Twisted chain

Curious if anyone out there is using these in their anchors setups?

 I happened upon a couple of short sections of this type of chain and tried them out recently. Found them to have a lot more play (rotationally speaking), so much so, that they practically eliminated the need for counting the number of links (to keep the anchors oriented correctly). 

I know it's not that hard using traditional chain segments, but sometimes the lengths don't quite work out right. Especially when configuring an anchor on the spot at a previously unseen location. In which case, having this more adaptable chain seems like a more versatile solution. 

Anyone use these, and if so, know of any good sources (zinc plated or otherwise)? 

I’ve never seen that type of link used for anchors but it seems like a great idea! I’m interested too!

Common link type for tire chains. Definitely allows more rotation. Hard to find stainless above 1/8" although it is out there.

These guys supply it. It's good price, and not zinc plated. 5/16".

here it is in 3/8"

I ordered some in 3/8”. Apart from the increased range of rotation, I suspect the eye of the link will be a touch larger than a standard 3/8” chain link eye. If so I think this will allow for a bight from a modern thin-diameter climbing rope (9.5mm) to pass through the link without adding an extra screw-link and a ring. Easier to thread and lower using the overhand-on-a-bight clipped to a locker into the belay-loop method if so… I’ll post pics when i receive the chain and test it.

Thanks for the info guys! And for keeping us updated on how it works out for your anchor setups.

Mr Rogerswrote:

Common link type for tire chains. Definitely allows more rotation. Hard to find stainless above 1/8" although it is out there.

These guys supply it. It's good price, and not zinc plated. 5/16".

here it is in 3/8"

Are you sure that's stainless? It seems like it's non-stainless, only lacquered instead of zinc-plated.

Devan Beewrote:

Are you sure that's stainless? It seems like it's non-stainless, only lacquered instead of zinc-plated.

I ordered 5’ of the 3/8” non-stainless lacquered for testing the concept. I’ll likely strip the lacquer with acetone and then etch and pain the chain. Stainless or not doesnt matter IMO as long as it’s not installed with galvanization.

cost broke down to about $10/ft shipped 

Devan Beewrote:

Are you sure that's stainless? It seems like it's non-stainless, only lacquered instead of zinc-plated.

I can see how you're confused with my wording.

I was saying it's just hard to find it over 1/8" in stainless for those that might want it. Past user knowingly doesn't need the SS in his arid environment, but does not want the zinc coating, so this just removes a step he would have gone through to remove the plating.

Past Userwrote:

I ordered 5’ of the 3/8” non-stainless lacquered for testing the concept. I’ll likely strip the lacquer with acetone and then etch and pain the chain. Stainless or not doesnt matter IMO as long as it’s not installed with galvanization.

cost broke down to about $10/ft shipped 

I wonder if the lacquer would be good to keep under a coat of lacquer based paint? Not super versed in paints, so not sure if that's just stupid for this application.

I've never seen a lacquer rated for exterior use.  I'm not saying one does not exist, but other than alcohol based finished like schlac there are few finishes that are easier to strip than a lacquer.  The paint you linked also states it is for interior use, which is weird given its ads show it being used on vehicles.

I still plan to stick to what I know will work… I’ll strip the lacquer and use this readily available and amazing product below. The chain sample will arrive later this week.

I received my small order of lacquered 3/8” twisted chain that I ordered from the Blue Jay Industrial link above. I ordered 5’ and it cost $10/foot with shipping. Last night I was able to test it out.

Conclusions: 

It indeed offers greater intra-link rotation (20% more?)

It is high quality 

It has a nice finish and appearance

Rotation is greater in one direction than the other.

The opening in the link is SMALLER than standard chain- this was opposite than I had expected- I was able to push a bight from a 9.2mm diameter dynamic rope through, but likely not a 9.5mm.

I’m not sure exactly why one would seek out and choose this over standard chain other than once you have 4 links, the increased rotation means it no longer matters for rope feed orientation if you have an odd or an even number of links.

I suppose if you installed this on an often used anchor, and sized it to 7 links, once the lowest link wore down from usage you could just grind or snip it off and allow the next link up to be free and fresh. So it’s a POTENTIAL maintenance gain, but honestly for me that doesn’t hold a great allure.

Edited to add: ALSO getting a sturdy sport draw clipped directly into a link is tight! (Petzl spirit 2)

A medium to thick locker would not fit:( 

(Old round-stock attaché)

Thanks for the follow up and synopsis!

I've seen these chains used for a perma-draw when you need more twist or the rock is not 90 degrees from the angle of pull/travel.

Thanks for the info! 

This is one example of what I had in mind. Luke mentions them on permas too, which I hadn't thought of. There could be other uses.

Two pictures showing regular chain on the left and twisted on the right. You can see in the second photo that the twisted one has a lot more flexibility and rests in either orientation, while the regular chain resists and rotates back.

I don't think it's a big deal, was really just interested in whether or not others were using this type of chain.