A heavy link chain used to secure the connection between a steam locomotive and its tender, or between older generations of railway equipment. It acts as a tension member to pull the trailing load. Rigid drawbars and automatic couplers replaced these chains for primary pulling duties in heavy freight service to handle higher tonnages and prevent dangerous slack action.
Heard on the job
Make sure the drag chain is pinned tight before we pull that dead tender out of the shop.
Also heard as
- safety chain
Related terms
Drawbar
A solid metal beam or assembly that connects railcars or locomotives together to transmit pulling force.
Drawgear
The complete mechanical assembly that couples railcars and absorbs pulling forces.
Tender
A specialized railcar coupled directly behind a steam locomotive to carry its fuel and water.