Splicing chain?

[tiz]

I have 80 ft 5/16 chain. Would like more and i have access to 90ft from a friend.

Is there a definite acceptable solid way to connect the two sections? I like to sleep soundly so use that as reference. 😄

--kevin

[psneeld]

Many here tend to worry about everything.

If you tend not to expedition cruise and never anchor in very sever conditions and inspect your gear regularly....

Try one of these or similar....

[HopCar]

What type and size of chain do you have? The links I know of are about as strong as proof coil or BBB chain. Link size might also be an issue with your windlass, but I do know of at least one guy who got away with using a link in G40 chain and it passed through his windlass fine. It was literally a weak link but it worked for him.

You can look up the strength of your chain and the strength of the link and make your decision. You’ll want to use a rivet style link as shown at the bottom of psneeld’s photo.

If the strength is acceptable, borrow the extra chain, join them and test it in your windlass.

[tiz]

I should have mentioned this is all proof coil not g4.

We expect to do erie canal/1000 is/rideau/richleau/champlain/hudson loop next year. Then possibly icw to FL and back to ct.

Not really expedition cruises. Just like a solid setup.

Ill look into the rivet links.

--kevin

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by tiz

I like to sleep soundly......so use that as reference. ��

IMHO. I'd forget about your friends chain. If I wanted more length, I'd toss my existing chain and buy new chain at my preferred length.

[tiz]

Yes that is best way. Maybe you have funds to do that.

--kevin

[psneeld]

I said many TFers worry too much.... they think in THEIR terms...not how some of the rest of us boat.

Space X is launching a Falcon 9 rocket on it's 17th mission soon. Most space agencies are afraid to use a rocket twice. Different stroke for different folks.

[Moonfish]

Based on my research a couple years ago, I used carbon steel C-links to attach my 3 different sizes of chain together. As they say in the info linked below, it is important to properly pin them together. I did my best, but still worried a bit (as in, "should I have had a professional do it?"). However, we soon anchored and experienced 35 kt winds overnight and it all held together...

https://www.mantusmarine.com/mantus-...necting-links/

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by tiz

Yes that is best way. Maybe you have funds to do that.

Well, aren't you a charmer. No offense intended captain, but you asked for OPINIONS and your stipulation was "sleeping soundly". That is why I included your quote, and why my statement was prefaced with 'IMHO' (In My Humble Opinion).

If you had stated that Economy was your actual driving factor, then you would have gotten a different answer.

What you're really asking is for ringing endorsements about how a connecting shackle is the best, safest and most common solution for this conundrum.

My apologies, I don't like connecting shackles.

[psneeld]

Worrying is a TF byword.

If one reads enough, one would never boat if they were a worrier, if they did, their health would probably suffer.

Boating is done by many of the great unwashed...people with a fraction of the wisdom and/or experience of many TF member.

The go home every night because they don't do a lot of dangerous boating things. Those that do, rarely die but are shocked into the world that boating and NEVER having an issue is not something you get the experience for overnight or on internet forums.

I have the experience and don't do dangerous things like using substandard gear when trying to anchor in severe weather... well on the East Coast...if you pay attention just a tiny bit...you really don't have to. One can go to a marina hopefully if the possibility of severe weather is forecast.

So running around with spliced chain done correctly should hardly be a worry and also if never expected to hold in a major storm. Popup thunderstorms can occur but usually last less than what is really required to test you, your boat and its equipment. Probably millions of boaters prove that every summer. Thankfully millions probably make it to a safe harbor. Again, even when failure occur, they may result in boat damage or loss, but rarely a fatality, especially if people are prepared for that.

Please TFers, boating is simple if you keep it that way and never exceed you or your boat's limitations, if you don't..... start climbing the ladder of education and experience BEFORE you start boating in more demanding situations.

[Northern Spy]

Connecting links with proof coil chain are suitable.

I'd personally buy a Crosby, and stay away from offshore links. If you don't have a windlass, you can buy connecting links stronger than the chain.

If it helps, ships use connecting links every shot of chain (90'). They will turn it around or replace shots as required.

[Nick F]

Since we are on the subject of connecting links, can anyone give tips on properly peening the pins on the C-link type connector?

Do you heat the connector to make it more ductile?

What kind of punch works best?

[psneeld]

Here's some pro advice...

https://paducahrigging.com/blog/help...20More%20items

[Moonfish]

Originally Posted by psneeld

Here's some pro advice...

https://paducahrigging.com/blog/help...20More%20items

Excellent!

[tiltrider1]

I like to use a lot of colored zip ties on the C linK. While it only gives marginal protection from the C link coming apart, it makes the link stanD out which means it gets inspected on a more regular basis.

[ofer]

Originally Posted by psneeld

Many here tend to worry about everything.

If you tend not to expedition cruise and never anchor in very sever conditions and inspect your gear regularly....

Try one of these or similar....

on the second one above. do those pins need to be punched?

i haven't punch mine yet

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by ofer

on the second one above. do those pins need to be punched?

i haven't punch mine yet

I would peen them with a ball PEEN hammer as shown in the post #13 link above.

[Capt Ray]

Originally Posted by Shrew

IMHO. I'd forget about your friends chain. If I wanted more length, I'd toss my existing chain and buy new chain at my preferred length.

That is what I did.
https://shellerina.com/2020/09/18/sh...er-new-anchor/

[ofer]

Originally Posted by psneeld

I would peen them with a ball PEEN hammer as shown in the post #13 link above.

I was wondering if that was the intention of the manufacturer for that type link or the punching is extra safety that was devised later.

Thanks

[Northern Spy]

If you read the Crosby manual, it says to peen them.

You can tell the good quality from the poor quality the moment you go to peen them. The Crosby ones are a bugger to peen as they are forged and heat treated. I do it on a concrete float with a thick chunk of steel as an anvil.

If they peen easy, don't use it. It's probably cast.

Crosby has had many issues with counterfeiting in the past. At least with their shackles. We inspected every one of them prior to use in rigging service