HR shackles can explode

[Boatguy30]

From my anchor rode. Been in service perhaps 4 years. Link between 5/8" nylon and 5/16" high test. Replacing the chain as chain was older and was thinking "probably a good idea to replace shackle" pin was thru the backsplice in the line. No doubt kept in nice and moist all the time.

As I unscrewed the pin I thought "sure is loose"!

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

From my anchor rode. Been in service perhaps 4 years. Link between 5/8" nylon and 5/16" high test. Replacing the chain as chain was older and was thinking "probably a good idea to replace shackle" pin was thru the backsplice in the line. No doubt kept in nice and moist all the time.

As I unscrewed the pin I thought "sure is loose"!

Exactly. A galvanized steel shackle would not have failed. This is the big disadvantage of stainless steel: it should always be exposed to air in a wet environment. The wet rope caused an anaerobic wet environment.