Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Engineering Techniques and Materials. => Topic started by: Bob K on June 07, 2016, 12:04:54 pm
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Ever had recurring problems with chain produced specially for model boats, especially where lengths of anchor chain hangs in a loop over the bows? The issue is that this type of chain is usually soft brass, and only pinched closed where the next link can 'pull'. Result is it keeps breaking and can be darned difficult to repair in situ.
Solution: Google stainless steel chain under jewellery. Comes in 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm link sizes, regular link shape, and in various lengths all for a similar price to chain bought through a model boat supplier. It does require painting but is incredibly strong due to the requirements of its use as jewellery.
Problem sorted :-))
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Grade 316 S/S fully fuse/welded individual links :-))....... regular 5 x 3.7mm oval profile ..[outer dimensions] x 0.97mm diameter wire size...........
Source as per image .......... may need to see the Bank Manger for a loan.....but worth it
Unfortunately the manufacturer does not produce this specific size in chemically blackened variant >>:-(.....but can be achieved as an after market botch up in the chemical section of your garage {-) .............Derek
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Derek,
Mine was similar size, but just 5 Pounds 49 Pence incl p&p. from E-Bay (10.7 Australian Dollars)
Black etch metal stain from h/ware store
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Evening Bob.............. please post the link to your source.............. %) ........... Derek
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Good Evening Derek
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261635657175 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261635657175)
4mm link width, approx. 7 mm long. 22 inch length of chain, incl ring & clasp
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I just pop into places like New Look and Primark and look at the jewellery display. All sorts of sizes of chain at really cheap prices - just paint it...
Dave.
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Evening Bob.............. please post the link to your source.............. %) ........... Derek
Not much chop mate.
Says no post to us in red writing.
A lot of UK sellers/suppliers won't post to Australia.
Reckon you should be able to get "chain" from China post free.
https://www.doreenbeads.com/cable-chains-c-1729_1854_1855.html?referer_level2=1
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That's sad they will not post to Australia.
The point of my original post was an alternative to regular model boat chain which breaks too easily, and suggesting trying stainless steel chain from jewellery sources which is vastly stronger. I get fed up having to do repairs on the soft brass chains that break at the slightest pressure.
Jewellery chains however, provided you get "link" shaped links rather than fancy types, is designed to withstand normal usage for its intended purpose. The replacement chain I got is well able to do the job in vulnerable model boat locations such as anchor loops hanging over the side,