C. Sherman Johnson Anchor Chain Claw-Hook Tensioner

The C. Sherman Johnson Claw-Hook Chain Tensioner is stainless steel with a toggled claw for 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 inch chain, adjusting between 11 and 13 inches closed.

A claw hook grabs the chain anywhere along its length rather than needing a specific link, which is what makes tensioning quick from a pitching foredeck. The claw itself adjusts across an inch and a half of range, so one tensioner covers three chain gauges instead of being cut for one.

Tensioning pulls the anchor hard into the bow roller so it cannot shift under way, which is what stops the shank working against the stemhead and damaging both. It also frees the bow cleat, which otherwise ends up carrying a lashing line and is then unavailable for anything else.

A 2-1/8 inch throw releases it quickly, and a ball-type quick-release pin on a lanyard secures the handle when closed so it cannot open under load. Two quarter-inch mounting holes in the base give a solid attachment point, and the shorter overall length suits a foredeck with limited room ahead of the roller. Explore more anchor accessories.

• Claw grabs the chain anywhere, not at a set link
• One tensioner covers 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 inch chain
• Stops the anchor working against the stemhead
• Quick-release pin on a lanyard secures the handle