Anchor Chain and Rope Maintenance: Inspection, Splicing and Care Explained

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:24:59 +0000

Learn the "How" to anchoring with NauticEd's Anchoring Course - https://www.nauticed.org/sailing-courses/view/anchoring-a-sailboat?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=F_4Ano5PUBM
Check out IMTRA the windlass experts - https://www.imtra.com

Adding a chain inspection to your annual pre-launch checklist could be the difference between a reliable anchoring system and one that fails when you need it most.

This video walks through everything you need to inspect on your anchor chain, rope, and splice before the start of every sailing season — and what to do when you find a problem.

What this video covers:

- How to lay out and inspect your chain link by link, and what wear, corrosion, and pitting look like
- Why pitted chain must be replaced and when re-galvanizing is worth considering versus buying new
- How to wash down your ground tackle dockside and why rinsing out salt regularly extends the life of your entire rode package
- Why the backsplice joining your rope and chain must be inspected every single year for flexibility, fraying, tail separation, and elongation
- Why a gap is intentionally left in the splice when it is first made, and how nylon shrinking around the first chain link causes windlass problems over time
- How to restore flexibility to a stiff splice using your hands, a mallet, or a flathead screwdriver without causing any damage
- How fabric softener in cool water can restore the flexibility of a stiff rope and extend its working life
- How to double the life of your rope by cutting off a worn splice at the working end and re-splicing from the bitter end

Annual inspection takes an hour on the dock. Skipping it can cost you your anchor at sea.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Lay Out and Inspect Your Chain
00:16 - What to look for (wear, pitting, corrosion)
00:34 - Re-Galvanizing vs Buying New Chain
00:55 - Wash Down Your Ground Tackle
01:24 - Inspecting the Backsplice Every Year
01:59 - How to Restore Flexibility to a Stiff Splice
03:04 - How to Double the Life of Your Rope