A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A chain may consist of two or more links. Chains can be classified by their design, which can be dictated by their use: Two distinct chains can be connected using a quick link, carabiner, shackle, or clevis.Load can be transferred from a chain to another object by a .