Lifting chain connector with anchor

[Roberto]

There is not a lot of testing (I have found none) with these type of chain connectors with anchors
They are available in grade 7-8-10, an 8mm one has a higher breaking strength than regular g30-40 10mm chain



In case someone is interested how they fare in salt water without galvanising, this is the one I have used, after 300ish nights at anchor.
No appreciable thickness reduction/corrosion except for paint; the inside pin seems more affected, though the two halves are still "foldable", articulated.
A new one is 5-6euro.


Unsuitable if one wishes to regularly change anchor as the central pin is fitted with a hammer.
It never came up twisted, it is sufficiently short to keep the anchor away from my windlass which is rather near the bow, it runs easily between my davit metal cheeks.

 

[Neeves]

I looked at these when I converted to G80 chain and have settled on coating G100 (rather than G80). As you indicate these connectors are as cheap as chips, though the G100 versions can be pricey. I have seen galvanised versions being used but never found out who makes or sells them. But galvanising a G70 link would be no more 'dangerous' than galvanising G70 chain.

The fear are the pins which are quite small diameter and may suffer a reduction in strength both from corrosion and abrasion (or a combination of the 2).

As you point out they are hammered together (which is why they are sometimes called hammer locks) and would need to be hammered apart (or attacked with bolt croppers or an angle grinder).

My solution was to use G100 Omega links, which have bigger diameter pins. They also are secured with locking pins that would need to be drilled out and then the pin hammered out. I have had the G100 Omega links successfully galvanised. Hammerlocks tend to be bigger than Omega links and will cause more 'obstruction' on some bow rollers. Omega links are quite neat.

I think like all 'shackles' they (Hammerlocks and Omega links) should be considered as consumables, so you need to carry spares - but they are the only connectors that you can attach to, (so match the size) and match the strength of a G70 chain.

But a great test Roberto - maybe repost in 12 months time and update.

As aside - if you have sourced hammerlocks - you will find the same retailer/distributor will sell chain hooks, significantly superior to anything you will find in a chandler. The best ones are called saddle or cradle hooks, try to find 'eye' hooks rather then clevis hooks and you can splice a snubber into them easily. They also are ungalvanised. Again they are as cheap as chips and G70 versions are common.

Jonathan

Edit,

I'm coming upto 2 years with my G80 chain with Omega Links, though once I had galvanised G100 links I upgraded as they are obviously stronger (and I want the links to be stronger than the chain)

close edit

 

[LadyInBed]

I use a S/S shackle, but have put short lengths of plastic pipe in as insulators between Anchor - Shackle and Shackle - Chain.
This setup has been in place since I upgraded my Anchor and Chain in 2012, no sign of any electrolytic action so far.
On my previous setup I had a S/S swivel but I wasn't happy with it, too many 'moving parts'!