I've read a lot about the evils of "Chinese anchor chain" on various forums. Can anyone point me to a supplier of reliable stuff?
To make the issue more difficult, I'm in Canberra and would like to get some chain before Christmas. Yep, I know I should have arranged it earlier, but life got in the way. Part of the issue is that I've seen that Bullivants have premises here, and I didn't realise that it was merely a training operation rather than a retail/wholesale one. Some other retailers claim to have Canberra operations that vanish on further enquiry, and it's not going to be cheap stuff to freight.
So I'm looking to get some generic advice on what sort of chain to ask for, and what sort of retailers/wholesalers I should be looking at, as well as some advice about how to identify the stuff to avoid and where it can be found.
Also, what is the specific issue with "Chinese anchor chain"? Is the galvanising poor or is it likely to break, or both?
Is "Australian Standard L" chain good stuff?
Cheers
You should probably avoid the "Chinese stuff".
With the cost of zinc, galvanizing these days tends to be done at higher temperatures than in the past resulting in a thinner coating of zinc.
If it is Australian made "L" grade chain I am sure it would be up to the right specs which will be reflected in the price.
Rigging and hoisting suppliers are the place to go. There are some in Canberra listed in this link. https://www.yellowpages.com.au/find/hoisting-rigging-equipment/greater-canberra-act
Assuning either correctly or otherwise that the chain is going to end up in Batemans Bay, I would only ever, irrespective of cost, buy PWB aussie made chain. Batemans Bay Power & Sail will get it for you. CMP, Canadian Metal Products, the manufacturers of Rocna, use chinese made and gal'd chain and whilst it is cheaper, well, oats which have been through the horse are cheaper than fresh oats. An irrefutable law of commerce.
I would just contact Bullivants. They are doing deliveries up and down the coast all the time. They are probably the suppliers for the businesses in Cisco's link.
Hi Chris,
PWB anchor chain is made by PWB Anchor in Melbourne and is the quality 'grade L'.
They should supply to most good riggers although looking on yellowpages I doubt any of those guys would carry it in stock if they were PWB agents.
What size and length are you after? I could get it freighted out of Melbourne today on road freight for you but I'm not sure of the road freight times to Canberra at this time if year.
Thanks guys, that's great information. Rumble, I've sent you a PM.
Steve, yep we're just planning to hang around between Durras and Moruya with some friends from about the 27th for a few days. We haven't been out on the boat much at all this year so we're really looking forward to it.
Just sent you a PM Chris but thought this info would be good to post anyway
The Grade L chain everyone talks about is actually a short link chain and is what all windlasses are designed around. It is actually a low capacity lifting chain and that's why it's short link, same as transport chain and lifting chain.
You cannot get grade L regular or long link chain..So, the grade L will be heavier (1.4kg p/m) than the regular link (1.1kg p/m) but will be a stronger, 3200kg break compared to 2100kg break.
Also the standard link is easier to get a shackle through.
Will add to that I have actually got grade 70 (gold transport/drag chain) sent to the galvinzers for a customer who wanted stronger 8mm short link chain.
I tested a piece in my test bed and got it to 6000kg and it was more than fine!!!
Galvanization quality is crucial. Unless you're using exceptionally dodgy steel, in all likelihood a chain will fail because it has weakened due to rust, not because the steel was inferior or the chain was poorly made. I read a while back (Cruising Helsman I think) that for anchor chain, a galvanizing coating that is at least 60 microns (0.06 mm) thick and evenly applied is considered reasonable. Too thin, and it wears too quickly. Too thick, especially if it is uneven, and it can flake off.
