According to the BBB chain dimensions in the following link
http://www.pyacht.net/online-store/s..._bbb_chain.htm
neither a 3/8" shackle or a 3/8" quick link will pass through 3/8' bbb
chain. You must go 1 size smaller. hence the suggestion to install
oversized end links from an industrial supplier of load rated chain.

This factoid is true for all shapes and sizes of chain, proof , ht,
bbb, and is one of the dirty little secrets of the anchor rode
packages offered by marine retailers.

After the anchor breakout force rating, the shackle is your weakest
link



On 17 Jun 2004 14:48:20 GMT, "Scott Vernon"
wrote:

he was asking about quick links, marc.


"Marc" wrote in message
.. .
More to the point. the shackle you can fit to the chain is weaker
than the chain. Buy your rated chain from an industrial sling mfg. and
have them put an oversize link at each end. (small extra charge). Now
you will be able to fit the proper sized and rated shackle.



On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 09:44:54 -0400, Martin Baxter
wrote:


Another anchor question: Why don't we use quick links rather than
shackles to attach the rode to the anchor?

Seems to me that the same size quick link is about 20% stronger than it's
shackle equivalent, and if you tighten the closure nut with a wrench there's
no way for it to work open. Even if you only tighten by hand and by some
miracle (fish with fingers, crafty crabs?) it manages to work open, you
still
won't lose connection so long as there is some tension on the rode.

Cheers
Marty