Shackle Test!

[TheBoatman]

Would anyone like to participate in a test on securing mooring shackles?

Firstly, I would like to say that we have carried out tests on mooring shackles which have failed due to various reasons and have come up with the following formula which "appears" to work well.

1. Shackle must be of BS standard. (Not fishermans type).
2. Must be moused (either with wire or cable tie) (your choice).

Now the important bit.

Shackle thread must be coated in "Loctite - thread lock) - (not grease - Stockholm tar or any other such gubbins).

We have found that shackles treated in this way stay locked, are reasonably easy to undo and that the threads are in near perfect condition when un-locked, also there seems to be less corrosion of the shackle!!!!

I know this is a long term thing but if anyone would like to try it I can promise at least no worse results than you were already getting and maybe even an improvement.

Please let me know!!!!

Peter.

 

[Talbot]

I found the best way was use of araldite. If its down for a long time you will probably replace it anyway, and this ensures it stays secure.

 

[Mirelle]

Good thought. I used epoxy on the stainless dome nuts on my mainsheet buffer, which tended to unscrew, reasoning that I won't be undoing them, seven years ago and I'd actually forgotten all about them.

 

[Avocet]

You may already know this but if you heat Loctite to a few hundred degrees before dis-assembly, it comes apart as easy as pie.

 

[roger]

Note a recent thread - cable ties often die quickly with exposure to UV.