Hank answers questions on Windlass Chain

Sales Desk

1-800-523-2367

Extension "3"

for Chain Sales

(or 1-219-696-6411)

Fax: 219-696-6413

Ask Hank!

Hank answers questions on

Windlass Chain

F.A.Q.'s Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure my chain so I get the right one?

Can I buy windlass chain in less than the footage shown?

Can I buy more than a half drum but less than a full drum?

Can I get oversize links welded on my chain?

Why would I want to get oversize links welded on my chain?

Why would I want to get oversize links welded on EACH END of my chain?

I use 5/16 triple B chain in my windlass. Can I use 5/16 Grade 40 since the size is so close?

My windlass uses 3/8 triple B chain, can I just buy a size smaller in Grade 40 and be okay?

Do you carry windlass chain in stainless steel?

Can't I use something cheaper like proof coil or (Gr 43) high test or transport grade?

Hank, my question isn't here. Who can I ask?

How do I measure my chain so I get the right one?

The easiest way is with a set of digital calipers. There is a chart on each page of BBB and Gr 40 chain. Match your readings to the chart and Voila! (that's french), you will have your match! Don't have digital calipers and can't afford them because you own a money hole, I mean "boat"? Then do the best you can with a ruler or tape measure. Pick out the one that is closest to your measurements and order a sample piece (available on each web page) to fit up to your gypsy. If it fits to your liking, make sure the grade is the same and you're home free. You can also count the number of links in one foot. Remember to use the inside of the first and last links, not the outside.

Can I buy windlass chain in less than the footage shown?

No, I'm afraid not. Smaller lot sizes cost too much to process. Your best value is found by buying a full container. You might try asking a buddy to share a pail or half drum with you - he may be in the same boat as you. Hey, I made a joke!

. Can I buy more than a half drum but less than a full drum?

. Absolutely! Say your ideal length is 300 feet of 3/8" chain, we've made special arrangements with ACCO to do that. Just be aware that special cuts are not returnable. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

. Can I get oversize links welded on my chain?

. Yep, we do that for the sizes marked with the "oversize link" box. You might want to consider getting alloy shackles though - it'll save you a bundle.

. Why would I want to get oversize links welded on my chain?

. Shackles the same size as the chain are never strong enough so you have to get a bigger shackle to meet or exceed the chain's rated strength. Well if the shackle is bigger it won't fit into the darn link! Oversize links allow you to do that. Oh, and get one for each end. Why? I'll tell you why...

. Why would I want to get oversize links welded on EACH END of my chain?

. That way, in a few years, you can "end for end" the chain when the chain in the locker has still got lots of galvanizing on it but the working end looks like six miles of bad road - get the most out your investment.

. I use 5/16 triple B chain in my windlass. Can I use 5/16 Grade 40 since the size is so close?

: Maybe. Possibly. Probably! Some windlass manufacturers say that the difference in length is so small there would be no problem substituting the stronger yet cheaper Grade 40 in this size. But you should ask your manufacturer just to be sure. I don't want to be responsible for messing up your gypsy!

. My windlass uses 3/8 triple B chain, can I just buy a size smaller in Grade 40 and be okay?

. No. The logic is good, but NO. The gypsy on your windlass is sized to fit one chain. Even though the 5/16 in G4 is strong enough, the links won't fit the sprocket and you'll ruin your gypsy. Most windlass manufacturers will sell you a new gypsy to replace the old one in which case buy one for 5/16 G4 and you're good to go. Hoo - ah!

. Do you carry windlass chain in stainless steel?

. Yes. You can find stainless steel chain here. Caution: safe working load limits are lower for stainless steel chain than for Gr 40 carbon steel chain. It's actually higher than BBB though.

. Can't I use something cheaper like proof coil or high test or transport grade?

. Nope, the dimensions of the links are all wrong. You need a shorter link than these other grades and for a reason - a smaller, more compact link means more of the chain is in contact with the windlass gypsy at one time, thus they can make the windlass more smaller - more smaller? Smaller and lighter and still be strong enough to do the job and last a long time. So no. You can't. So deal with it.

. Hank, my question isn't here. Who can I ask?

. You can send us an email (click on "Contact " at the bottom and top of any webpage) or you can call us toll-free at 1-800-523-2367 (international calls are taken at 1-219-696-6411) or send us a fax at 1-219-696-6413. And there's always that online chat thing in the upper right hand corner of every page. If anybody is working at the time you need us that is. We may be off fishing somewhere.