Anchor Chain

That was my belief, however, after reading this and other threads, I get the impression that BBB spec, is not the same wherever you go. Grade 8 bolts although meeting standards, do vary in quality depending on the source. I have twisted the head off of quite a few 3/8" grade 8 bolts from the local OSH with a hand wrench. Kinda makes ya wonder.

[GMac]

BBB should be the same from every reputable manufacturer and we have never seen anything to say otherwise. If you add the chinese in you will see differances then, usually bad ones i.e poor (if any) calibration, large amount of recycled metal, 'mostly' all welded and other things. The best bit is they have a bad habit of Electro-zinc plating the chains and then 'washing' them to make it look like Hot Dip Galv., this is very common.

BBB is a US standard so buy US made and all will be good. The only people we know of outside the US making BBB are China.

Yeah I've run into that bolt/screw issue. Damn annoying and slighty spooky.

GMac, thanks for that. I have seen much better pricing on the stuff elsewhere.
As for the bolts, VERY spooky. When I used to build bikes, I went to aircraft grade. Had a few good sources back then. It is amazing how lax people can get about that issue.

[Ram]

I did look at the chain and found it is marked G43 about every foot, do you think its made in china, it cost 2.35- foot and it weights .95 per foot
And do you think I should toss it & find a "better" chain?
Ram

[Ram]

just checking

[Ram]

just checking if

[GordMay]

It should be ok, if it's embossed G4 (which is Hi-Test) every foot or so - unless it's a totally bogus counterfeit (unlikely).

[S/V Elusive]

Originally Posted by Kai Nui

Grade 8 bolts although meeting standards, do vary in quality depending on the source. I have twisted the head off of quite a few 3/8" grade 8 bolts from the local OSH with a hand wrench. Kinda makes ya wonder.

Knowing you Scott, I don't wonder at all. It's those bionic arms of yours!

My theory is if they don't break, they shouldn't come loose
Gord, is the stamp every foot a standard? What are some things to look out for to determine if a chain is what it is supposed to be?

[Ram]

Ok , thanks for the input, one less thing to do!
Ram

[GordMay]

There are several chain “standards”, each with a slightly different specification as to how often the grade & manufacturer’s identifier are embossed.
Generally, the larger the diameter of chain the less often, and smaller more often.

The one commonality is permanently marked.

The National Association of Chain Manufacturers ~ NACM (USA) specifies marking:

5/16" and 3/8" Grade 43 & 70 embossed at intervals no greater than 1 foot.
All other Grade 30, 43, & 70 at intervals no greater than 3 feet.

5/16" & larger Grade 30 chains embossed with at least 3, 30, or 300 (manufacturer not requ’d)

1/4" or smaller Grade 30 chains don’t require marking.

Thanks GORD. THat is what I was after.

[GMac]

Originally Posted by Ram

I did look at the chain and found it is marked G43 about every foot, do you think its made in china, it cost 2.35- foot and it weights .95 per foot
And do you think I should toss it & find a "better" chain?
Ram

Unless the manufacturers mark is also there you need to know what you're looking at (most people who fondle chain for a job should recognise the differance) or have a copy of the Test Certificate.

The dodgy makers can stamp chains just as easily as Acco.

A good chain has a nice weld zone i.e. does NOT look like the 2 end are just butted togeather. The weld zone should be a good 1/4" wide, look the same on each link and the wire either side of the weld be nicley lined up.

All the links should be very even in shape and have a nice fair curves around the ends. Links should not have a slight 'triange' shape look about them.

Those bad things are common on chinese chains.

[Charlie]

I just had some chain sent down from my boat that fits my windlass but I can't tell what kind it is. There is a 38 stamped on each link. But the measurements aren't the same as the table on the Gr 40 Windlass Anchor Chain site. I guess I can wait till I go up to the boat and look at the gypsy and see. The Dimensions are slightly off (1/8" or less). Does anyone have an idea on what the stamp means?

[GMac]

You sure it's not a Triple B chain. That will be stamped 3B.
That could looks like 38.

BBB is a Grade 30 and has differing measurements than a G40.