Is it time to replace this anchor shackle?

[thomm225]

Yeah, it looks like your anchor shackle has very little wear at all. I'm thinking it will last quite a while yet

Do you anchor much?

Also, have you ever seen a plow after sitting all Winter.

It's totally rusty but after dragging it for a few hours behind a tractor in Spring time it has the brightest, shiniest chrome look you ever saw

Here is my well worn anchor rode end shackle that does get used a lot and my anchor end that looks unused.

Yours looks quite a bit smaller than mine though which is only holding a 27' 6600lb displacement boat

[ka4wja]

Please pardon my surprise here....but, I'm am seriously surprised that there is actually any question or debate here...

Yes...replace this shackle....and yes, I also recommend an oversized (one or two sizes up) Crosby 209A..

I grew up boating / sailing / cruising as a kid in the 1960's....and have continued to do so (on and off) to this day...and I fully understand being on a budget and learned "how-to make stuff work" that the books say don't...
(and learned about good maintenance from my Dad as well...)

But, I also took a materials science course in college (yes, odd for a Physics major)....and I'm also a trained/certified welder and machine tool operator....in addition to my experiences with all sorts of materials on-board / in and near sea water, I've actually seen chain break in storms, etc..
And, while I'm far from being an alarmist....and I know we all want to save some $$...
(and, yes I do anchor a lot....and I do know that galv shackles do corrode / rust....and some surface rust doesn't mean it's gonna break apart...but, really it is cheap and easy to replace...)
In my opinion, that pin is suspect....and as has been mentioned with the side-loading of anchoring gear, it just makes sense to replace it...

But, really??
Is there really any question whether to replace a critical part like this, when it costs less than most pay for one dinner at an inexpensive restaurant??

Just color me surprised....(if this was April 1st, I'd be smiling)

fair winds.

John

[Jim Cate]

Incidentally, if you wish to get longer life out of these shackles, assuming you bought a good quality Sheridized one in the first place, cut a small length of stainless steel tube that will fit over the pin but not too tightly, and in between the jaws of the bow.

That will take 50% or more of the wear--and your shackle will last a lot longer.

But Mike, most of us have used the largest shackle pin that will fit through the chain... so no room for the sleeve (which adds bulk but no strength).

Jim

[ferrailleur]

Just wire brush the rust..... grease and re-tight…. steel has been the sailors best friend for centuries.

[waterman46]

If you are just asking this question, then I suggest you replace it. Make you feel much better.

Does a few microns of rust matter if the material is sound underneath? Anyone know a scientific answer I'd like to hear it. For example, if I find rust stain on an otherwise good looking hose clamp, I'll clean it off and inspect for cracks, if none then it goes back to work.

You might find a shackle at Home Depot for $2.50 but would your trust it?

[Icarus]

Surely there is nothing to discuss... It's only a D shackle... Just replace it.

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by Mike Banks

It probably will last a while longer.

Incidentally, if you wish to get longer life out of these shackles, assuming you bought a good quality Sheridized one in the first place, cut a small length of stainless steel tube that will fit over the pin but not too tightly, and in between the jaws of the bow.

That will take 50% or more of the wear--and your shackle will last a lot longer.

Having a little nail varnish on the thread before you tighten the pin is a good idea too--since we can no longer get white lead or red lead primer.

THEN mouse the shackle pin with stainless steel binding wire.

Sounds rather far fetched...

[philiosophy]

How long has it been on there. Another thing I do to stop side loading is double shackle. Always use tonnage rated shackles.

[Vic_222]

I clean mine up and check for any corrosion cracks, excessive corrosion or wear, prefer to use a slightly rusted quality shackle then a counterfeit Crosby.

http://www.fyc.ca/docs/csacrosby.pdf

Going to replace my old shackles with these.

http://www.fyc.ca/docs/csacrosby.pdf

Cheers

Vic.

[noelex 77]

Thanks for the link, Vic.

I must check mine, but it is on the bottom at the moment .

[daletournier]

When you are sitting out a big blow you don't want to have such a little thing like that worry you when for a few bucks you could have replaced it.

[sailingunity]

The one pictured is a crosby 7/16 shackle, on 3/8 chain so it is already oversized. I was actually on the verge of ordering a replacement when I thought I would just ask and see what the opinions were! Seems like the majority say replace it, with a few folks saying it should be OK. I think I'll just keep this one as a backup and order new.

[Sailorbob8599]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Replace it... Whats to lose.. $2.50ish.
A small price for sleeping peacefully.. once doubts set in its hard to ease.. Peen and wire the new one.

Where can you buy a new shackle for $2.50 ??? I had no trouble selling 'used' shackles for $7.00 & $8.00 …

[paradox]

Yes...replace this shackle....and yes, I also recommend an oversized (one or two sizes up) Crosby 209A..

I purchased a Crosby 209A from Defender Marine

I thought the Crosby shackles had a colored pin
my pin was the same galvanized as the rest of the shackle

did i get the correct shackle?

What size seizing wire should I use for the shackle? usual seizing wire seems very thin.

Paradox

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by paradox

I thought the Crosby shackles had a colored pin
my pin was the same galvanized as the rest of the shackle

did i get the correct shackle?

What size seizing wire should I use for the shackle? usual seizing wire seems very thin.

The pin on the 209A is not coloured. The SWL should be embossed on the shackle and will tell you if it a 209 or a 209A.

Monel is the best seizing wire, but it only has to stop the pin turning so there is very little load. Corrosion of the wire is more of a concern.