lb (4.90 kg) | 12.5 | 39.0" (100 cm) | Padlock | 10/10 | Gold & Motorcycle Gold | - |
| Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 | 14 mm | 15.25 lb (6.92 kg) | 17.5 | 60.0" (150 cm) | Padlock | 10/10 | Gold & Motorcycle Gold | - |
| Kryptonite New York Chain 1210 | 12 mm | 8.65 lb (3.92 kg) | 10 | 39.0" (100 cm) | Padlock | 9/10 | Gold | 4/5 |
| Kryptonite New York Chain 1217 | 12 mm | 13.15 lb (5.96 kg) | 15.5 | 67.0" (170 cm) | Padlock | 9/10 | Gold | 4/5 |
| Kryptonite New York Noose 1275 | 12 mm | 6.95 lb (3.15 kg) | 8 | 30.0" (75 cm) | Padlock | 9/10 | Gold | 4/5 |
| Kryptonite New York Noose 1213 | 12 mm | 10.55 lb (4.79 kg) | 12.5 | 51.0" (130 cm) | Padlock | 9/10 | Gold | 4/5 |
| Kryptonite Evolution series 4 1055 Mini Integrated Chain | 10 mm | 4.40 lbs (2.00 kg) | 5 | 21.5" (55cm) | Integrated | 8/10 | Gold | - |
| Kryptonite Evolution series 4 1090 Integrated Chain | 10 mm | 6.10 lb (2.77 kg) | 7 | 35.5" (90 cm) | Integrated | 8/10 | Gold | - |
| Kryptonite Evolution series 4 1016 Integrated Chain | 10 mm | 9.70 lb (4.40 kg) | 11.5 | 63.0" (160 cm) | Integrated | 8/10 | Gold | - |
| Kryptonite Messenger Chain & Moly | 9.5 mm | 6.26 lb (2.84 kg) | 7.5 | 39.0" (100 cm) | Padlock | 7/10 | - | - |
| Kryptonite KryptoLok series 2 955 Mini Integrated Chain | 9 mm | 3.90 lb (1.77 kg) | 4.5 | 21.5" (55 cm) | Integrated | 6/10 | Silver | - |
| Kryptonite KryptoLok series 2 995 Integrated Chain | 9 mm | 5.55 lb (2.52 kg) | 6.5 | 37.5" (95 cm) | Integrated | 6/10 | - | - |
| Kryptonite KryptoLok series 2 915 Integrated Chain | 9 mm | 8.10 lb (3.67 kg) | 9.5 | 60.0" (150 cm) | Integrated | 6/10 | Silver | - |
| Kryptonite Keeper 755 Mini Integrated Chain | 7 mm | 2.06 lb (0.93 kg) | 2.5 | 21.5" (55 cm) | Integrated | 5/10 | Bronze | - |
| Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Chain Color Series | 7 mm | 3.50 lb (1.59 kg) | 4 | 33.5" (85 cm) | Integrated | 5/10 | - | - |
| Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Chain | 7 mm | 3.50 lb (1.59 kg) | 4 | 33.5" (85 cm) | Integrated | 5/10 | Bronze | - |
| OnGuard Beast 8016 | 14 mm | 12.13 lb (5.5 kg) | 14 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Padlock | 99 | - | - |
| OnGuard Beast 8016L | 14 mm | 22.0 lb (9.98 kg) | 25.5 | 72.0" (183 cm) | Padlock | 99 | - | - |
| OnGuard Beast 8017 | 12 mm | 9.5 lbs (4.4 kg) | 11 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Padlock | 95 | - | - |
| OnGuard Beast 8018 | 12 mm | 13.7 lb (6.2 kg) | 16 | 72.0" (183 cm) | Padlock | 95 | - | - |
| OnGuard Mastiff 8019 | 10 mm | 6.7 lb (3.04 kg) | 8 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Padlock | 92 | Gold | - |
| OnGuard Mastiff 8019L | 10 mm | 10.5 lb (4.76 kg) | 12 | 72.0" (183 cm) | Padlock | 92 | Gold | - |
| OnGuard Mastiff 8020 | 10 mm | 6.28 lb (2.85 kg) | 7.5 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated | 78 | Bronze | - |
| OnGuard Mastiff 8021 | 10 mm | 9.84 lb (4.46 kg) | 11 | 72.0" (183 cm) | Integrated | 78 | Bronze | - |
| OnGuard Mastiff 8022D | 8 mm | 3.38 lb (1.53 kg) | 4 | 31.0" (80 cm) | Padlock | 60 | - | - |
| Abus Granit CityChain X-Plus 1060 85 | 10 mm | 4.63 lb (2.1 kg) | 5.5 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated | 15/15 | Gold | 3/5 |
| Abus Granit CityChain X-Plus 1060 110 | 10 mm | 5.84 lb (2.65 kg) | 7 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated | 15/15 | Gold | 3/5 |
| Abus Granit CityChain X-Plus 1060 140 | 10 mm | 7.19 lb (3.26 kg) | 8.5 | 55.0" (140 cm) | Integrated | 15/15 | Gold | 3/5 |
| Abus Granit CityChain X-Plus 1060 170 | 10 mm | 8.27 lb (3.75 kg) | 9.5 | 67.0" (170 cm) | Integrated | 15/15 | Gold | 3/5 |
| Abus Ivy Chain 9100 85 | 10 mm | 5.4 lb (2.45 kg) | 6.5 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated | 13/15 | Gold | 3/5 |
| Abus Ivy Chain 9100 110 | 10 mm | 6.4 lb (2.9 kg) | 7.5 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated | 13/15 | Gold | 3/5 |
| Abus Ivy Chain 9100 140 | 10 mm | 8.49 lb (3.85 kg) | 10 | 55.0" (140 cm) | Integrated | 13/15 | Gold | 3/5 |
| Abus Ivy Chain 9100 170 | 10 mm | 10.69 lb (4.85 kg) | 12.5 | 67.0" (170 cm) | Integrated | 13/15 | Gold | 3/5 |
| Abus CityChain 1010 85 | 9 mm | 4.3 lb (1.95 kg) | 5 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated | 12/15 | Gold | - |
| Abus CityChain 1010 110 | 9 mm | 5.29 lb (2.4 kg) | 6 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated | 12/15 | Gold | - |
| Abus CityChain 1010 140 | 9 mm | 6.04 lb (2.74 kg) | 7 | 55.0" (140 cm) | Integrated | 12/15 | Gold | - |
| Abus CityChain 1010 170 | 9 mm | 7.45 lb (3.38 kg) | 8.5 | 67.0" (170 cm) | Integrated | 12/15 | Gold | - |
| Abus Iven Chain 8210 85 | 8 mm | 4.26 lb (1.934 kg) | 5 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated | 10/15 | Silver | 2/5 |
| Abus Iven Chain 8210 110 | 8 mm | 5.5 lb (2.497 kg) | 6.5 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated | 10/15 | Silver | 2/5 |
| Abus Steel-O-Chain 810 85 | 8 mm | 3.75 lb (1.7 kg) | 4.5 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated | 9/15 | - | - |
| Abus Ivera Chain 7210 85 | 7 mm | 2.82 lb (1.28 kg) | 3.5 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated | 8/15 | - | - |
| Abus Ivera Chain 7210 110 | 7 mm | 3.7 lb (1.68 kg) | 4.5 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated | 8/15 | - | - |
| Abus Steel-O-Chain 880 85 | 7 mm | 3.53 lb (1.6 kg) | 4 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated | 8/15 | - | |
| Abus Steel-O-Chain 880 110 | 7 mm | 4.19 lb (1.9 kg) | 5 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated | 8/15 | - | - |
| Abus Winner Chain 92/W65 8KS 85 | 8 mm | 4.08 lb (1.85 kg) | 4.5 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Padlock | 8/15 | - | 2/5 |
| Abus Winner Chain 92/W65 8KS 110 | 8 mm | 5.07 lb (2.3 kg) | 6 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Padlock | 8/15 | - | 2/5 |
| Abus Winner Chain 92/W65 8KS 140 | 8 mm | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) | 7 | 55.0" (140 cm) | Padlock | 8/15 | - | 2/5 |
| Abus Key Combo 1610 85 | 7 mm | 2.43 lb (1.1 kg) | 3 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated Combination | 7/15 | - | - |
| Abus Combination Tresor 1385 75 | 7 mm | 2.31 lb (1.05 kg) | 2.5 | 30.0" (75 cm) | Integrated Combination | 7/15 | - | - |
| Abus Combination Tresor 1385 85 | 7 mm | 2.49 lb (1.13 kg) | 3 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Integrated Combination | 7/15 | - | - |
| Abus Combination Tresor 1385 110 | 7 mm | 3.04 lb (1.38 kg) | 3.5 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated Combination | 7/15 | - | - |
| Abus Expedition-Chain 70/45/6 KS 65 | 6 mm | 1.59 lb (0.72 kg) | 2 | 26.0" (65 cm) | Padlock | 6/15 | - | - |
| Abus Expedition-Chain 70/45/6 KS 85 | 6 mm | 1.94 lb (0.88 kg) | 2.5 | 33.0" (85 cm) | Padlock | 6/15 | - | - |
| Abus Expedition-Chain 70/45/6 KS 110 | 6 mm | 2.4 lb (1.09 kg) | 3 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Padlock | 6/15 | - | - |
| Abus Catena 680 75 | 6 mm | 1.87 lb (0.85 kg) | 2 | 30.0" (75 cm) | Integrated | 6/15 | - | - |
| Abus Catena 685 Shadow 75 | 6 mm | 1.87 lb (0.85 kg) | 2 | 30.0" (75 cm) | Integrated | 6/15 | - | - |
| Abus uGrip Chain 585 75 | 5 mm | 1.43 lb (0.65 kg) | 1.5 | 30.0" (75 cm) | Integrated | 5/15 | - | - |
| Abus uGrip Chain 585 100 | 5 mm | 1.65 lb (0.75 kg) | 2 | 39.0" (100 cm) | Integrated | 5/15 | - | - |
| Abus 1500 Web 60 | 4 mm | 0.31 lb (0.14 kg) | 0.5 | 24.0" (60 cm) | Integrated | 3/15 | - | - |
| Abus 1500 Web 110 | 4 mm | 0.6 lb (0.27 kg) | 0.5 | 43.0" (110 cm) | Integrated | 3/15 | - | - |
| Abus 1500 60 | 4 mm | 0.31 lb (0.14 kg) | 0.5 | 24.0" (60 cm) | Integrated | 3/15 | - | - |
| Hiplok GOLD | 10 mm | 5.3 lb (2.4 kg) | 6 | 33.5" (85 cm) | Integrated | - | Gold | - |
| Hiplok v1.50 | 8 mm | 4.0 lb (1.8 kg) | 4.5 | 35.4" (90 cm) | Integrated | - | Silver | - |
| Hiplok Lite | 6 mm | 2.2 lb (1 kg) | 2.5 | 29.5" (75 cm) | Integrated | - | Bronze | - |
My just want to correct the in house score on the abus web chains. I don’t think they’re 5/15
Fixed, Thanks!
Nice site, lots covered. Thanks. I believe the kryptonite 785 integrated chain is in fact a silver rated chain at soldsecure.com. Just felt I should pass that on for an edit.
Thanks Cam! I can’t find anything about the Kryptonite 785 on the Sold Secure website. And it’s not listed as rated on the Kryptonite website. Are you sure it’s Silver?
It appears when using the “approved products search” and scrolling to the bottom of the page. Use the search box there, it should read classified as “bicycle silver.”
I searched using: Keeper 785
Best,
Cam
Yes you’re right! They received a whole load of new ratings in June 2016. I need to update my listings!
The abus ionus 6800 looks like a nice chain also, perhaps that could be covered. It’s only around 750g, and in my country, is only about $20 more than the before mentioned kryptonite 785 chain.
Are you gonna rate the hiplok gold chain any day? It would be interesting to know how good it is
Hi Gonzalo,
Yes I need to add them! I think they’re pretty good as chains go. HipLok Gold is 10 mm and Sold Secure Gold. Hiplok v1.50 is 8 mm and Sold Secure Silver.
I would say the v1.50 chain is too thin to offer enough protection personally. It’s too easily defeated by bolt cutters. The Gold chain will be more difficult to beat (but still possible) and if you’re risk level is reasonably low you should be OK with this one.
I hope that helps!
Carl
Thank you for the information. I recently (and unfortunately) got my bike stolen, and I’m looking for a new lock that was portable and secure. I’m deciding between the hiplok gold or the Abus bordo granit X plus 6500. Which one would you recommend most?
Thank you again for your help.
I would say the Bordo. Why? I think it’s probably a little bit more secure. And it’s easier to carry than the Hiplok.
I’m not a big fan of carrying a chain round my waist. It’s likely to be dirty and it might even be dangerous in an accident.
Bear in mind though that both these locks, although Sold Secure Gold, are at the bottom end of that rating.
For example, the Bordo is the only Gold rated lock with only 2 stars from ART. And the Hiplok, (like all 10 mm chains) can be cropped by bolt cutters under certain circumstances.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t buy either of them. They’re both pretty secure. Just not top level.
Have a good think about your risk level using my guide. As long as you’re not “Higher risk” for all 3 answers, you should be OK.
How do the smaller Abus 7mm chain locks rate? The Abus U-locks and thicker chain locks are always out of stock and the local distributor keeps recommending the 7mm (in-house scores of 7/15 and 8/15)… Are they still a much better alternative to a cable lock, or are they roughly the same?
Hi Lisa,
I think 7 mm is a bit thin to be honest.
The 7 mm Abus chains are still better than a cable lock. In this video for example you can see someone struggling to crop a 6 mm Abus chain with bolt cutters.
But these chains certainly can be cut by bolt cutters if the thief knows what they’re doing and can get the chain in a favorable position.
My advice would be to get a thicker chain (Sold Secure Silver or above) from another source. Abus Iven and Hiplok v1.50 are 8 mm Sold Secure Silver chains.
But whether you use a 7, 8 or 9 mm chain make sure you keep it as far from the ground as possible. In fact I would only use chain like this wrapped very tightly around the top tube. So you use something else to secure the wheels.
This way even a 7 mm chain might be strong enough to protect your bike as it would be so far from the ground it would very difficult to crop.
I hope that helps!
Carl
Hello,
Thanks for the table.
What ART score means?
Greetings
Hi May,
ART is a Dutch lock testing organization. They rate locks from 1 to 5 stars according to how secure they are.
They tend to be a bit more demanding than Sold Secure. 2/5 stars is roughly equivalent to Sold Secure Silver. 3/5 stars is more like Sold Secure Gold.
You can read more on their website.
Thanks
Carl
How would you rate a Beeway Heavy Duty Anti Theft Chain linked Motorcycle lock with combination? They are second best sellers on Amazon.
It looks dreadful Angie!
Combination chains locks like this are really easy to pick. I doesn’t say how thick the chain links are, but at 750 g there going to be really thin.
There is no way this is “Heavy Duty”. And for $16 I wouldn’t expect i to be.
I would advise you to steer well clear!
What about muddy fox chain locks?
All the Muddy Fox locks look pretty poor to me Alison. Steer clear is my advice…
OK thanks, my mate gave it to me cos my abus broke
Hi,
So pleased that you created this source of lock knowledge. After reading I bought an Abus Granit CityChain X-Plus 1060/85 for my BMX. The lock is great.
However, my son has a BMX and needs a good chain. My 85 cm is too heavy for a six year old, but he needs something at least Solid Secure Gold rated. I cannot really find a good 55-65cm long ABUS chain: Do you know of one?
Hi Sophie,
I don’t think Abus do shorter high security chains. The Kryptonite Evolution series 4 1055 Mini would be a good choice here though.
I hope that helps!
Carl
Morning,
I was thinking of using this for securing a front wheel. I already have a ABUS Granit 1060/85cm chain for the back wheel/frame. How long for a medium bolt cutter to get through this?
Kryptonite Keeper 755 Mini Integrated Chain
Rgds, Sophie
Just for protecting the front wheel this might be OK, depending on your circumstances. But a medium bolt cutter would go through it very quicklu / easily. Have you thought about using a small u-lock instead?
I had considered the U-lock, but I find those quite fiddly. I may go for a 9mm chain instead if I can find a good ABUS in a 55/70mm version. I’m not too sure about the Kryptonite locks any more. Ref me last post before this.
Hi,
How reliastic is this video of picking a disc lock on a “Kryptonite Keeper 755 Mini Integrated Chain” in approx 20 seconds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35jGRBR0keA
I nearly bought this chain today to use to lock my front wheel, but doubt I shall. How do the Krpytonite locks stack up against the ABUS locks?
Or are the locks in the Kryptonite KryptoLok series 2 955 better than the Kryptonite Keeper 755 Mini chains?
Thanks, Sophie
Lock picking is not commonly used by bike thieves Sophie. Especially if the lock is only protecting your wheel. Unless it’s a really expensive wheel!
However the Kryptonite Keeper 755 Mini isn’t a very strong lock. The Kryptonite KryptoLok Series 2 955 is definitely more secure but it will also be heavier.
I’d say if you’re only using it to protect your wheel, unless it’s a really expensive wheel then the Keeper will be sufficient. You need a much better lock for your frame though.
Yours is the most co.plete and I’m formative site I’ve found. Also appreciate your responses to inquires!
What are your thought on Viro chain locks? I had one 20 years ago, used it for at least 7 years. It was great. Now, many moves later, the chain is lost (although I still have the key). I think they used to be made in Italy— not sure if that is still the case.
Thanks!
Hi Gabrielle,
I haven’t used one personally but they look really good! I’m not sure how widely available they are though?
Thanks
Carl
What about the Ziilock please? It looks to be a sturdy rigid chain lock from the angle-grinder videos but I don’t know if it’s fingerprint. / ‘biometric recognition’ release system comes up to snuff?
Hi Steve,
The Ziilock is a folding lock rather than a chain lock.
From their website and Indiegogo page I can’t see any information about how thick the plates are, which is important from a security perspective.
Also be aware that any video showing this lock standing up to an angle grinder is marketing nonsense.
Once they’ve shown me it’s genuinely secure (ideally with ratings from Sold Secure or ART), I’ll consider all the fingerprint / “biometric recognition” stuff.
Until then it’s just another smart lock with the wrong priorities.
Cheers
Carl