What is the best way to install a grab link onto a chain?

[goeduck]

Issue with these may be the spring gate (that keeps chain in) is pretty vulnerable and easily become bent or destroyed and then its useless to keep hook on chain.......

Dale

These are much better than those

 

[dalola]

I like these connecting/repair links:

View attachment 592939

They are a bit hard to find but should be available at industrial supply stores. You put the two halves together and then pound the two rivets flat to make a tight connection. They make a cleaner connection than normal shackle type connectors. They look just like a regular chain link once installed.

Those are good, except the OP wants the option to remove the link.

OP, remember, you're likely restricted by your tractor size/ability vs. the strength of the chain/connectors you're using. Not sure what you plan on doing, but just about everything mentioned here will likely be of more capacity than your tractor. Most people go way overkill on this stuff, especially if you're just dragging logs through the woods, etc..

 

[Egon]

Make your own double grab link. Hole in the middle, slot on each side for chain. Use a piece of 3/8 flat steel.

For OP’s question there are many options. It usually ends up using what’s available.

For myself i’d Probably end up using one like this with another grab hook added. Fast to hook up and can be made for different lengths. No need to run long chain through a hole in connector. Chain with a grab hook and slip hook will also work for most cases. ( even with spring loaded retainers )
[video]https://goo.gl/images/t7kzYg[/video]

 

[jodebg]

Dale,

I will need to use a 3/8" shackle on a 5/16" chain. And the stock bolt that comes with this 3/8: shackle is too large to fit into the inside diamater of the chain links.

So I would have to use a smaller dia. bolt (maybe Grade 8) in order to use the 3/8" shackle, rather than the larger bolt that comes with it.

Hope this helps.

 

[WranglerX]

Dale,

I will need to use a 3/8" shackle on a 5/16" chain. And the stock bolt that comes with this 3/8: shackle is too large to fit into the inside diamater of the chain links.

So I would have to use a smaller dia. bolt (maybe Grade 8) in order to use the 3/8" shackle, rather than the larger bolt that comes with it.

Hope this helps.

The minute you start changing parts of a assembly you change tested design rating of the assembly..... If chain is to small get bigger chain if grab hook is to big, get smaller grab hook....

Sure we always do mix and match of hooks and chains and whatnot's, but the real eye opener for me as a giant oak tree, 4,500 pound jeep with 10,000 pound winch, broke 5/16 choker chain twice on tree, made me start rethinking what I was doing and what I was using....

Dale

 

[WranglerX]

I like these connecting/repair links:

View attachment 592939

They are a bit hard to find but should be available at industrial supply stores. You put the two halves together and then pound the two rivets flat to make a tight connection. They make a cleaner connection than normal shackle type connectors. They look just like a regular chain link once installed.

But what is load rating of such device....

Dale

 

[pmsmechanic]

But what is load rating of such device....

Dale

From what I remember....not much!

 

[4570Man]

From what I remember....not much!

I hate those things. Like you already broke the chain, now you’re going to “fix” it with a repair that’s only a small fraction of the original load??? The only good options are to get a double pin shackle or get 2 more hooks and have a shorter chain. Really you should probably throw it away since the rest of the links are probably stretched. I also hate low grade hooks. The price difference is like a dollar.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I hate those things. Like you already broke the chain, now you’re going to “fix” it with a repair that’s only a small fraction of the original load??? The only good options are to get a double pin shackle or get 2 more hooks and have a shorter chain. Really you should probably throw it away since the rest of the links are probably stretched. I also hate low grade hooks. The price difference is like a dollar.

I'm in total agreement with you on this one!

 

[jaxs]

This is where the saying "a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link" came from. If the rated load isn't permanently etched or cast on hook,tiedown ring or other cable/chain accessory,what it say's on tag or package is near meaningless.