Help me remove this shackle (Weird and rusted)

[taxwizz]

Does anyone in the yard have a pair of Bolt Cutters that you can borrow?

Cut the shackle and the last chain link as well.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Whomda

I wanted to replace my anchor, and discovered that the anchor shackle is severely rusted (presumably not galvanized) and of some unknown origin. See pix.

It looks like it requires a square bolt to unscrew, of a size I don't seem to possess. I can try to get this bolt, but I suspect the amount of corrosion is going to make it hard regardless. No amount of working on it with WD40 and vice grips has made any movement.

I suspect the next step is to get the bolt that fits the slot, PB Blaster, and a torch. None of which I own. Perhaps it's better to cut it off? I'm certainly never going to use this shackle again once it's off.

Rent, beg, borrow or steal a pair of bolt cutters. You can't get to the bolt but can the two sides of the shackle. or a high speed hand grinder. In the latter protect the deck from grindings they rust. You probably need to sacrifice a link or two of chain at least the on the bolt/pin goes through.

[Sailshabby]

Give it a couple more days and it’ll fall apart on it’s own.

[foggysail]

AND--------- make sure your anchor doesn't drop into the drink when the shackle is cut

[taxwizz]

Originally Posted by foggysail

AND--------- make sure your anchor doesn't drop into the drink when the shackle is cut

True.
You can never have too many anchors.

[stnick]

You should carry a large bolt cutter any way just in case you loose the mast so you can cut rigging away .
Or use a electric grinder short work !

[Bean Counter]

Having bolt cutters large enough to cut your rigging away in an emergency should cut that shackle easily with no mess.

[Rogerfern]

Originally Posted by Whomda

I wanted to replace my anchor, and discovered that the anchor shackle is severely rusted (presumably not galvanized) and of some unknown origin. See pix.

It looks like it requires a square bolt to unscrew, of a size I don't seem to possess. I can try to get this bolt, but I suspect the amount of corrosion is going to make it hard regardless. No amount of working on it with WD40 and vice grips has made any movement.

I suspect the next step is to get the bolt that fits the slot, PB Blaster, and a torch. None of which I own. Perhaps it's better to cut it off? I'm certainly never going to use this shackle again once it's off.

I used a pair of bolt cutters and laid it on dock

[ferrailleur]

Originally Posted by Navi2016

zip cutter disk on a side grinder ....... remember to protect the area from hot metal and were appropriate PPE

grinders rule....

[oleman]

Depending on the material a hack saw could be worthless without a diamond blade. Use your battery powered 3.5" grinder with a .050 cut-off wheel. It will do the job if the battery is up to charge. Use an all stainless shackle if you don't like rust BUT it is a weaker shackle.

[hellosailor]

All of those. Or a simple carbide blade on a hacksaw, maybe $5, and it will cut through even hardened steel pretty quickly.

WD40 will keep rusty parts clean and dry, but PBlaster is what will break the rust bonds. Saw it in Home Depot last week, $4 for the big can, $2 for a small "trial" can, which is a very handy size to stow away.

[lazydove]

Perfect job for a Dremel

[ferrailleur]

Originally Posted by Bean Counter

Having bolt cutters large enough to cut your rigging away in an emergency should cut that shackle easily with no mess.

these bolt cutters are heavy and long (the longer the more torque) and the cutting jaws wear fast....
Grinding wheels are best IMO...

[Cheechako]

Just cut the last link in the chain with bolt cutters. Even a cheap set will work, like $20-25. Get it off the boat and hacksaw if necessary. I have not found any way of avoiding rust on deck if sawing is done on steel. I cant tell the size,maybe you can just cut the shackle with bolt cutters but it appears pretty large...?

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Just cut the last link in the chain with bolt cutters. Even a cheap set will work, like $20-25. Get it off the boat and hacksaw if necessary. I have not found any way of avoiding rust on deck if sawing is done on steel. I cant tell the size,maybe you can just cut the shackle with bolt cutters but it appears pretty large...?

Bolt cutters and sacrificing a link on both sides sounds easiest. No muss no fuss, And they don't have to be large bolt cutters. Probably should be a tool on board anyway.