The quicklinks are handy to have because they are easy to put on, no parts to
drop, etc. However, its also hard to see of they're working loose, while a
shackle can be wired or cable tied and its obvious of they're coming apart.

Be a bit careful comparing numbers - some are "working load" and others are
"breaking strength." I think for chain and shackles "working load" is define as
25% of breaking strength. Also, you want to consider the failure mode - a quick
link can deform making it hard to take apart.

BTW, why not use a swivel to connect to the anchor? Maybe your Danforth won't
pull out as much if it had a swivel.

interesting link:
http://www.suncorstainless.com/sscart/pdf/rigging.pdf


"Martin Baxter" wrote in message
...

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