Which chain hook

What chain hook do you use? This is one of those eternal boating questions among cruisers. It's almost like asking for an anchor recommendation, except that more sailors can agree on anchors.

Chain hooks are a problem because there isn't a bullet proof, simple, and generally recognised answer.

 People want three things out of their chain hook.

1.      Simple to operate, easy to put on and take off

2.      Reliable, it must be secure, and do its job when conditions worsen

3.      Marinized equipment, it must be robust, and stand up to a harsh environment

 In a old poll on Cruisers Forum 13 chain hooks are compared. 

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f118/anchor-chain-hook-poll-95248.html

 

Eye Grab Hook	37
Rolling hitch knot	20
Other	15
Mantus Chain Hook	12
ABI Chain Grabber / Sea-Dog Chain Grabber	8
ULTRA Chain Grab	6
Home Made Chain Grab	6
Victory Chain Hook	5
Wichard Chain Grip Hook	5
Klemheist Knot	5
Seadog Chain Gripper	4
Winchard Key Shackle	2
Captain Hook	1

Although the results show the classic Eye Grab Hook is clearly used more than all others, after a long discussion it is clear that every option falls sort for one reason or another.

There is even an in depth article on chain hooks in practical sailor:

https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/changing-views-on-chain-hooks

 

Not everyone uses their chain hook in the same way. Some boats are heavy, some are light, some just need a simple snubber to hang over the bow, some use rope instead of chain, and some only sail in the fairest weather. This means that although one design might be weak in one area it may not matter for you.

Our catamaran is setup with a long bridle, just under half the length of the boat. The windlass is just below the mast, so the bridle, attached at the bows, must go around the stays for the bowsprit before coming back to the anchor locker in the centre of the boat. Not all catamarans have this setup, and it poses another unique problem when anchoring in extremely shallow waters. Because the bridle extends over 3 meters from the bow, any anchorage shallower than the bridle length risks the chain gripper coming in contact with the seabed. Because of this we need a grip that will not be easily knocked off.

Kong / Seadog Chain Gripper

This is a robust and secure design, but because a bolt is used to attach it, it is difficult to put on and take off, especially if the conditions are not great. This is why we switched to the Wichard hook. 

Wichard Chain Grip Hook

pic. the Whichard chain hook.

This looks like a big hook, and it has a tiny spring loaded pin to secure it. This makes putting it on and taking it off much easier. But doubts have been raised about its robustness in bad weather, and also its reliability, as some have reported that their hook fell off.

Even considering these negative points the Wichard hook has worked well for us. Perhaps the reason for this is that we have been using the wrong size hook.

The most often stated problem with the Wichard is that the spring loaded pin fails. Our pin has bent a couple of times, but for over 3 years it has been pretty solid. That is until I took up the chain to find the pin missing! We ordered a replacement, and this is when we discovered that we had been using the oversized 12mm version instead of the 10mm version that would match our chain.

Simply looking at the smaller hook it is obvious to see how it could bend in bad weather. The pin is also much closer to where the chain is seated, so we can also see how there are problems with the pin. We decided to return the 10mm version and get creative to solve our missing pin problem.

Cruisers notes for fixing a Wichard chain grip hook 

If the pin is stuck, try tapping each end with pliers. You may be able to free up the pin so that it works normally. Try working the pin in and out, and twisting it. Use wd40 or marine grease, in case some grit has made its way behind the pin.

If the pin is bent try straightening it with pliers

How to make a new pin for the Wichard chain grip hook 

It is possible to buy replacement plunge pins, but in case you are stuck in a remote area you could make your own.

https://www.rigrite.com/Hardware/Snap_Shackles/Snap_Shackle_Pins.php 

Even if the pin is completely missing, double check to see if the spring is still in the hole. I found I could make a new pin with a split pin, half a rivet, and the old spring.

1. Remove the rivet case.
2. Bend each side of the split pin in and out like a hair clip. Start the bends from the point at which the spring ends. This should make an extremely tight fit for the rivet case.
3. Insert the spilt pin in the hook.
4. Insert the spring on the split pin. Use the pliers to close up the split pin so the spring can be worked into the hole.
5. Use pliers and hammer to get the split pin into the rivet case.
6. Use a hacksaw and file to tidy up the end of the new pin.

pic. getting creating - a spare plunge pin for the Whichare chain hook made from scraps.