We don’t recommend drilling holes in the shank for several reasons (a) because it weakens the shank both due to the hole and possible overheating during drilling of the high tensile shank and (b) corrosion due to damage of the hot dip galvanizing.

We also don’t recommend using a pin to retain the anchor, as wave action can bend the pin making it impossible to deploy the anchor quickly in an emergency (this has happened to some customers). Rather, we recommend lashing on the bow, which can be untied to deploy or cut free in an emergency.

The silver paint is residue resulting from the extra cold finish galvanizing that Rocna adds on top of the regular hot dip galvanized anchor. The cold finish galvanizing provides an extra layer of corrosion protection to ensure that all parts of the anchor is covered and protected.

Rocna is the only anchor manufacturer that adds this layer of protection which results in the anchor having superior corrosion protection. This residue is normal and there is no need for concern.

Rocna uses a high-tensile steel in the shank, and this requires a bit of extra attention during the re-galvanizing process to ensure that the “pickling solution” used to clean the anchor before galvanizing does not damage the steel.

The recommended procedure is as follows:

1. Remove all labels, glue reside under labels, and stickers from the anchor.
2. Sandblast to remove all old galvanizing down to bare steel (surface needs to be clean of all old zinc).
3. Let the galvanizer know that there is high tensile steel in the
   shank, and that they need to “Flash Pickle” the anchor before
   galvanizing, and not to use an extended soak in the pickling solution.
4. Hang the anchor tip-down for dipping in Zinc.
5. Re-galvanize to a Zinc thickness between 100-200 microns.
6. Clean up any sharp edges or spikes with a hand file, making sure not to remove too much zinc and expose bare metal
7. If there are any small pinholes in the galvanizing which go all the
   way down to bare steel cover them with a good quality cold-galvanizing
   spray. The galvanizers should be able to recommend or supply this.
8. Apply new Rocna labels. (We can supply).

To replace the labels:

1. Remove old label by running a razor knife between the anchor and the label to cut through adhesive
2. Remove old adhesive first with a razor knife, putty knife, or
   scraper (careful not to scratch anchor outside label area), then with
   acetone to remove any residue
3. Make sure anchor surface is clean and dry
4. Remove backing on label, line it up carefully, then apply to anchor
   starting at one side and applying pressure from one side to the other
5. Apply pressure by hand over entire surface of label, to ensure good adhesion
6. (Optional) Remove clear plastic film covering label (it is intended
   to protect during shipping, and will eventually start to come off).
   Carefully peel it back from a corner, being careful not to scratch the
   label underneath.  A fingernail usually works well.
7. Enjoy!