Adding Links to Chain

[Islandmike]

I have just purchased a lenth of 5/16' G4 HT chain for my main anchor rode. How do I add a larger link at the end so that I can add a larger stronger shackle to attach to the anchor? The chain is lightly used so obviously I did not purchase from a manufacturer who would have done it for me.. Can you buy bigger links and just have them welded on?

[delmarrey]

A 5/16" shackle should be just as strong as 5/16" chain. American made that is!

"No chain is stronger then it's weakest link"

[Islandmike]

Outstanding, thank you.

[delmarrey]

Check out these threads below for more info...... actually you can use a 3/8" shackle on 5/16" chain!!

The 5/16" BBB chain has 1900# WLL. If you go to a 3/8" shackle it's good for 2000#. And there are variables between grades.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...hain-3111.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ngth-7689.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nces-9169.html

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...best-7114.html

These should give you the info you need to make your decision!

[Spirit28]

My brother in-law added an additional 15 meters of chain on his motor sailer the other day.

The way he did was to cut a v in the last link of both the old & new chain - to create something like bigger version of a set of sister clips. Join them together, weld, grind smooth (used with gypsy..) & paint with cold galv.

Easy (if you've got the gear!!)

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Spirit28

My brother in-law added an additional 15 meters of chain ...
Join them together, weld, grind smooth (used with gypsy..) & paint with cold galv.
Easy (if you've got the gear!!)

Not so easy, to do it right.

I’d recommend extreme caution to anyone contemplating a do-it-yourself field welding on critical components like anchor chain.

It's difficult even for skilled welders to fit & weld chain (& attachments) to maintain the original specifications. In fact, all safety organizations prohibit field welding of hoisting chain & attachments.

In the manufacturing of chains, there are a number of processes* that are impracticable to duplicate in the field.

* Pre- heating links, then flash welding at controlled temperatures (perfect penetration, no pores, voids, etc) , then post-treating (inculding normalising, water quench, oil quench and double quenching), prior to proof-testing.

[GMac]

I'm, in with Gord, it's not a job for the garden shed.
Welding is fine but the person doing it does really have to know their stuff very well and take great care. 3 of us here weld but we still get a specialist in to do any on the chain.

[Spirit28]

Gord- you are right to say that its a job only for somone who knows what they are doing..

Shoud have said my brother in-law is a very experienced shipwright who works as a senior marine commercial vessel surveyor for a Govt agency and got his instructions from a mate who is a Lloyds engineering surveyor who is also in the lifting gear & chain supply game!!!

Best left to the pros - but can be done....

What is irritating is that they make this sort of stuff look so easy - that sometimes I think oh yeah no problem I can do that too or that anyone could do it as well....