The objective is for the connector to at least equal the strength of the
original chain's links while not interfering with the windlass and be
non-destructively disconnectable.

I neglected to include... preferably made of galvanized steel.

I realize it probably doesn't exist but I hoped someone would prove me
wrong, again :-)

Thanks to all,

Courtney




On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 01:32:45 +0000, Mac wrote:

On Tue, 31 May 2005 16:22:08 -0500, dazed and confuzzed wrote:

Mac wrote:

On Tue, 31 May 2005 11:56:09 -0500, Courtney Thomas wrote:


With objectives of:

1-proper strength
2-avoiding interference with the windlass
3-segment disconnect when desired & avoiding compromising #s 1 & 2

what is the recommended technique for durably connecting two lengths of
same size anchor chain ?

Thank you,

Courtney


I am not aware of anything which accomplishes all of your objectives.

The only thing I will point out is that if your chain is galvanized steel,
your solution must be made of the same thing (unless it is not metal...).

Otherwise you will run into oxidation problems. For example, if you used a
hypothetical stainless steel carabiner to join the two segments, the
stainless steel (SS) would cause the galvanization to quickly be
exhausted, and you would end up with rust near the pristine SS.

Also, if you used two shackles, and seized the pins with SS or monel wire,
you would have the same problem. The shackles and nearby links would
quickly corrode, acting as anodes to the SS or monel.

This is why it is better to use cheap galvanized steel wire. The steel
will not rust until all of the galvanization nearby has worn off, and it
will not accelerate the wearing off of the galvanization on nearby links.

If you find a suitable solution, please post about it. I have hitherto
considered it impossible to join two segments of chain without sacrificing
1, 2, and/or 3.

--Mac

FOrgive my ignorance when asking this, but what is wrong with a standard
galvanized repair link? THe screw link items are as strong as the chain
tha they link (at least to about 85%) and can be purchased made from
galvanized steel. They are VERY close in dimension to the links tha they
are designed to repair.

While they are not as easy to remove as a carabiner, they are removable
with 2 wrenches.

so what am I missing??

Well, I suppose the first requirement given by the OP, "proper strength,"
is open to some interpretation. I interpreted it to mean "same strength as
a regular link." That is why I rejected the repair link. If your
interpretation is "85% of the strength of a regular link," then I guess
you are right. We'll have to wait and see if the OP gives his/her
definition.

;-)

--Mac