Zip ties vs wire for locking shackles

[3Days_at_a_time]

I'm putting on a new chain for the anchor, and am wondering if I should get Monel or stainless safety wire, or if zip ties are sufficient for locking my shackles. I don't leave my boat on the hook perminantly, but we will be staying on the boat for 2 weeks and will probably be picking the anchor up every day or two. So we would be able to keep an eye on them.

[a64pilot]

Not zip ties, Monel wire would likely be best, but its not readily available I don't think.
I use aircraft SS wire, cause I get it for free, but I'd assume any SS wire is good.
I would use .041 thick though, not .020

[thinwater]

Given the number of zip-ties I've seen fall off spontaneously as a result of UV damage, I think this is obvious. The smaller sizes are fragile.

Three passes, twist lightly, trim, and bend over. Monel seems less prone to snapping.

[Cotemar]

I will 2nd what a64pilot said.

Make sure to use a Crosby 209A shackle.

I always use Blue 242 Loctite also.
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[UNCIVILIZED]

Zip ties break down pretty quickly under UV, & they also can be fairly brittle & easy to snap if/where they go around acute angles. Or if pinched where there's a sharp bend in the tie, especially near the locking mechanism.

I always wrench tighten my anchor shackles, since the galvanization can interfere with getting the properly snugged down sometimes. And then use seizing wire. Then, if you're feeling paranoid, you can also use some 1.5-2mm Spectra cord to mouse them shut along with the metal wire.
And to go full on tin foil hat mode, use some loctite in addition to the mechanical means as well.

[ccannan]

Zip ties will work for at least 2 weeks, and probably last more than 2 months.

[estarzinger]

^^ yea, lol, zips work, just dont use tiny ones, use the biggest ones that will fit thru the shackle hole and put two on. And (I understand that) black is best.

but wire is ultimately more reliable, and you can buy a small spool that will last the rest of your life, and there is no special skill or tools needed to use it.

[ccannan]

And so if not zips, monel or stainless, or?

[GoAway]

I am curious why boaters use the type of shackle most commonly seen attached to boat anchors. In any test I have seen on anchor shackles, it always seems the failure (weak) point is the end of the shackle the pin is screwed into.

Why don't boaters use bolt-type shackles where the pin (bolt) passes through both ends of the shackle and is secured with a nut and cotter?

[Rough Magic]

Stainless tie wire is what I use. A lifetime supply:

https://smile.amazon.com/Aircraft-To...9J28YBAWJ860PV

Dave

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by GoAway

I am curious why boaters use the type of shackle most commonly seen attached to boat anchors. In any test I have seen on anchor shackles, it always seems the failure (weak) point is the end of the shackle the pin is screwed into.

Why don't boaters use bolt-type shackles where the pin (bolt) passes through both ends of the shackle and is secured with a nut and cotter?

Many do, particularly in anchoring situations.

[powsmias]

Originally Posted by ccannan

And so if not zips, monel or stainless, or?

Has anyone ever used stainless split rings? two of these, one on shackle, one on pin connected to each other and double it up maybe?

[Redpcx]

Black wireties last a lot longer if exposed to sunlight. I've used many thousands (at work) I had a roll of safety wire for many years, misplaced it. Had to buy another. It will last many more years. Buy a roll, you wont buy more.
If the intent is to make it easily removable, plastic wiretie or sstring or nothing at at all is ok. It you want it to stay, safety wire is the proper fastener.
Buy the best boat you can afford, buy the best fasteners you can find.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by ccannan

And so if not zips, monel or stainless, or?

The below option. Or go to some 1.5mm-2mm Spectra seizing cord, as I suggested before. Even multiple passes of high tensile strength braided Spectra fishing line may work if properly secured to itself. But wire's worked for over a century, so...

Or you could experiment, key word experiment, with Red loctite. And I say experiment, as to some degree it'll be bonding to the galvanizing on the threads. Which, the galvanizing on them isn't always bonded on the greatest. And it's no where near as strong as the parent metal of the shackle. Clean threads are another matter.

Originally Posted by GoAway

I am curious why boaters use the type of shackle most commonly seen attached to boat anchors. In any test I have seen on anchor shackles, it always seems the failure (weak) point is the end of the shackle the pin is screwed into.

Why don't boaters use bolt-type shackles where the pin (bolt) passes through both ends of the shackle and is secured with a nut and cotter?

I've honestly wonder the above myself. And can only figure that perhaps it's due to tradition? That or perhaps that there's concern that the cottor pin may get pinched between the shackle & a rock. Maybe? I'm speculating here.

This style of shackle certainly is a lot less work to attach & detach. And also, I can think up several variations on how to secure one shut that would be more secure than "normal" anchor shackles, not to mention simpler.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by powsmias

Has anyone ever used stainless split rings? two of these, one on shackle, one on pin connected to each other and double it up maybe?

Ages ago, I'd sometimes use a split ring with it passing though the hole in the end of the shackle pin, as well as through the body of the shackle. As to whether or not it's secure enough in extreme situations??? But it's an option where pilers & seizing wire isn't required.