T&T: anchor chain swivel failure

[Ron Rogers]

In the past, the consensus has been that it isn't good to mix SS swivels
with galvanized anchors and chains. The galvanized swivel from ACCO has a
relatively low SWL. The various SS 1, 2, and 3-way swivels and ball swivels
have many manufacturers and different SWLs AND designs. There are Swiss,
German, Italian, French, and Chinese manufacturers. At least one brand
(Suncor I think) comes from at least two countries. A few have simple,
rugged designs are unlikely to fail from the forces of anchoring but are
susceptible to human failure. Many require the tightening of a hex head bolt
and the use of some form of Loctite. This means that you have to check that
bolt frequently. There are a few anchors such as the German Bugle (similar
to Rocna) that assume that you will use the WASI ball swivel. Sizing the
swivel can be difficult because a direct connection to some anchors requires
a deep throat on that end's connector. Conversely, other anchors require
that you attach the swivel to a shackle that comes affixed to the anchor
(CQR.) So, the consumer is responsible for determining SWL, soundness of
design, proper dimensioning, and assembly - plus, maintenance. Sounds like a
boat to me.

The majority of respondents last year came down on the side of only using HT
shackles (KISS) - preferably ones that are rated. That usually means US made
with names like Crosby which serves the towing industry. If you just grab
the right sized shackle from a bin, you are playing Russian roulette with
your safety. When in doubt, ask. When in doubt, purchase from a company with
a fine reputation like Fisheries Supply, Washington Chain, Hamilton Marine,
Defender, Paxton, Lewis, and Fawcett. There are other local suppliers that
are known to the professionals in your locale like Ace Marine in Morehead
City which serves commercial fisherman.
Ron Rogers

-----Original Message-----
From: badornato

This month's Latitude 38, the northern California, free sailing magazine
includes a letter from a couple who had a italian KONG ss anchor swivel come
apart while they were anchored.  Fortunately, it happened while they were on
the boat, averting disaster.  This swivel apparently has a screw that holds
the swivel together and requires ? periodic ?maintenance (tightening?).
A recent insurance marine survey on my otherwise perfect :) Krogen 42,
suggested that I replace my galvanized steel conventional "double U" anchor
chain swivel with one of these fancy swivels to prevent fracture from side
loads.  As i walk down the dock at my marina, i counted about 2 ss swivels
and 43 conventional galvanized swivels.  What sayest the group wisdom?