A jack chain is a type of chain made of thin wire, with figure-eight-shaped links, and loops at right angles to each other. Jack chains are often used to suspend fixtures such as lights or signs, for decorative purposes, or as part of a cable lock.
Jack chain may be manufactured as either single-jack chain or as double-jack chain. If double-jack, the lower loop is formed of two strands of wire rather than just one as in a single-jack.
A jack chain is a tool attached to a toothed chain for moving logs.
A jack chain is a form of arm protection for the 15th century infantry soldier who typically was not dressed in plate armor but wore a padded arming jacket (“jack”) to protect his upper body.
Famous quotes containing the words jack and/or chain:
“Gup, Christian Clout, gup, Jack of the Vale!
With Mannerly Margery Milk and Ale.”
—John Skelton (1460?–1529)
“From Nature’s chain whatever link you strike,
Tenth or ten thousandth, breaks the chain alike.”
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744)