Long link chain for mooring strops ?

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Boo2

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Anyone here got any opinions on using long link chain for mooring strops ? The advantage would seem to be that the longer link will take a bigger shackle. As an example of what I mean, the inside link length for one short link 10mm chain I found on the web is only 28mm. If you subtract out twice the wire thickness that only permits an 8mm shackle pin as the absolute maximum. Also long link chain is lighter, meter for meter, than short link chain.

Any comments ?

Boo2
 
I would think that long link chain would be fine. It is all a matter of getting the heaviest chain for the best price. The more meat in the links the longer the chain will last with rust and wear. But of course shackles must also be as big as possible.
good luck olewill
 
Boo2 said:
Anyone here got any opinions on using long link chain for mooring strops ? The advantage would seem to be that the longer link will take a bigger shackle. As an example of what I mean, the inside link length for one short link 10mm chain I found on the web is only 28mm. If you subtract out twice the wire thickness that only permits an 8mm shackle pin as the absolute maximum. Also long link chain is lighter, meter for meter, than short link chain.

Any comments ?

Boo2
Click to expand...

I know we have done this to create a loop in the end of a mooring chain so I am surprised at your findings,

The only piece of chain I have handy is 8mm. There is room get an 8mm shackle pin through a mid chain link.

Why do you want to do this anyway or is it to create a loop ?
 
At my work, we moor up using a strop comprising 19mm long link chain. Never had any problems with it tangling up but it is lethally heavy, have nearly lost fingers handling it on bouncy days.
 
VicS said:
...is it to create a loop ?
Click to expand...
Yep, need a loop to drop over the cleat. 10mm chain comes in 2 specs the other size is 30mm inside so should just pass a 10mm shackle in a middle link. I'll try that type...

Boo2
 
Boo2 said:
Yep, need a loop to drop over the cleat. 10mm chain comes in 2 specs the other size is 30mm inside so should just pass a 10mm shackle in a middle link. I'll try that type...

Boo2
Click to expand...

Otherwise make the loop from a separate short length of chain attached to the end link with a (bow ?) shackle.
 
I've never had a problem making a loop in short link chain. There seems to be room for a shackle pin between the two links. I've done this at least 6 times on 8mm chain.
 
I used chain as my strop for the last couple of years. I was worried about chaff.
Almost lost the boat this winter. the chain parted. fortunately I had a light 1/2in braid line marina warp which I used as a pick up. Which held.
No more chain for me.
I would avoid long link particularly if going around or through an eye. I think it parted where it went through an eye.
left it on a 3/4 in braidline for the rest of winter. no chaff so far.
Now have a couple of 3/4 in braid line strops.
The pick up is still there and in place.:)
 
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