Quick Link On Safety Chain

[DaveJ50]

Any reason I shouldn't use a couple of quality chain quick links to put a small tuck in my safety chains where they connect to the trailer frame.

I have a lot of excess and it would be nice to just hook them up instead of doing a bunch of twists plus I move the boat with the tractor sometimes and need the extra length.

Thanks

DaveJ

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

What kind of quick links? As long as they are rated as much as the chain you should be fine.

You talking about these types?

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

I've been doing exactly that for years.

 

[DaveJ50]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

That is exactly what I was talking about and ajgraz that sounds good enough for me.

I really didn't see any difference between doing that and just using them to connect the chain which I know some people do but I wanted to ask before doing something stupid.

Thanks

 

[richiemoe]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

I had to extend my chains and used quick links. I would hope it would hold. Hope I never have to find out.

 

[DaveJ50]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

Yep, I hope I'm wasting my time every time I hook them up.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

those links are fine as long as you actually screw them together.... I've seen alot of folks just hook them ..... also never twist the chain... takes ALOT of strength out of it

 

[JimMH]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

I have used that type of quick link for years and never had a problem. You should be fine.

 

[DaveJ50]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

..... also never twist the chain... takes ALOT of strength out of it

I have read that and I believe it but it seems to be a pretty standard practice.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

sure is...... It's terrifying how many scary things are common practice

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

also never twist the chain... takes ALOT of strength out of it

Never heard that before. Why does it take strength out?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

because it multiplies force on the chain.... same as a knot in a rope.....

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

for what you are doing (or at least what i THINK you are doing), you could get by with plastic zip ties even! strength isn't important, you are just doubling up a section of chain to shorten it. If an emergency would happen, you still have the full strength of the chain if the quick link breaks. (hence, you could use a zip tie)

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

Back in '98 or so my parents lost their pop up tent trailer because the ball came loose from the receiver and there was enough force to unbend those cheap safety chain hooks...you know, the one's that look like they're just an S shaped steel rod. From then on we've always used either the "quick links" pictured or drop forged hooks

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

When I use the quick links, I put the chain through the loop on the hitch and then use the quick link to tie the end of the chain back to the chain between the trailer and the hitch. By doing that the quick link is only absorbing half the pull if there is no slack in the chain on either side.

 

[DaveJ50]

Re: Quick Link On Safety Chain

When I use the quick links, I put the chain through the loop on the hitch and then use the quick link to tie the end of the chain back to the chain between the trailer and the hitch. By doing that the quick link is only absorbing half the pull if there is no slack in the chain on either side.

Now why didn't I think of that...........Thanks

I thought about zip ties but then I read that shorter crossed chains were more likely to cradle and hold the tongue if it ever came off. I think mine are long enough to drag if I don't twist or tuck. That would allow the tongue to stuff into the first pot hole.