chal
Well-Known Member
The thread title says it all really: I've heard that 8mm chain fits gypsies made for old 3/8 imperial size, just wondered how accurately? Likely to jam, or no problem?
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
How closely does 8mm chain match 3/8 inch?
- Thread starter chal
- Start date
duncan99210
Well-Known Member
Think you've mixed up 3/8 chain with 5/16, which is the closest match to 8mm. 3/8 is 10mm. See here http://www.fehr.com/img/product/description/NACM Welded Chain Specifications.pdf for dimensions and specs.
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
9.525mm so not very close I think it would probably jam.
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
5/16" is much closer to 8mm, 7.9375mm to be precise so that could work. Presumably you've got a 3/8" gypsy which seems to be incompatible with metric chain. Best bite the bullet and get a new gypsy.
chal
Well-Known Member
Great, thanks for the info - I was obviously misinformed!
skipmac
Well-Known Member
Depends also on whether the chain is BBB, HT, G40/G43 or other. The critical dimension when fitting chain to a gypsy is the number of links per foot, The diameter of the metal in the link is very secondary.
I have a gypsy that fits perfectly 3/8 BBB and 5/16 G43.
You can measure the number of links/ft in both chains or just buy a 1-2' piece to test.
I have a gypsy that fits perfectly 3/8 BBB and 5/16 G43.
You can measure the number of links/ft in both chains or just buy a 1-2' piece to test.
TQA
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AFAIK 10 mm chain comes in two link lengths. I have used 10 mm short link chain [ 28 mm from memory ] on a Lofrans 3/8th gypsy with no problem.
Take your gypsy to the chandlers and check the fit of the chain.
Take your gypsy to the chandlers and check the fit of the chain.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
I had, used for 15 years, a gypsy marked 5/16th and used it with 8mm metric chain.
As mentioned its the number of links per length that is important, rather than the wire size. Imperial links tend to be longer than metric links. However, for obvious reasons, windlass makers try to have as few different gypsies as possible as they most sell to both metric and imperial markets - so many are very forgiving.
The safest answer is to take a length of chain to the gypsy, or vice versa, and try it.
Jonathan
As mentioned its the number of links per length that is important, rather than the wire size. Imperial links tend to be longer than metric links. However, for obvious reasons, windlass makers try to have as few different gypsies as possible as they most sell to both metric and imperial markets - so many are very forgiving.
The safest answer is to take a length of chain to the gypsy, or vice versa, and try it.
Jonathan
chal
Well-Known Member
Thanks again everyone: much appreciated!