If the shackle is more or less matched to the chain I don't think it'll jam
in the gypsy. A shackle is definitely stronger than those repair links. I
know this doesn't satisfy #3 but I can't think of any reason to part an
anchor chain once you've made it up anyway. If it's an issue he should
probably use a "D" shackle with a wired pin

Don
an old boat goat

"Mac" wrote in message
news
On Sat, 04 Jun 2005 15:45:34 +0000, Old Boat Goat wrote:

I'd join the sections with a "D" shackle of the same size and material,
tighten the pin really well and peen the thread end or pin punch the end
of
it, grind the eye off the pin, smooth it up and "Bob's your uncle". I've
done this to anchor chains for 100-150 ton boats, 450 lb.+ anchors. Most
times too, we'd spot the end of the pin with a welder for absolute
security.

Don
an old boat goat

Don, does this pass through the gypsy OK?

Also, is this better (i.e., stronger) than the repair link suggestion
posted by dazed and confused?

Finally, can it be disconnected easily as per requirement number 3 of the
original poster? Certainly not if you hit it with a welder!

Personally, I think the original poster is looking for a magic solution
which doesn't exist. Probably the closest thing is to buy a bunch of
repair links, use them as needed, and cut them with bolt-cutters or a
disk grinder when the two chain segments need to be separated.

It may also be possible to use two over-size shackles to join two chain
segments without compromising strength, but I don't think this will pass
through the gypsy, and it may be hard to undo the shackles if they are
left underwater for a long time.

--Mac



"Courtney Thomas" wrote in message
news
With objectives of:

1-proper strength
2-avoiding interference with the windlass
3-segment disconnect when desired & avoiding compromising #s 1 & 2

what is the recommended technique for durably connecting two lengths of
same size anchor chain ?

Thank you,

Courtney