Anchor cable joining

[Samarai]

Hi, I’m trying to join two lengths of chain and to get it out of the chain locker and through the spurling pipe will require me to use a ‘C’ shackle. The sort the you rivet by peening the spurs. I notice that using this shackle could reduce the strength of the cable by 50%.
Accordingly, I’ve had a further thought…..what would be the effect of welding the ‘C’ shackle after I’d peened it to close it? Would the heating also reduce the tensile strength.
Cheers!

 

[billyfish]

I use 2 d shackles with countersunk heads on the screw

 

[Samarai]

Does that arrangement snag on the windlass gypsy?

 

[noelex]

Take a look at this excellent reference by our own forum expert Vyv Cox.

Connectors

Another option to ”C" connectors is double clevis links. They are available in high strength steels such as G7. The advantage is that they are removable. The drawbacks are that they are not available, or very difficult to find, galvanised (so use some zinc rich paint and be prepared to replace them periodically) and they will not pass smoothly over every gypsy, although them seem OK on most according to user reports.

 

[billyfish]

Does that arrangement snag on the windlass gypsy?

No

 

[billyfish]

And they are galvanised

 

[Samarai]

Thanks to all. Much appreciated

 

[vyv_cox]

Heat treated C-links such as Crosby should not be welded as this will destroy the temper and reduce the strength. Galvanised C-links should not be welded as the zinc embrittles the steel. Most welders would not attempt it anyway as the fumes are nasty.

You could weld a 316 link but it would be by far preferable to use a Crosby link. Assuming them to be available, which is currently a problem. It seems they are being redesigned.

 

[Samarai]

Thanks. I wondered if strength would be lost and now I know. I'll just have to use one of the alternatives kindly suggested.