Campbell Anchor Chain...Yay or Nay

Controlled Jibe · #1 05-20-2012

After lots of research, I can find no solid conclusion on whether or not Campbell brand chain is a good choice for anchor rode. I've read all the threads, and the general consensus seems to be "buy American," but all conversations tend to point to Acco with no mention of Campbell (made in America, owned by Apex Tool Group, apparently). We're looking at the 5/16" High Test, grade 43, Hot Galvanized. I can get this Campbell chain at the local Lowe's for $2.68/ft, which seems too cheap, and the sticker on the bucket says "Farm and Ag Use," which scares me a bit as well.

Any experience on the quality of galvanizing, the thickness of galvanizing compared to, say, Acco, or actual experience with Campbell chain?

Thanks

MedSailor · #2 05-20-2012

I can't remember who made the chains I've used, but I have ensured that they were made in the USA. My dad was a metalurgist and used to supervise factories all over the world. There are parts to the process of working metal that can easily be omitted, but really shouldn't. He never had a high opinion of the metalworking that was coming out of China.

If Campbell chain is US made, I'd say go for it.

MedSailor

blt2ski · #3 05-20-2012

The thing that would worry me, is that chain is rated to around 2800 lbs breaking strength, vs some chains being upwards of 9000 lbs for 1/4" sizing. Sorry, did not look at the 5/16" size, as the 1/4 is what I am looking for.

Not sure what I have currently for anchor chain, as it came with the boat. I have used Campbell as fastening chain for many years holding a bobcat and trackhoe to my equipment trailer. But that low breaking strength of the 1/4" would sway me any how to look at another brand or type from campbell frankly.

marty

mitiempo · #4 05-20-2012

If it is for a windlass make sure it is calibrated whichever brand you buy.

MedSailor · #5 05-22-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by blt2ski

The thing that would worry me, is that chain is rated to around 2800 lbs breaking strength, vs some chains being upwards of 9000 lbs for 1/4" sizing. Sorry, did not look at the 5/16" size, as the 1/4 is what I am looking for.

Not sure what I have currently for anchor chain, as it came with the boat. I have used Campbell as fastening chain for many years holding a bobcat and trackhoe to my equipment trailer. But that low breaking strength of the 1/4" would sway me any how to look at another brand or type from campbell frankly.

marty

Check and see if those breaking strengths are actually working loads. If I remember correctly working load limit (WLL) is exactly 1/5 of breaking strength.

MedSailor

MastUndSchotbruch · #6 05-22-2012

Is it anchor chain, or is it farm and agricultural use chain? There is likely a reason (different alloy comes to mind) for the difference. Do you really want to be a beta-tester, using farm chain for anchoring?

Bacon Sails has 5/16" Hi-Test (G4) anchor chain for 3.60.- a foot. I could not find a brand name but I have bought chain from them previously and it was Acco.

Less than a dollar difference per foot is not worth the risk for something as safety-relevant as anchor chain.

Controlled Jibe · #7 05-22-2012

I'd be stoked to spend $3.60/ft also, and would gladly spend the extra dollar to know for sure that it was the good stuff and that I wasn't a beta tester. It was the $6-$7/ft in some of the chandleries was a bit scary, but that's still cheaper than a new boat.

blt2ski- I think the WLL of the 5/16 hi test was 3900, breaking strength being much higher as medsailor indicated.

I'm looking at the bucket of chain in the middle of Montana, so the "farm/ag" sticker may be localized marketing...not sure

blt2ski · #8 05-23-2012

There are some different grade chains that I noticed in a WM catalog. A 43 HTT which is lower in strength than a 40, which is lower in strength than a 70 IIRC the numbers I was looking at. The 70 had about twice the strength of 43. 40 was in the middle to 60% higher strength than 43.

Real issues I see, are does this chain fit a windlass if using one. Other than that, many companies sell the same item to different users, aiming the advertising at that user. The ag chain may be equal to marine chain, assuming the same grade strength etc. Most chains have vertical strength lift capacity, and a horizontal pull capacity. issue is, figuring out which number the placard on the chain box is using!

Marty