Connecting Two Pieces of Chain with a Shackle

[Orchidius]

Hey there,

I was just wondering if it would be ok to connect two pieces of chain with a shackle of some sort. This of course assuming they're all galvanized steel, and no galvanic corrosion will take place.

Seems logical to me, as long as the shackle won't be the weakest link (at least as strong or stronger than the chain), but I see it so little that it makes me wonder...

Any input on this?

[MarkJ]

If your chain needs to go through a gypsey on the windlass the shackle will catch and jamb.

Theres a double C link you buy and smash together with a hammer. They are good

[Lancerbye]

Connecting Links | Galvanized Chains

[zeehag]

folks do that which they decide to do for various reasons. having witnessed many fail reasons, i would not even think of that, oops, sry, i did, and rejected the idea. the weakest link thing is serious. weather is serious and so is loss. and rocks happen.
be ready to lose and do not risk more than you can afford to replace.

[Orchidius]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll keep it in mind!

A tiny bit more info though; it won't live underwater, won't go through a windlass or winch.

I just want to attach some chain to a thimble, but the thimbles I'm looking at are the closed kind, the heavy duty ones...

[noelex 77]

As Mark says if you have a gypsy you will need to use a C link.

There are a lot of junk C links around. Don't just buy a C link from the local chandlery. It will be much weaker than the chain. A good quality C link regularly inspected for corrosion is fine on non high tensile chain.

Here is some testing of C links:

C-links

Edit: I see you have not got a windlass, but perhaps my post will relevant to others.

[geoff3nebel]

It is important to realise that by joining two lengths of chain with a 'C' link you will almost certainly be introducing 'the weakest link'.
C links come in various materials: avoid inexpensive cast links (they are only good for joining decorative or 'keep of the grass' chain) stainless are ok, but the best C links are manufactured from forged and quenched steel for maximum strength.

[Orchidius]

How 'bout regular shackles guys...? You can get them in all sorts of materials and breaking strengths. Assuming you go 3 sizes up say, which won't matter since it won't have to pass through a winch/windlass and won't cost thàt much more, would you sleep well at night?

[geoff3nebel]

OK, use two load-tested shackles on each ends of the chains to be joined; the keys should just fit in the existing links. Remember to mouse them. Even so, don't bet your life on them. A continuous length of welded chain wins hands down any day.
FYI I lost a genuine CQR anchor and 20m of chain when a C link parted in Fishguard harbour some years back.

[Cadence]

I'm not familiar with the term mouse them so I may be being redundant?

If you choose to us conventional shackles secure the pins with Nichrome wire.

[onestepcsy37]

Google "double clevis link". When you see one you will understand why they are much stronger than the chain they are joining. Get galvanized of course. Sometimes its hard to find one with galvanized pins so I substituted galvanized bolts instead. It will "hop" as it goes over the gypsy but to me its worth the extra security.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Orchidius

A tiny bit more info though; it won't live underwater, won't go through a windlass or winch.

I just want to attach some chain to a thimble,.

Then a shackle will be fine.


Next time add all the info you can in your first post

[geoff3nebel]

Hi Cadence, to 'mouse' a shackle is to secure the pin/key with wire to prevent its unscrewing (I use monel wire). I have absolutely no idea where the term originates...

[Old Swampy]

The problem with traditional shackles is that one with strength to match good chain has a pin too fat to fit through the chain links. The only suitable connectors are the ones loggers use which involve two halves which are connected by a pin which has to be peened to keep the pin in place. I haven't seen any that are galvanized. I carry the logger version for use in the event of a big storm. Old Swampy

[Hudson Force]

Exceptions abound and one answer does not fit all. I use a pair of Crosby shackles that are the same size as my chain and fit them with their pins into the end links of the two shots of chain. This strong and sound moused connection bumps across my chain gypsy on my horizontal manual windlass and never jams.