Anchor Chain (re galvanising)

mica

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Does anyone know the cost of having an anchor chain re galvanised? Who does it and is it worth the cost.

Having 70 metres of chain, the cost of replacing it at £5 per metre would cost £350. I am therefore looking at other options, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had it done.

Regards
Mica

<hr width=100% size=1>MICA
 
I haven't done it myself, but most of the people I've spoken to who have done
wouldn't do it again. I reckon new chain is better but do you really need 70mtrs?
I suspect the second 35mtrs rarely gets wet so why not carry less chain and more
nylon.

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Who quoted you for chain? - you don't mention the size - try
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.griffchains.co.uk>http://www.griffchains.co.uk</A> - who supply direct post paid in a plastic bucket - any length you like, - I did have some regalvanised several years ago but I spent a long time knocking the links apart as they had stuck together



<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by dickhicks on 23/02/2003 21:43 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
The problem with regalvanising small units if the galvanisers are not careful is that you end up with a solid mass of galvanised metal, it used to cost about £300 per ton of metal + VAT but this some time ago now.

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There is another finishing process called scheradizing (?) which I think involves rolling the chain cold in a mix which coats the chain. I had my last chain re-done this way (a guy who worked for me knew a local firm) - the result was very good - I understand the finish may not be as tough as a galv finish but I had no problems.
I think the process would be cheaper than regalvanizing and the links will not stick together

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I have mine done from time to time, 100m ½" calibrated chain. Cost was £220 a year ago (Medway Galvanising Co, Sittingbourne). New cost would be around £700 (inc VAT). That ratio stays pretty well steady at 1:3. I reckon to regalvanise every 5-7 years. Regalvanising doesn't last quite as well as new, but on balance is economic.
 
We had 180 ft of 7/16 calibrated re galvanised 18 months ago at a cost of 50p per KG. Iknow the total cost was only £60. The chain was sent to the midlands to be spun so the links did not stick together. Thoroughly reccomended. Came back eventually (lost for 5 weeks) like new.

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If you have a lot it's very cheap - but only a limited number of galvanisers can do it because they need a tank agitater and a pickling bath. You need to be up at about 1/4 ton, which is about 180m of 8mm chain.

The reason there is such an high entry cost is that galvanisers have a minimum charge (usually between £25 - £150).

I found it more convenient and as cheap to purchase new from one of the local (Cradley Heath) chainmakers. (£102.81 for 50m of 8mm short link calibrated, unfortunatly delivery can escalate the cost)

Unlike the expensive and quality unassured stuff you buy from chandlers it comes with a Lloyds test certificate.

If you want addresses, phone numbers for either galvanisers or chainmakers e-mail direct via the BB.

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First don't regalvanise your chain if the remaining diameter is less than 90% of the original one..

Regalvanising is not an easy job, as before regalvanising it is necessary to remove all existing galvanisation.. but also all paint lenght marks.. if possible, remove all paint marks and the galvanisation factory will use an acid bath to remove the zinc..

Try to collect as much chain as possible from other boats.. usually the cost of shipping a big quantity of chain is not much higher than shipping a small one..

Ask the galvanisation company if they have a "vibrating drum" at the output of the galvanisation bath.. This is a very important point, as if they don't , you have a good chance to have most chain's links welded together..

I have already had my chain regalvanised in Izmir (Turkey) and I'm very satisfied with the result...

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