ACCO or Campbell Anchor Chain?

[ThirdHatt]

I am in the process of purchasing some 3/8" Hi Test Grade 43 hot-dipped galvanized chain. I have heard of ACCO brand alot, and it goes around $4/ft or $3/ft if you buy a 400' drum. I just got a price by the foot on Campbell brand chain and it has the exact same specs for less than half the ACCO brand chain. What gives? Did I just get lucky or is the ACCO somehow far superior to the Campbell brand?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I bought my barrel of 3/8" HT from some place in the northeast. I can't remember what brand it is or where I got it for sure, but it works great in the GM windlass and seems to be holding up well after a couple of years of use. I will try to find the invoice for it when I get to the boat on Saturday.

 

[ThirdHatt]

Thanks, Sky. I just read an article by Practical Sailor that tested several types of (mooring) chain and concluded that there was not much difference in the domestic chains but the china chains have poor galvanizing/coating and corrode quicker. They mentioned the extensive and expensive process ACCO chain goes through. They conclude by simply saying to buy American and I like that!

I spoke with Cooper Products today about their Campbell brand chain and they said that ACCO is their main competitor. I am just surprised that there is that much variety in the two top chain manufacturers on the same grade 43 hi test chain. I'd love to buy it for the $1.79ft the yard quoted me, but I need to know that it is at least ALMOST as good as the ACCO for $3.99/ft. If this brand simply corrodes a little sooner and I'll get 8yrs instead of 10 out of it for less than half the money and that is the ONLY difference, I'M IN!

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Mine came in a blue plastic barrel with a black top if that helps at all.

 

[kevinh8ll]

I bought a drum of ACCO G4 High Test Anchor Chain from 1st Chain Supply a 30 year old family run business out of Indiana. I was very happy with their service and was able to work out a price that I thought was very competitive at the time (although I really can't remember the exact per foot price including delivery and the delivery charges really do need to be taken in to consideration when shipping something this heavy). This chain works very well in my Muir windlass and the galvanized still looks great after two years of use. Here's the link to their website... http://www.1st-chainsupply.com/chain/gbbb_windlass_chain.htm and don't be afraid to call them as they answer the phone and really do "know their chain".

 

[Starman]

What is ther difference in grade 30 vs grade 43 ?

which is better ?

 

[kevinh8ll]

Looking at the 1st Chain site I'd say that grade 30 and 43 are general purpose (load binding, logging and etc) chain and that grade 40 (G4) and BBB are chain specifically designed for use in a windlass. Might have something to do with the link dimensions which make it really pull properly on a windlass. The folks at 1st Chain know their stuff and I'm sure could tell you everything and then some about all the differences between the various grades.

 

[kevinh8ll]

Just found this on th 1st Chain site...

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

A. 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.

 

[Starman]

Thanx Kevin

 

[REBrueckner]

Hamilton Marine and West Marine catelogues give working loads for different types of ACCO chain..The HI test is a LOT stronger than standard grade 30...

 

[bobk]

Do a google or yahoo search for ACCO 4G anchor chain and you will find a great variety of prices. I got 200' from an outfit in S Florida while we were in the north and they were a whole lot cheaper. And, by the way, I'm a real fan of ACCO and 4G, but we anchor a lot and want the peace of mmind.

Bob

 

[luckydave215]

This chain thread is right on time, as my chore tomorrow is to pull both sets of ground tackle, lay them out on the dock, and measure/mark depth/inspect. Maybe replace. We'll see.
I have two Danforth anchors, but I'm going to change to a Bruce for my primary because they hold in all types of bottom (sounds like a bad country song) whereas Danforths are only good in mud and sand. We have weeds and rocky bottom here as well as sand/mud.
I read the chain test in practical sailor, and it agreed with what has been said here on the forum.

 

[ThirdHatt]

LuckyDave, I spoke with the guy at 1st Chain Supply yesterday (who sells only Acco brand) and he could not offer any reason why I should spend $3+/ft for ACCO when CM is $1.99/ft and Campbell (Cooper Products) is $1.79/ft for the exact same product (hot-dip galvanized hi test 3/8" 5400lb WLL). ACCO is more popular because large marine stores carry them, so maybe it is just better advertising/marketing but the quality is no better than the other chain brands that are MADE IN THE USA.

 

[REBrueckner]

I use 5/16" G4 chain on my 48ft YF:
Hamilton Marine says ACCO 5/16" grade 40 working load is 3900 lbs; grade 30 and BBB types lists at only 1900 lbs. Per foot price is $3.09 vs $2.32. So I feel the "G4 hi test" 40 is a much better buy.
The weights per foot are different, but I don't trust their figures...hi test is heavier.

I also considered Grade 50, type 316L, stainless: 2750 lbs and $18/ft. So it's not as strong as the hi test, and costs six times as much....but likely lasts a lifetime.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Byron,
I did not find the reciept for my chain, but I did find the freight BOL. On that I noticed that the chain was shipped from Marine Equipment Supply of Thorofare, NJ. I purchased it through BoatFix, but I don't know the make. I wrote a note on slip that stated $556.07. It was 200' of 3/8" HT, but I don't know if that was the total cost with shipping or before shipping. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.