How strong is that black plastic chain from B&Q?

[Al D]

B&Q sells some black plastic chain, with links about 1" wide. I may be wrong, but I think it is intended for cosmetic use only (as a metal-chain look-alike).

My question is: How strong is it? Does anyone have any idea? Does anyone know what kind of plastic it is and if that plastic remains strong after prolonged exposure to the elements?

B&Q don't state any strength figures - probably because it is not intended for load-bearing use.

I need a good length rust-proof chain to take some load, and that black plastic stuff is so much cheaper than galvanised chain. I need it as an anchor chain for a large canoe. The chain does need some strength, because large waves can exert considerable stress on the chain, as the boat is wrenched away from the anchor's position. I guess 40kg tensile strength would be adequate.

Thank you,

Al D

[Matt]

Rope

[Googlebot]

Surely if the waves can exert that much force to break the plastic chain, they would also swamp and sink the canoe.

Would a length of polypropylene rope not be more suitable? Also you will damage it by storing it in direct sunlight.

You say canoe, but what type of canoe?

[Phil L]

one shaped like this: ()

[Chris Bacon]

I assume that your "large canoe" is worth more than a bit of galvanised chain? Quite a lot more than B&Q "black blastic ornamental chain"? Hm? Makes you think....

[Guy King]

The message from Al D contains these words:

Not a hope.

From experience, the plastic is of very variable quality, with many bubbles in it. Obviously a large bubble will reduce the strength to very little indeed.

Have a look for "chain" under boats & watercraft in eBay.

[Al D]

Ah... That's what I feared! Thanks for the advice..

Al D

[Al D]

Nope (-;

Thanks for the suggestion, but rope is subject to chafing on rocks etc. So they recommend chain, at least for a few yards next to the anchor.

Al D

[Al D]

Unfortunately rope is subject to chafing on rocks and that poly rope degrades in UV light. Also, it's a bitch to coil - and if you cut it loose, it floats and fouls someone's propellor. Otherwise it would be great because it's so cheap.

Open canoe (Canadian style), max laden weight 400kg

Al D

[Al D]

Of course.. but if the anchor line breaks, it won't be the end of the canoe; it just means I'm no longer at anchor (which could be hazardous in some situations). Galvanized chain does cost... (£3 a meter) (20 meters = £60). And it's heavy... and it often has sharp bits sticking out, which can shred your hands, so if I knew of some adequately strong plastic chain, it would be preferable.

Al D

[jhiker]

How about a length of stainless steel multi-strand wire a mm or two in diameter? It's strong, cheap, light, takes up little space and won't rust. You can buy it with cleats and fixing loops and other bits & bobs.

[Harris]

How about a length of steel multi strand wire threaded through the plastic chain? String, cheap, light, wont rust, and easier to pull up with bare hands than the multi strand wire

[tinnews]

An anchor *needs* a metal chain for it to work, it's the weight of the chain that has a considerable part in holding the anchor down so that it grips.

So I think it would be a bad idea to use plastic chain.

[Guy King]

The message from Al D contains these words:

Stainless chain?

bloke stacks of stainless chain in many sizes - 4mm is probably thick enough and that's £2.85/meter. Smooth - no snags like galvanised.

[Steve Walker]

has stacks of stainless chain in many sizes - 4mm is probably

Perfick