SB Brains Trust - Just need a some advice from some Old Salts.

TLDR
Quick Links vs Shackles for chain/rope interface?
Thoughts? Issues? Better Options?



I've finally replaced the Cray Rope that came attached to the anchor when I got it with some new 10mm Nylon 3 strand.
Previously I'd spliced the rope direct to the chain (with thimble) so that the rope/chain interface wasn't interrupted with a shackle and easier on the hands when lower/raising etc... something I realised after I did an awesome job of putting the eye splice in the new nylon rope

So... I need to use a shackle

I decided to use rated shackles as I could use same size shackle as chain (8mm) (Rather than the normal 1 size up)
But I still don't like the chain/rope interface on the hands.

The only info I've found is that the Quick Links have a lot lower SWL than a rated shackle and cant be moused (other than threadlock)
But near as dammit close enough SWL to the rope... and at a guess, probably higher than the standard shackles that were there before.

I would like to be able to swap rope if need be.
Boat is a 6m Fibreglass Cuddy (1000kg) with high windage from full canopy.
Mostly go out with Wife/Kids so fair weather generally... but Murphy being an optimist and weather being weather... don't want to get caught out

There is also a better than average chance I'm overthinking this...




Italics calculated as 4x stated.


Quick Link. (Reference only)




Current Setup. (Not moused yet)

Zenith=Chinese=muckmetal that will rust while you watch ! So there goes your quicklink. I only use that Bunnings rubbish for clipping up the sheepdogs.

I have considered the same question as you, and gone for stainless shackles, as I like to be able to re-configure the tackle as required.

I don't like the quick links as they have failed me in the past. Note that the one you have indicated is only zinc plated. Not the same as galvanised and won't stand up to marine conditions.
Scrubby

Spurge and get yourself a stainless shackle.
Don't forget to tie it off with monel wire.
I notice that that the chain to anchor shackle is not security tied.
Not digging at you about that, just pointing out.
Nice neat splice and whip.

gary

@jacktheflyer What failed? The theoretical Break Load for the Stainless Quick Link is 155KG less than the Rope so would definitely be the weak link.


@saintpeter It wont be one of those... I just picked the first pic I found. (I did use their rated shackle though )

@garymalmgren I have some 8 and 10mm stainless shackles - $$$/SWL vs $/SWL for the galv, I went with the rated galv and save the SS for when I need to pull stuff apart easily (eg sea anchor)

I knew someone would point out the missing mousing - here's the second anchor
Locktite, just over tensioned, cable tied.





I do like Devo - I whipped it... I whipped it good...

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saintpeter said..
Zenith=Chinese=muckmetal that will rust while you watch ! So there goes your quicklink. I only use that Bunnings rubbish for clipping up the sheepdogs.

I have considered the same question as you, and gone for stainless shackles, as I like to be able to re-configure the tackle as required.

Stainless shackles on galvanised chain? Dissimilar metals don't work well together

Plastic mousing anywhere on an anchor chain is a no-no

As garymalmgren said....Don't forget to tie it off with monel wire.

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nswsailor said..
Plastic mousing anywhere on an anchor chain is a no-no

As garymalmgren said....Don't forget to tie it off with monel wire.

Why?

(Not having a go, genuinely interested if there is something I've missed... if I ever set off RTW)
The previous cable ties on there from 3 years ago were still good... required cutting off to remove... the main anchor/shackle was rust welded in place requiring overnight Penetrene and a big arse pipe wrench to undo.

I understand that Monel is the "Standard", (certainly for mechanical/aeronautical) but I'm not relying on my anchor daily for months at a time like a cruising yacht would be... like all required stuff... routine visual inspections, risk matrix etc



duckduckgo.com/?q=monel+wire+mousing&t=h_&ia=web option of cable ties appear in the first link and 3rd post..

Same ^ link comes top for the other favoured search engine..
and then
www.yachtingmonthly.com/sailing-skills/three-methods-seizing-shackles-62906

Cable ties are fine by me.
Each time you anchor you can see what condition they are in.
If they are gone or look worn it only takes a minute to replace them.

Back to your original question.
It is a NO from me on the quick links.
Just can't see any advantages

Gary

There is a very good chance your over thinking this. The way I'm reading this is your anchoring a cuddy cabin for maybe a few hours. Your set up looks perfectly adequate in the photos. No need to mouse the shackles for that short time frame and I endorse your use of cable ties though. Avoid SS or monel mousing if your going to moor for a few days.
On my fishing vessel I used two anchor systems depending on what we were doing. Both rope and chain combinations and had to change anchors for different bottoms. I used SS D shackles and I made up a SS shackle spanner with a handle about 300mm long that I tensioned the shackle pin with before deploying. Never used mousing. The anchor end you can use that to hold the shackle and lever against but the chain end a length of SS bar through the shackle would be handy to get some decent leverage.

I use one of these to join chain to chain, but would still work for your application....
Once you belt the four lugs (two each side) it's there for good.

Cheapest way is to splice rope directly to chain. This is required if you have a combined rope/chain winch, but also makes a nice hand pullable rode.

Cheers

Bristol

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jacktheflyer said..
I don't like the quick links as they have failed me in the past. Note that the one you have indicated is only zinc plated. Not the same as galvanised and won't stand up to marine conditions.
Scrubby

Nut came loose and fitting bent. Difficult to explain detail here, wasn't in a marine situation but I consider them inferior.

As with anything... there are good ones and bad ones...

An 8mm Maillon Rapide quick link in SS is SWL rated to 1.1tn, so would exceed every other component in my setup.
Even their 6mm would exceed the rope rating.
www.peguet.com/self-certified-maillon-rapide-quick-links/standard-maillon-rapide?tab=tab-inox

Climbing related, but I expected them to fail at the nut/thread rather than the link itself.
www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/1787466/Quick-link-load-tests-and-bad-links





@ Ramona & BristolFashion
Indeed... I could have spent half as much time thinking about it and just redid the splice as I wanted it in the first place.


Thankyou everyone