Anchor chain: downsize from 10mm to 8mm?

[Neeves]

Interesting and surprising that the obvious need for a hook gate is not designed in to the hooks. I’m wondering whether a small cable tie wouldn’t be a solution to hold the hook on the chain, just snip it off when it comes up to the roller. Remembering that whilst the US spent $$$$$$ on designing a biro that worked in space the USSR gave their cosmonauts a pencil…….

It needs to be simple - or people will not use it.

A cable tie would work well - its another faff if you are doing it at 3am in the rain after a slower than expected passage. I had thought of one of those silicone wrist band things that are used at schools and on management team courses, you would simply pull it down over the mouth - but never got round to trying one.

The problem really is that Witchard design a gate or lock - and its a liability. Personally I thought Witchard knew what they are doing and had every confidence in them - not so now. I mentioned this some couple of years ago on a thread and I am not alone - another member piped up with the same experience. Its compounded by the cost of the Witchard hook (and the fact that one failed (the hook bent) in strong wind).

Skip Novak has a vid of anchoring in adverse conditions and he uses a 'hook' from the lifting industry and his was simply painted (which is howe most lifting gear is supplied). Novak's was a bit like this one, this one being from Ketten and Walder in their Cromox range (and I assume cost an arm and a leg). I think Peteresen in Newcastle (your Newcastle) are distributors for K and W. Because lifting gear can be so cheap but seldom comes galvanised (for technical reasons) then buying a couple of devices, use until looking a bit tired, replace with a new one but rebirth the old one.

What is bizarre - many of these hooks are cast or forged and it costs as much to make a good one as a bad one - why have the manufacturers of the stainless hooks you buy in chandlers not moved with the times - it would cost almost nothing to copy one from Campbell in the US, Kito Italy or K+W (not that I really approve of copying) . Suncorp in America make hooks - that look as bad as ones from Witchard.

Buyer beware.




The lifting industry also use claws (they call them clutches) - like this blue one. They are well made and effective - BUT they are precisely made and difficult to release under any tension. Hooks are the way to go.





Jonathan