Not sure how you received that advice. Absolutely no reason not to use a shackle. On the basis of the testing I did, use a stainless steel shackle a size bigger than the chain (e.g. 10 mm for 8 mm chain) Best of all use a Wichard 17/4PH shackle, with a countersunk pin if it tends to catch passing through the roller jaws.
Otherwise, Kong connectors are a good design and plenty strong. In each case the screws should be retained with Loctite thread lock.
Before the corrosion advice arrives, the worst that can happen after sustained exposure to seawater is that the galvanising may go on the final few links of the chain.
That mkaes me happier.... I have a 16mm shackle on 10mm chain... I figure that the anchor will bend before the shackle does!..../forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
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Before the corrosion advice arrives, the worst that can happen after sustained exposure to seawater is that the galvanising may go on the final few links of the chain.
They probably meant not to use a shackle to join two pieces of chain as in that case you would need a shackle of a smaller size (9mm for a 10mm chain).
If you use a bow shackle rather than a 'D' shackle the pin won't catch the bow roller cheeks so readily.
I use a cable tie to 'mouse' the shackle pin but many recommend the traditional wire method. Loctite sounds a good idea.
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The first 10mtrs of my anchor chain is 10ml, it then is shackled to 20mtrs of 8ml chain, which in turn is shackled to a 20mtr length of nylon rope. I was given the impression that this system may have too many shackles, but as you need to use one for the anchor connection does another one make much difference?
How often, as a general rule should you change your anchor chain? Mine is five years old to my knowledge, are you saying that the chain in your picture is still serviceable? mine has a few rusty links but it is not as bad as the one shown.
My anchor chain has a large link at the ends, that enables me to fit a larger size of shackle than the chain size. I though that if chains were supplied as anchor chains that was normal.
Only change when it's rusty beyond repair or you change size for whatever reason.
Otherwise the only other things to keep in mind are -
When it's been regalved for the 3rd or 4th time. Remember to test it after, not just a bit, the whole length. Just checking it's not lost too much strength. It maybe fine but equally it maybe spooky.
A real good look over after a real big blow. Look for stretch and any signs of de-formed links especially the area that was by the bow roller. If you find anything get the chain retested.
Galvanising can last from 6 months to many years, all depends on how often, where you use it and how you look after it.
I don't know how long it had been down there but I found a lump of chain a bit like your pic where I was proposing to lay my mooring. A bit of treatment with a hammer revealed this
Surprisingly the shackle still works and the thread is relatively untouched!
Picked up at Pollensa, Mallorca. The bay is virtually non-tidal. There are many vacant moorings around the head of the bay, with a wide variety of buoys attached. Over a period of time the chain at the bottom of the riser wears on the seabed, creating a weed-free circle beneath. Inspecting the chain at the buoy shows it to be in good condition, but diving on it shows many to be worn dangerously at the seabed.
This one was picked up by a small speedboat and left on it overnight. Wind picked up and next morning the boat was gone!