What's the purpose of chains attached to anchors?

Thanks

To keep the anchor line from lifting up on anchor.Very important.
Johnny

Lowers the pull angle on the anchor so it digs better..

To prevent anchor rope from fraying and breaking.

To make me hate pulling anchors even more.

Pulling a box anchor with chain and a nice heavy rope in 40' is not too fun.

Thanks for all the informative replies. Time to go buy some chain!!!

dont use a chain with Digger anchors, it stops the release mechnisim from working right.

If you are using a box anchor then you might not need it. I had 6 ft on one anchor and it added 5 lbs and that is alot in 40 fow. Took the chain off and it still holds the boat with no problem. I still have the chain in the boat just in case I do have a problem.

How is this?

I use it only so i dont slam my box's in the side of the hull. I start pullin my arse off and when i Get to chain its time to stop pulling and lift anchor over.

i have read that if you don't use chain the rope might accidently get wrapped around one of the points and fray when you pull it in. I really don't want ti take a chance with my box anchors.