Chains - which is best

[SacandagaBrad]

Couldn't really decide where to post this since it not really tractor related at all, unless the chain breaks - then the tractor would be used to pull the boat off the rocks /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

How well does binder grade (70) hold up to rusting? I'm setting up a new mooring and had the choice of high test or binder grade 70, so I went with the harder grade 70. It will be submerged year round in fresh water and takes a lot of slamming together with the waves moving the boat. That is why I didn't bother with the galvanized, it wears out quickly once the coating wears off where the links come together. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this.

I think I found a good price, what is the going rate on 5/16 grade 70 chain?

Thanks - Brad

 

[pekabu]

www.bbchain.com shows Grade 70 5/16inch chain at 2.15 per foot. Unsure if this is a good price.

 

[RaytheOne]

For what it's worth...
I just bought a 20ft 5/16" GR7 with grabs on both ends for 17.99 at a local farm supply.

 

[ljh2]

Brad,
You might consider stainless. It isn't cheap, but it is made to stand up to the marine use. I found a source here that has prices listed in a variety of sizes.

 

[em14]

That's what I did at TSC ... the loose chain without the hooks was twice as much ... both were 70 Tow Chain ...
Leo

 

[OkieG]

Hey Leo,
How ya doin'? I guess now it's my turn to be asking. Your posts have been pretty sparse lately. Hope all is well with you.

By the way Brad, if you decide on grade 70 chain, check out Harbor Freight, if you have one nearby. They have pre-cut lengths that seem to me to be quite a bit cheaper than buying by the foot.


OkieG

 

[em14]

OkieG,
Doing great ... finished my shop and am trying to get it setup and do all the other things (Honey do's etc.) .... I was surprised the other day when I went to the local TSC and saw how much more the loose chain was than the 20 ft. made up chain with two hooks installed! I needed a tie down chain so guest which of the two I picked. I'm going to another store and see what the loose chain is selling for there. I didn't have the time to shop when I was at TSC so I just went ahead and bought the made up chain.
Leo

 

[SacandagaBrad]

I picked up 50' of 5/16" grade 70 at a local farm supply store for $1.35/ft. I was happy with the price. Hooks and shackels were about 1/2 the price as the local TSC.

Brad

 

[OkieG]

Leo,
Glad to hear you're doing great. A new shop (ie something other than the garage) is in the works around here, too. Maybe by next spring.
My tractor tie down chains don't need to be 20', but the 20' lengths at Harbor Freight were cheaper than buying the exact length at by the foot prices. So, there is a little extra chain laying on the trailer, but what the heck. Not sure why, but seems like the precut, made-up chains are cheaper. Good hearing from you.

OkieG

 

[OkieG]

Brad,
Alright! I noticed the local TSC "by the foot" chain prices here weren't any bargain either. Didn't look for any pre-cut lengths at TSC.

Did you figure the grade 70 isn't supposed to rust?

OkieG

 

[SacandagaBrad]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Did you figure the grade 70 isn't supposed to rust? )</font>

No, but it is plated and I figured with the extra hardness of the steel, it should last a few years, at least as long as galvanized. I live on a large flood control reservoir, so most years it is drained out enough in the fall to inspect all the connections and the chain. The galvanized holds up well except where the links contact each other where the coating wears off with the bouncing of the boat over the seasons. For the price, I figured it was worth a try - only time will tell.

Brad

 

[SacandagaBrad]

UPDATE - Just pulled that binder chain out of the water after 5 years of being submersed. Rusted up a bit, and has had a 4000 lb boat weather some pretty heavy waves on the mooring, and still had a couple of seasons left on it. We leave a boat in the water about 4 to 5 months out of the year. No noticable wear at the contact points between the links.

Can't say the same for the neighbor's galvanized chain. It too was 5/16, put in the same year, and a smaller boat broke loose last year. Where the links contact, the galvinization wears off and there was little left. And he was the one that told me I was making a mistake and didn't know what I was doing by using the binder chain. I'll take harder steel any day now that I have seen it in action.

The worst wear and corrosion on both chains occurs about 1 to 7 feet below the float where the water is warmer.

Just set a new mooring with 3/8 binder and heavier anchor. Should be good for another 6 or 7 years.

Brad