Anchor chain calibration, ISO or DIN

[Peter]

Going to be buying some new anchor chain and windless, expensive time. With respect to the chain calibration, ISO 1461 or DIN 766 and accepting windless can be supplied with a gypsy to suit either calibration. Is one standard better than the other, or is price the only difference. ISO chain more expensive (Bradley chains, now William Hacket Chain Ltd) One other question, I also thought that "figure" quoted for chain strength was normally grade 40. The Bradley quote is for grade 30, with Jimmy Green also quoting there normal chain as grade 30, although Italian manufacture and more expensive, plus a high strength chain at grade 80.

 

[charles_reed]

Going to be buying some new anchor chain and windless, expensive time. With respect to the chain calibration, ISO 1461 or DIN 766 and accepting windless can be supplied with a gypsy to suit either calibration. Is one standard better than the other, or is price the only difference. ISO chain more expensive (Bradley chains, now William Hacket Chain Ltd) One other question, I also thought that "figure" quoted for chain strength was normally grade 40. The Bradley quote is for grade 30, with Jimmy Green also quoting there normal chain as grade 30, although Italian manufacture and more expensive, plus a high strength chain at grade 80.

Suggest ISO as more international DIN being German standard. Wouldn't have thought it made any difference to your gipsy in smaller sizes. However 10mm DIN is 2mm longer link-size.

Standard low carbon chain 3 or 30, Probably OK for most boats who need chain for weight rather than UTS, if in doubt suggest going up from 8 to 10mm or 10 - 12.

High test (40 is Acco/ISO) now known as 4 or 43 and is the standard for anchor chain

Grade 80 is alloy, heat treated chain and is for lifting gear.

Also Grade 70 - usually yellow chromate finish, heat-treated carbon steel but not for slings.

Have a look @ Vyv Cox's or the Acco site.

 

[vyv_cox]

ISO 1461 is not a chain standard, it's for galvanising. The alternative chain standard is ISO 4565. It has a wider tolerance than DIn 766 so it is just possible that ISO chain might not be a good fit on a DIN gypsy. If you are buying 10 mm you don't have a choice, the two are different sizes. There is a lot of information about chain on my website under anchoring. Bradney and William Hackett import nominally Grade 30 chain from China but my tests found it to be well into grade 40 strength. Jimmy Green sell Grade 40 from Maggi.

 

[J Neeves]

In Australia we all use G3, G30 (but obscurely called Grade L). There are no reports of chain failure. Grade P, aka G4 is made here if there is demand, as far as I can make out there is no demand as neither chain maker holds in stock. CMP have their G4 at boat shows here but chandlers do not stock (but they do stock the CMP G3). I'm interested that Jimmy Green sell a G80 (galvanised?) for anchor application. I knew they had recently taken on Maggi with G4 and G7 - but a G8, interesting development?

Jonathan

edit - whatever you buy ensure it is backed by a reputable chain supplier (which includes CMP and Maggi). I'd considered only buying Proof Tested. There is a lot of cheap shiny unbranded chain about and Vyv has not tested any, yet? There have been aprocryphal horror stories.