Chain connecting link

[Shabuba]

I am adding 100 feet of chain to my rode. I am looking for a link to connect the new chain to my original 50 feet. I have a Lewmar windlass. Does anyone have a recommendation?

 

[dbsea]

i'm not sure if you can do this without compromising the load bearing integrity of the chain. There are chain connectors from McMaster but they are all non-lifting. I think you would be better off with 150 of continuous chain.

 

[Sprig1]

I’m thinking of doing the same thing. The only thing I’ve come up with is using a hammered link. Basically you peen over rivets to hold the two pieces together. The links are galvanized lm going to soak in mild acid to remove galvanize. Then Tig weld the link closed. I only have 80 feet of chain.

 

[Rocky]

One of the hammered links does not have the same capability of the G4 chain. Is it enough? Your risk to take.
I added 60 feet of chain to mine and took the chain to a welder and had the link welded together. Yes, I lose the galvanizing on one link. I do use spray galvanizing on it annually and have not seen any abnormal amount of corosion in 3 years.

There is my .02.

Thanks!

 

[Sprig1]

Thanks Rocky for responding. I’m glad to know it worked for someone else. Yes I was definitely going to weld it. The links are only rated for around a thousand pounds. Way below my comfort level.

 

[YukonRon]

I just read an article about this where they did some good testing. Apparently, Crosby makes a high strength C- type missing link that tested well.
http://coxeng.co.uk/anchoring/c-links/

 

[Sprig1]

Wow Yukonron. That was interesting. I did buy the West Marine ones. They were the same price as all the rest I found. They were the only ones marked swl. I’ll see when they are delivered.

 

[Shabuba]

Thanks for teh link, YukonRon.
My G4 chain as a WLL of 3,900 lbs. West Marine has a C connector which is a galvanized heat-treated drop forged steel connector which is also 5/16" with a 1920 lb. WLL. It says it is not compatible with a windlass, but numerous reviews say it is. My question is - what WLL do we need on an R31?

 

[William Sanborn]

I added 75 feet of 5/16 G4 chain. Put it between the anchor and the old chain. I used a 5/16 Connecting Link and peened the rivets with a hammer using a large dock cleat as the anvil. Have run it thru the windless many times and no issues.

 

[Shabuba]

William,
What windlass do you have? I’m still trying to decide what to do as the c link manufacturers say won’t work with windlass.

 

[William Sanborn]

Lewmar I think its a 1000. The connector link I bought was at the Marine Supply house, I think it was a Sea Dog brand. Two matching sides and rivets thru that when connected are peened over.