The new rode/chain/anchor package isn't fitting together as smoothly as I would like. The 5/16" HT chain is supposed to have a 1/2" ID on each link. I selected a shackle with a 7/16" pin specifically for this reason. Guess what, the pin binds in the chain. Can't quite get the pin tight enough and even if I did, it would rotate with the chain link. I have a few options:
-Lightly grind the shackle pin
-Lightly relieve the first chain link
-Use a smaller shackle.
None of these solutions give me a warm fuzzy feeling. The reasons should be obvious? I'm considering using a stainless swivel like this one http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10391|33872|34760&id=1527514 at the end of the 5/16"HT chain, then 5 or 6 links of 3/8"HT then the shackle to the anchor. The failure problem with swivels appears to be when they are attached directly to anchor shanks. They fail when not pulled in a straight line, like when the tide or wind shifts and the anchor rode pulls the anchor in a new, non-linear direction,they are not intended to side load. The swivel in between chain sections should take care of this issue, offer the additional dubious benefit of "swiveling" and allow the use of a large shackle. The shackle is still the weakest link it the whole system.
What say the crowd?
RT
-Lightly grind the shackle pin
-Lightly relieve the first chain link
-Use a smaller shackle.
None of these solutions give me a warm fuzzy feeling. The reasons should be obvious? I'm considering using a stainless swivel like this one http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10391|33872|34760&id=1527514 at the end of the 5/16"HT chain, then 5 or 6 links of 3/8"HT then the shackle to the anchor. The failure problem with swivels appears to be when they are attached directly to anchor shanks. They fail when not pulled in a straight line, like when the tide or wind shifts and the anchor rode pulls the anchor in a new, non-linear direction,they are not intended to side load. The swivel in between chain sections should take care of this issue, offer the additional dubious benefit of "swiveling" and allow the use of a large shackle. The shackle is still the weakest link it the whole system.
What say the crowd?
RT