Chain Calibration?

Jonny_H

Jonny_H

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We are looking to install an anchor windlass. We currently have a fair amount of 10mm chain, but as it was inherited with the boat don't know whether it is calibrated, and if so what calibration it is?

I took some measurements from around half a dozen links at the weekend - and all had the same dimensions (link thickness, length of link, inner diameter etc) so I assume it is calibrated - but how do I know what standard it is calibrated to?

Jonny
 
Its a nightmare, found lots of chain in the chandlers wasn't calibrated. They suggested I dismantle the windlass and bring in the Gypsy. In the end phoned these folks with the markings on the SL Windlass and they matched the chain up and delivered 30m in 2 days. Be aware the Gypsy aren't cheap either if you need to buy a different size. http://www.bradneychain.com/

Pete
 
Slightly random thought, but I might consider asking a lifting equipment company for an opinion. All chain hoist chain is calibrated so they will know.
 
Most but not all windlasses are calibrated for DIN766 chain.
10mm DIN766 would be 10mm thick links, each link 34mm wide x 28mm internal length (pitch). Known as 10 x 28 x 34. (However, I've also seen 10mm DIN766 quoted as 10 x 28 x 36) There is also a 10mm calibrated chain to an unknown standard that is 10 x 30 x 35 and fits Quick and possibly Lewmar.
This is from some research I did a few years ago and serves to show how complicated a simple thing like chain can be!
 
The measurements I have are as follows (taken with digital caliper):

Width of the links - 9.9mm
Internal length - 28.3mm
Internal width - 13.8mm
External length - 48.0mm
External width - 33.7mm

I assume the first two and last measurement are the ones your referring to - and therefore it looks like DIN766?

(Incidentally all links were the same to within 0.2mm - I assumed this is trifling and won't make a difference - so just recorded the measurements of the first link).

Jonny
 
Before I replaced all my chain this season I had a motley collection of three different chains, connected with C-links. Some was on the boat when I bought it, some came from a previous boat and I don't remember where the other piece came from. It is most unlikely that any of it was calibrated. When I fitted a windlass I was quite prepared to buy new chain but I found that the old stuff worked with it perfectly well, so I didn't bother changing it. This stuff was used extensively for four seasons. When I was researching C-links for a magazine article I found that the dimensions of one of the links in my set-up was completely different from the chain, being about 1.4 times bigger. This had run through the gypsy quite comfortably and undetected for the previous four years.

So my suggestion is that you fit the windlass and base your need to buy new chain on its performance. You will lose nothing by waiting and (assuming your current chain is otherwise OK) could save yourself considerable money.
 
I have my doubts about "calibrated" chain but it should definitely be matched to the gypsy. My boat was delivered with 10mm chain but it jumped on the gypsy. I took the gypsy to a chandler and it matched to 3/8" chain. I then found markings on the gypsy to show it was for 3/8. I was able to buy a 10mm gypsy for the Lofrans windlass for about Eu80 and have not had chain jumping since even though I have bought 2 other lengths of 10mm chain without considering if it is "calibrated" or not.
Just check your gypsy against the chain or vice-versa. It is easy to see a good fit with loose chain.
Ray
 
Jonny H, your measurements are for a DIN766/A short link chain. The tolerance level is out but that could be just a bit of wear so no panic at this stage. Tolerance should be +2.5/-0.5mm per 11 links.

The 'unknown' chain JS48 mentions is a EN818-3 standard. FYI - tolerance is +/-1.0mm per link.

Don't use hoist chain, that is just crazy talk. It would be a bloody awful anchor chain and you'll be very very unlikely to find a gypsy to fit it anyway.

Jonny, Just ask the winch seller for a gypsy to suit a 10mm DIN766/A chain. If they don't know what you're talking about be concerned, they should.

A 3/8" and a 10mm short link chain are not the same thing. Do not confuse the 2 when talking gypsies. There are some that will do both but most will not.

All chain made by reputable companies is calibrated as standard, it's that simple. 'Non-calibrated' is code word for made in china.

This thread mirrors each day at work. Same problems, the same questions and the same myths so don't panic all, you're far from alone /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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