Repair Bent Anchor?

[dunphyje]

I have a 44 lb Danforth anchor with a bent fluke and shaft..
Its is an expensive anchor and do not want to just throw it away..

Not a major bend but enough that I would like a safe way to bend it back into shape that would not degrade the strength and holding power of the anchor..
I would assume that it is hardened steel anchor and therefor your would not want to use any heat..
Would it degrade the strength to just bend it back in shape?
Thanks for your help..

[Lodesman]

If it's just a back-up anchor or used for kedging, go ahead and bend it back into shape. If it's your primary, get a better anchor. A good anchor is cheap insurance.

[dunphyje]

I have a 65lb Mantus for my Primary... but..
I would also use this as a primary or to kedge when the conditions warrant (its also lighter)... so I'd feel safer/better if I could at least straighten the flukes.. The main shaft is only about a 10 degree or so bend..
JD

[Kettlewell]

Is it a genuine Danforth anchor, or one of a million knock offs? The reason I ask is that I don't see a current version that weighs 44lbs. https://danforthanchors.com/hi-tensile/

IMHO, if it is not a genuine Danforth I would junk it and get an appropriate Fortress, which has a lifetime warranty. In my experience many of the knock offs have inferior performance and construction.

[Jammer]

It will lose some strength if you bend it back.


Consider replacing it with a much lighter Danforth Hi-tensile or Fortress anchor. These are much lighter and just as effective.

[Mg451]

My vote is Sarca Excel 5k miles on an excel it always sets and stays set . Rode out multiple 60 knots and in breakers on every type of bottom from ny to the bahamas. Great anchor..

[thinwater]

10 degrees is a lot.



It's a garden ornament.

[Tin Tin]

If it is bent, it is not up to the job, get an anchor that is.

[s/v Jedi]

Throw it away, probably a knockoff anyway.

[dlj]

Got pictures?

dj

[Lepke]

When I was commercial fishing, anchors sometimes get bent by people who anchor in rocks, trying to get it unstuck. They got straightened. They're probably degraded a little, but I never heard of any straightened anchors failing.
As a secondary or stern anchor, I'd use it. A spring shop (shop that repairs leaf springs) or maybe a machine shop with a HD bearing press should be able to straighten it. But the cost might be near to buying another.

[grantmc]

Originally Posted by Lepke

When I was commercial fishing, anchors sometimes get bent by people who anchor in rocks, trying to get it unstuck. They got straightened. They're probably degraded a little, but I never heard of any straightened anchors failing.
As a secondary or stern anchor, I'd use it. A spring shop (shop that repairs leaf springs) or maybe a machine shop with a HD bearing press should be able to straighten it. But the cost might be near to buying another.

What he says.

Metal fatigue is real, but you'd be hard pressed to actually snap it.
I've noticed over the years there are many on the forum, and I come across them all over the place too, ho have significantly larger budgets than others (especially me), and so US$1,500 for a nice shinny 40kg Rocna would be petty change, and hey it's easy to spend other people's money. And so if you've plenty of money then yes replace, if not then straighten it.

You'll often find what appear to be very decent anchors and chain because owners have upgraded to larger sizes, different chain gypsy and the like. And so, I keep a good eye out at the marina dumpsters as there's often good stuff in there, and even if I don't want the specific items I find, they're always good for swapping with other cruisers.