Maxwell Nilson windless chain size

[laneparent]

I have an older above noted windless, maybe 1989 or later.
The current chain is 5/16, but i need to replace it, so there are so many type of chain on the market what should I chose??
BBB was suggested as it has short links, does anyone have any info.
I do not know the windless model

tks

[Jim Cate]

If you want to retain your current gypsy (chain wheel), you must use chain that is essentially identical to what is now in use. Maxwell gypsy design does not tolerate much change in link size, so they have a wide selection of gypsies for each windlass design.

So, in your case, I would suggest either replacing with identical chain or planning on taking a short bit of your new chain to a Maxwell dealer and letting him sell you a new gypsy to fit it.

And it is normal to use some form of short link chain with any windlass.

Cheers,

Jim

[laneparent]

I am going to use identical chain size to fit gypsy

[Andrew Troup]

When you try a sample of chain, take two links with a third link joining them, and fit the outer two links squarely into two chain pockets and press them firmly towards the central axis.

In this condition, make sure the middle link has endplay of around 1/12 of the nominal diameter of the wire (rod) from which the chain is made, so about 8mm/12 or somewhere between 0.5mm and 1mm in your case.

[skipmac]

Doesn't matter if you use the same size if you are referring to the measurement 5/16 which is only the thickness of the metal making the link. What is important for fitting your gypsy is how many links per inch. There are many different types of 5/16" chain and many different specs on the links per foot.

If you don't know the specs the only way to be sure is buy a test piece of chain and see if it fits very exactly in your gypsy.