Joining Chain

[earlybird]

I want to join two lengths of 8mm. chain such that it will pass over a windlass gypsy. There seems to be two possible methods:-
1) Cut one end link, (through the weld? ), bend and re-weld. Means carting all the chain somewhere and presumably destroys any galvanising.
2) Use a split, joining link:- Simple, but with a reduction in strength.
Has any one any comment after using one or other of these methods? If I go for the split link, where might I get one of known good quality? The ones I've looked at in chandleries often look as if they have been made by a metal casting process. A forged product would seem a better bet. Would a stainless one be any good, and who could supply?
P.S Apologies for another chain post, but I've done a forum search with no success.

 

[doug748]

All the split links I have tried have not inspired my trust, neither have they passed cleanly over the gypsy; they also rust out very quickly. I think a stainless link would tend to corrode the adjoining links, certainly that is my experience with stainless shackles.
I now use a standard shackle and lift it over the gypsy when required, it is a pain but there it is. Sorry to be such a misery, the upshot of my post is... I will be interested to see what other people do.

 

[vyv_cox]

See my article on this subject in Yachting Monthly. June 2007. None of the links sold in chandleries has better than about half of the strength of the same sized chain. Some are considerably weaker and would be positively dangerous. If you can make one up easily it will be a one of these and is probably quite weak.

Stainless steel ones are a little better, those tested were from U-ship and West Marine.

Links intended for hoisting applications have strengths that are close to that of the chain. The best ones are marked with SWL, or even come with a certificate of conformity. They are difficult to make up, needing numerous heavy blows with a hammer to peen the rivets. Those made by ACCO and Crosby tested well. The latter can be bought at http://www.liftingsafety.co.uk/ but be aware that they charge a minimum delivery cost, making a single link an expensive item

 

[samwise]

Weld. In my opinion the only safe answer. A number of tests carried out over the years by the various mags have not made a strong case for Joining links. In their favour, they are easy to fit and, as you say, you don't have to lug a lot of chain to the nearest smithy / welder, but I think that is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

 

[Chris_Robb]

Vyv - I sent you a PM, but had not noticed this posting at the time. West Marine have supplied me with the so called ACCO link - drop forged, heat treated etc, but what has turned up is marked CHINA G30 - which is a cast one. West assured me it was the ACCO one, but I have queried it again, and am waiting for a response.

It was ineresting to note the differences in price. West Marine ACCO Link is $4.90 where as the Lifting Safely link was £11.00 in the UK. At first I thought it was just rip off Britain, but now I am wondering if the WestMarine Price is for the cheaper product, but the description on the web is wrong! In which case I have 3 useless links!!

Oh well /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[vyv_cox]

Chris,
Have replied to your PM. In that you said it was marked G80, which would be a high-tensile steel. G30 is certainly not. I tested two 'China G30' links for the article. They performed variably and were definitely cast.
Vyv