Pewag Security Chains and Viro Lock Review

Pewag makes many chains, primarily for commercial and industrial applications, such as lifting heavy equipment, tire traction control, and tire protection. They initially designed their famous 12mm 3012 chains for traction purposes, but their strength and impressive qualities made it a highly functional security chain. Pewag created an original security chain utilizing the same basic design as the 3012. Still, for longevity, they added an anti-corrosion electro-galvanized finish and now offer it in three practical sizes, 7mm, 10mm, 12mm (9/32″, 3/8″, and 1/2″).

For further information, refer to pewagchain.com.

Each of the chains has a Surface Hardness of 62 HRC, which makes it challenging to cut, and the square shape of the link prevents bolt cutters from getting a proper bite. These qualities make them ideal for locking up your bicycles, motorcycles, and other valuable equipment.

Highlights

• Square, case-hardened links
• Electro-galvanized finish for corrosion protection
• Surface Hardness:  7 and 10mm 62Rc 10% deep/49Rc core min, 12mm 62Rc 6% deep/43Rc core min

12mm Chain

During this review, I tested all three chain sizes but found the 12mm or 1/2″ version with a Viro shrouded lock the most ideal and theft-resistant setup for protecting bikes. You can purchase any chains by foot or as a kit with a lock (2-20 foot lengths) from various rigging supply companies on the internet. Though they aren’t cheap, especially the 12mm model, they are worth the investment to protect your precious, pricey bikes against theft opportunists. You can also get a nylon chafe sleeve to protect things from the chain, though I cut an old innertube to keep my bike and rack from getting banged up.

Be forewarned, the 12mm is a massive brute, and a 6-foot chain weighs around 20 pounds, and it’s not something you’d want to throw around your waist. On the other hand, toughness, heft, and difficulty to cut make it ideal as a high-security chain to lock your bike at home, in the garage, and on your vehicle’s bike rack.

Viro Locks

A comparable lock is required to match the impressive high-security Pewag chains, and the Italian Viro company makes some of the best in the business. The solid Viro EuroMonolith is a high-security padlock, which is designed to work with a 7/16″ (12 mm) square security chain. The body is constructed from a one-piece, special case-hardened and tempered steel, and the finish is achieved via an exclusive “NIPLOY PROCESS,” which results in a corrosion-proof nickel plating.

For further information, refer to www.viro.it.

The deadbolt is made from case-hardened, tempered steel. The security cylinder has six pins and is protected by a rotating anti-drill plate made of special 4.4-mm-thick, case-hardened, tempered steel. It also uses pick-resistant dimple nickel-plated brass keys.

The EuroMonolit’s design completely shrouds the deadbolt, and when protected by the 12mm square security chain, thieves won’t have access to bolt cutters or a grinder. An expert lock picker can get through most locks, but it’s much easier and quicker to just cut the chain.

Cut Testing

I cut all the various-sized chains with a powered angle grinder with an aluminum oxide wheel, with the chain locked down tightly in a vise. I also tested cutting the chain with it hanging loosely, which is how it would be in a typical situation when your bike was locked down. It took around 15-20% longer when it wasn’t secured in a vise since the chain moved around somewhat and caused the wheel to bind occasionally during cutting. During my testing, I pushed as hard as possible with my angle grinder to cut through the 12mm chain, not caring about the grinder wheel, things binding up, and my safety. After experimenting and running multiple tests, I’d think it would take under 1 minute to cut the 12mm chain in a real-life situation. I tried to replicate how a thief would hurriedly cut the chain but could not do it correctly. The standard method is to be careful, cut slowly, not allow the wheel to bind, and move back and forth during the cut.

Bottom Line

Nothing is theft-proof, but the excellent pewag 12mm security chain with the Viro EuroMonolith pick-resistant shrouded padlock requires an angle grinder to cut. Using a powered tool to cut the chain, a noisy and challenging operation, slows down the process and makes your precious item a less likely target. I’ll continue to use the 12mm chain and the shrouded lock to secure my bike on my truck’s bike rack, in the bed of the topper, and even on various racks around town.

Any pewag security chain with a shrouded lock is an ideal candidate as a theft deterrent to protect your bike, with highlights to their 10mm and 12mm sizes.

About pewag

The Austrian based pewag industrial conglomerate is one of the oldest chain manufacturers in the world and traces its lineage back to a forging plant in 1479. Their well-engineered state-of-the-art quality products mainly focus on snow chains, forestry chains, hoist and conveyor chains, do-it-yourself products, engineering, lifting and lashing chains and accessories and tire protection chains. The international company has locations throughout Europe, and several locations in the US, including our local favorite in Pueblo Colorado (they produce traction chains).