Crosby C Links

[Ink]

All

This may sound stupid but just out off interest, I understand an anvil and a big lump hammer are recommended, how, exactly do you 'peen' the two halves together.

Is it a case of just hitting the lugs - hard, or is it preferable to use some sort of tool to hit the lugs directly?

Ink

 

[vyv_cox]

You will find it far easier and less painful to use a drift. Mine was round bar, 3/4 inch, about 6 inches long. Easiest way is to hold the chain in a vice with the C-link flat on the jaws. More info on my website.

 

[NormanS]

You don't need an actual anvil. What you do need is a heavy metal base with mass. Often a heavy hammer is used for this. What you are doing with the small pointy bits is riveting the ends of them to keep the two halves securely fastened. These bits are "malleable", ie, can be shaped by hammering. You want many hits with a relatively light (preferably ballpein) hammer, and you will see the metal moving into the required shape.

 

[vyv_cox]

Crosby links are made fŕom hardened and tempered steel that requires heavy blows to deform. A light ball pein hammer is not man enough for the job. I find it takes multiple blows from at least a 2 lb hammer to close the rivets.

 

[fredrussell]

Agreed. It’s surprising just how hard you need to hit the rivets to close them. Biggest hammer you’ve got preferably.

 

[JimC]

I have a Crosby that I bought via this forum a few years ago. I haven't used it yet, it seems rather a tight fit in my 8mm chain. Is this normal or could it be a 5/16" link?

 

[vyv_cox]

I have a Crosby that I bought via this forum a few years ago. I haven't used it yet, it seems rather a tight fit in my 8mm chain. Is this normal or could it be a 5/16" link?

Yes, Crosby are US made, so Imperial size. See towards the end of this page of my website for a suggested remedy. C-links

 

[JimC]

Thanks Vyv

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Agreed. It’s surprising just how hard you need to hit the rivets to close them. Biggest hammer you’ve got preferably.

I'm currently losing a thumbnail through hitting something really hard with the biggest hammer I've got

 

[Beneteau381]

You don't need an actual anvil. What you do need is a heavy metal base with mass. Often a heavy hammer is used for this. What you are doing with the small pointy bits is riveting the ends of them to keep the two halves securely fastened. These bits are "malleable", ie, can be shaped by hammering. You want many hits with a relatively light (preferably ballpein) hammer, and you will see the metal moving into the required shape.

Ive done two by using pontoon cleats as the anvil. A big ballpein hammer is essential

 

[Neeves]

Using pontoon cleats is not recommended - the owner of the pontoon can become upset.

Using a 10mm high tensile bolt as a drift might minimise damage to fingers/hand.

Jonathan

 

[penberth3]

Using pontoon cleats is not recommended - the owner of the pontoon can become upset.

Using a 10mm high tensile bolt as a drift might minimise damage to fingers/hand.

Jonathan

Exactly, a cleat isn't an anvil.

 

[Mudisox]

I found that using the large mass of the chains an anvil underneath was sufficient, using the heaviest hammer I had.

 

[duncan99210]

Exactly, a cleat isn't an anvil.

Indeed, however needs must when the devil drives.

 

[Neeves]

I'll belabour the point:

If you are attaching a 'C' link then you are planning ahead and you need to bring a decent hammer with you (unless you happen to carry a ball plien hammer as part of your tool kit. It really does not seem beyond the wit of man to bring two hammers, one (what I would call) a sledge or mash hammer (I think mentioned by NormanS) and use ti as your anvil. I have a big bit of steel plate, maybe 300mm x 300mm by 10mm (which I happen to have).

But I I were a marina owner and saw you beating the living daylight's out of a cleat I would be 'angry'. To rivet the halves of a Crosby link together takes time and many 'bashes' its not something you can do quickly nor quietly.

If the marina operators causes you to stop midway in your actions - you will look very silly with a half attached Crosby link.

But each to their own.

Take care, stay safe

Jonathan

 

[JimC]

A big ballpein hammer is essential

Does it really have to be ballpein? Some posters have mentioned using drifts, these wouldn't be ball-ended.

 

[rotrax]

I'm currently losing a thumbnail through hitting something really hard with the biggest hammer I've got

Be more careful!

And remember, there are none more sanctimonious than reformed reprobates!

I still bear the scars.........................................

 

[penfold]

Does it really have to be ballpein? Some posters have mentioned using drifts, these wouldn't be ball-ended.

A drift means you can't safely do it solo unless there's access to a vice or other restraint(or you have 3 hands); a ballpein hammer is the ideal tool for riveting with, that's one of their primary purposes.

 

[JimC]

a ballpein hammer is the ideal tool for riveting with, that's one of their primary purposes.

Do they make them heavy enough? All that I've seen have been comparatively light.

 

[penfold]

Biggest I've seen was maybe 3lb, I have a 2lb in the workshop. It's probably more important to have the C link sitting on a suitable surface to act as an anvil(or an actual anvil) as the reaction is a vital part of the proceedings.