Rusty chain

[TiggerToo]

...given the current spate of rust related threads here goes:

what would you do to the last m of zinc-treated What woudl be the best (most efficient/effective) option?
1) re-plating
2) clean up and treat with a zinc-based paint
3) apply rust converter
4) wait until the link diameter starts getting smaller and then change the chain
5) invert the chain so the that last m is the one close to the boat and is the one that gets used least?
6) any other option?

 

[Aja]

If I had 50 metres of chain and the end metre was rusted beyond hope, I would cut that metre off and happliy anchor with 49 metres.

Donald

 

[onenyala]

I have cut off the rusty links and have ready a length of 12mm three strand warp with a hard plastic thimbled eye splice in one end. I use a SS shackle to join the two together.
I only bend on the rope warp when I know I am going to be anchoring in deep water.

 

[MM5AHO]

Your chain is likely to have been hot dip galvanized, not plated!
Of your options:
1. Re-plating. It si very unlikely to have been plated, but even if were, don't bother to get it plated again. If on the other hand it had been hot dip galvanized, then it is quite feasible to get it re-galvanized. Any remaining zinc can be removed as part of the process of cleaning the chain (a part of the process). If parts are rust that does not matter unless that rust has affected the actual integrity of the chain - like rusted so far as to significantly reduce the link diameter.

2. Don't bother with zinc rich paint. Paint will not stand the handling that chain undergoes, and will peel off. After all, its just sitting there, not actually bonded to the steel, whereas hot dip galvanizing is metallurgically bonded (alloyed) to the steel.

3. Rust converter would be Ok to remove the rust, but then what? It'll just go rusty again.

4. Without protection the chain will soon do this - reduce diameter until its useless.

5. Could do this, but the un-used end goes rusty in the chain locker.

6. Get it galvanized.

 

[JimMcMillan]

Cut off to the last link that is showing sign of pitting etc and get remainder hot dipped. You dont have to clean as the hot dip does that for you. You will have to hammer it back to separate links when you get it back. Ours is brand new after 3 seasons for a tenth of the price of new chain.
Jim

 

[Anonymous]

This year I sprayed a short length of my chain with cold galvanizing spray. Very impressed with the finish and strength.

 

[GMac]

[ QUOTE ]
You will have to hammer it back to separate links when you get it back.

[/ QUOTE ]

Find a galvaniser with a centrifuge or a rattle bed and the links shouldn't be stuck together.

[ QUOTE ]
Ours is brand new after 3 seasons for a tenth of the price of new chain

[/ QUOTE ]
Albeit with a small lose of strength.


There is a newish process being used here on the odd thing which involves high pressure spraying a zinc type compound onto the steel while it is being electro-cuted. Appears to be bloody good and better than Hot Dipped. Looks quite cool as well. I'm off the see it happen latter this week so I'll report back with more info. Looks very promising.