156 NOTES ON CHAIN CABLES. 



Lloyd's Register specified only the length of the cables; but modifications in the 

 rules were considered, and eventually they were made to cover the strength and 

 testing. About this time the underwriters ceased to charge a higher premium 

 for vessels carrying iron cables, which action served to stimulate the trade in 

 chain. 



In 1840, links were for the first time side-welded. This practice grew among 

 English chainmakers until now it is universal with them. Chain cables continued 

 to grow in favor, and as their use extended, new plants were erected. Among these 

 new plants was one at Runcam close by the canal. The chainmakers here were in 

 the habit of depositing their burnt links in the canal, to the end that the canal 

 barges finally grounded on them, which would indicate that the manufacturers' 

 troubles in making chain are not entirely new. 



In 1854, the cables of the British Navy were severely tried by a hurricane in 

 the Black Sea. They withstood the test in splendid manner, whereas the cables of 

 many merchant ships were parted, owing to their inferior quality. This brought to 

 attention the necessity for more extensive and rigid tests. In 1862, Lloyd's Reg- 

 ister made it compulsory for vessels to be supplied with chain cables which had 

 been tested by a public machine and certified. 



In 1864, an Act was passed regulating the proving and sale of chain cables 

 and anchors, which Act was further amended in 1871. The requirements were 

 strengthened from time to time, and as the chain improved in quality and reliabil- 

 ity, confidence in it grew until its use was universal and the hempen cable entirely 

 displaced. 



It thus appears that present conditions are the result of a development ex- 

 tending over a period of about one hundred years, during which time progress 

 was checked by the ancient prejudice in favor of hempen cables, by a natural 

 conservatism on the part of builders, owners, and insurance companies, and by 

 their failure to recognize the greater strength and reliability of the chain, due in 

 no small part to lack of skill and honesty in manufacture, fostered by the lack of 

 proper requirements as to strength and quality. 



AMERICAN CABLES.* 



The largest chain in this country of which there is record was made over 130 

 years ago when there was not a rolling mill or steam hammer in the country. Five 

 hundred yards of this chain were made of 3 J/^ -inch square iron, with corners 

 slightly rounded, each link weighing 275 pounds. A link of this chain is now in 

 the possession of the Standard Chain Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., and shows a su- 

 perior quality of iron and workmanship. 



The chain was made for preventing the British ships ascending the upper 

 Hudson, being buoyed on the surface by means of logs. The cost of this chain 

 was $2,000.00 per ton, and it was made at Sterling, about 20 miles back of West 



♦References : "Chains and Chain Making." Pa per before the Engineers' Society of Western Penn- 

 sylvania, Vol. 24, May, 1908, by James H. Baker, Forging Engineer. 



