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cat49 · 17-02-2011, 00:26

I was wondering what people out there use to attach their bridle to a chain rode? What are pros and cons of Chain gripper plates like the sea dog one. Also why is it a bad idea to just use a long shackle to attach the bridle to the chain? being that the shackle pin would be inside the chain link. how is that bad for the chain? which is the least stress on the chain out of the chain gripper plates, regular hook, or long shackle through the link of the chain like the chain gripper made by kong or even just a regular alloy shackle?

Sandyh · 17-02-2011, 01:26

Whichard 8mm chain grip.

see Chain grips

Cheers

stacy · 17-02-2011, 02:01

The Whichard is a good idea but the pin has a tendency to bend and then you can't release the chain grip. I had to hacksay the pin from mine. Now it works fine.

**Cotemar** · 17-02-2011, 04:26

cat49,

I have used a 5/16 Wichard Key Shackle for years. Easy and fast on and off.
Using 5/16 G4 chain.

Key Shackles

Mark

Ram · 17-02-2011, 04:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotemar

cat49,

I have used a 5/16 Wichard Key Shackle for years. Easy and fast on and off.
Using 5/16 G4 chain.

Key Shackles

Mark

IM WONDERing if you could use the next size up for 5/16 HT chain this KEY shakle is a great idea but at only 2200lbs a little on the weak side if things got really nasty

**Cotemar** · 17-02-2011, 04:47

Ram,

I really back down on it, so its doing its job.

If Wichard sold a 3/8 inch one I could use it, but they do not make that size.

Mark

**GordMay** · 17-02-2011, 04:51

Prusik Knot or Triple Sliding Hitch
➥ Prusik Knot | How to tie the Prusik Knot | Climbing Knots

See also:
➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...dle-21045.html

And
➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...bber-2380.html

cat49 · 18-02-2011, 01:39

Mark,
the do you use the key shackle for a snubber or a anchor bridle? why did you use this setup vs one of those bridle plates?

**Cotemar** · 18-02-2011, 04:29

cat49,

My bridal ends up about 20 feet from the anchor locker (stretch length). My girlfiend does all the anchoring, so I needed something that she could connect and unconnect pretty fast on her own. My anchor bridal is both a snubber and bridal because of its length.

What is a Bridal Plate?

Mark

**GordMay** · 18-02-2011, 04:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotemar

... What is a Bridal Plate?
Mark

This is one (of several) version:

thinwater · 18-02-2011, 04:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotemar

cat49,

My bridal ends up about 20 feet from the anchor locker (stretch length). My girlfiend does all the anchoring, so I needed something that she could connect and unconnect pretty fast on her own. My anchor bridal is both a snubber and bridal because of its length.

What is a Bridal Plate?

Mark

Like this:

Sail Delmarva: The Ultimate Chain Hook for Catmarans...

This one can't come off. Not enough demand for them to find a market.

doug86 · 18-02-2011, 04:51

el cheapo chain hook, available at any hardware store. The line here in picture is then spliced into two legs that lead to deck.

islandguy5 · 18-02-2011, 04:51

I saw this some place but could not purchase it. So I made it for my 42 foot cat. Works great so far. Only used it for one year though.

Mark Johnson · 18-02-2011, 05:28

Some folks use chain hooks, others use chain "forks", which are easier on the chain, because it doesn't turn the last link sideways. (Not the way a chain was meant to take a load). Either of the above, can come undone, if it lays on the bottom in a shallow anchorage and slack wind.

My bridle has its two 30' legs attached, (with thimbled and spliced ends), to a 3" SS ring. Also spliced into this ring, between the two bridle legs, is a 4' long section of three strand nylon line. I call this the tail.

Since I am sometimes attaching to the 110' section of chain rode, and otherwise attaching to the rope portion that follows it, I can use this "tail" to attach to either one.

On the chain portion I use a rolling hitch, and on the rope portion I use either a rolling hitch or "bowline through a bite". Either hitch needs to be backed down on to "set" them. (Has held me in cat. 1 this way...)

In thousands of nights on the hook, this system has never failed me, even in 60 + knots of wind!

Of coarse it would be no big deal if it did, because the slightly slackened main rode itself, is attached as well to a strong deck cleat. This is either directly, if it is the rope part, or using a chain fork and 4' tail if I am laying to the chain portion.

We keep our bridle rigged up and ready to deploy, by lashing it bundled up to the bow rail.

Be sure that your bridle is thin, long, and stretchy. (We use 3/8") Remember, the load is divided between the two legs, and if it is too strong to be stretchy, it defeats the purpose. The main rode is also a "safety"...

Mark