Can I use a carabiner?

[Clutch]

I have had those quick links on a Bobcat trailer, they are a real pain, they rust, get debris in the threads. Always seizing up. I hate having to grab some tools just to hook up the safety chains.

Do you have to thread the chains through the eye-bolts? Just hook it to the eye-bolt instead of threading it? I have clevis safety hooks to keep them from popping off.

 

[DaktariEd]

I have had those quick links on a Bobcat trailer, they are a real pain, they rust, get debris in the threads. Always seizing up. I hate having to grab some tools just to hook up the safety chains.

Do you have to thread the chains through the eye-bolts? Just hook it to the eye-bolt instead of threading it? I have clevis safety hooks to keep them from popping off.

Now THAT's what I'm talking about!
Where did you get those???
(Yes, I do have to thread the chain through. That's the pain)

 

[Big_Geek]

Now THAT's what I'm talking about!
Where did you get those???
(Yes, I do have to thread the chain through. That's the pain)

Any hardware store should have these. I've seen them at Lowe's, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, etc...

 

[Clutch]

Ace has steel carabiners too, but, I don't think the rating is very high.

http://www.acehardware.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2626261&cp=2568451.2626206.2626272

 

[Clutch]

(Yes, I do have to thread the chain through. That's the pain)

That is too bad. If you have to thread the chains through the eye-bolt, a clevis safety hook isn't going to help.

Not my truck, but, here is what it basicly looks like. Instead of threading you should be able to just hook the clevis to the eyebolt. I haven't seen your setup, so I could be totally wrong. Are the chains too long? Quick solution is to twist them, the other is to lop off the extra links. I have a grinder and bolt cutters if you need them.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Any hardware store should have these. I've seen them at Lowe's, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, etc...

Like Kermit says, a good Ace probably will have them (mine has an OK selection, not great though). If you can't find them locally, McMaster-Carr and Grainger are options, too.

 

[Clutch]

There a couple of Aces on Ed's side of town, one on Saint Marys, the other on Grant West of I-10.

We have a decent trailer suppy store too.

Funny you mention Grainger, I am literally right over the hill from them. Same street has the famous Nimbus beer pub, we have been talking about for the Tucson meet and greet.

 

[DaktariEd]

That is too bad. If you have to thread the chains through the eye-bolt, a clevis safety hook isn't going to help.

No, I don't have to thread them through with a clevis hook on the end.
That would simply clip on as in your photo.

Come to think of it, I may be able to do without the threading right now...just attach the Quick link to the eyebolt. (That was a duh!).
But I prefer the simplicity of the clevis hook....and I hate struggling with the threaded quick link, especially when it's frozen closed or jammed.

 

[Clutch]

....and I hate struggling with the threaded quick link, especially when it's frozen closed or jammed.

Not so quick...when they jam, eh? I really don't like those things.

When you attach up your clevis hooks. disconnect the trailer from the hitch, then lower it into the chains to make sure your chains are short enough...also do a a couple jack knifes to make sure you chains are long enough...do it whil the trailer is attached.

Safety chains have saved my butt more than a few times.

My uncle forgot to hook them once, had the Bobcat trailer become unhooked and pass him on a decent...then plow into a graveyard, no damage to the equipment...a few dislodged head stones though.. (whoops)

 

[kellymoe]

I have been climbing well over 2 decades and the use of the kn. rating is fairly new to climbing gear. Most of my biners are rated in kg's. I would never use a aluminum biner for connecting a trailer but I would use a steel biner. Many of the steel biners I have are rated to 4400-5500kg. The steel links found at the local hardware store such as the quick links are not even rated and yet people dont hesitate to use them on their trailers. I am not saying go out and buy a locking steel climbing biner for trailer use but at least you know exactly what it is rated. I guarantee you that the steel climbing carabiner will be the strongest link in the chain.

 

[Rezarf <><]

I totally agree a 'biner is up to the task, however, with the way insurance companies work... I'd bet there would be a lot of talk if they see a climbing 'biner where a safety hook should be, it is pennies on the dollar to do it right and forget about it!

 

[Fireman78]

I have several different sized STEEL caribiners for various non-climbing uses around the house and these are VERY strong. These were all bought at REI and are made by reputable climbing companies. These have quality control standards that are not the same as "utility" caribiners you may find elsewhere. I have one that I even use to augment vehicle recovery as well. I have never been let down by these. I have, however, witnessed aluminum caribiners "explode" into a half dozen pieces when used unproperly. :rappel:

 

[mmtoy]

You also need to be aware that the aluminum alloy carabiners are very susceptible to corrosion. Pure aluminum oxidizes in air very quickly, and a thin film of aluminum oxide will form, protecting the interior. However, the specific alloy used in carabiners was not designed to ward off corrosion (a good climber takes care of their equipment...yada, yada), but was designed for weight/strength in a particular application. Once it's dented, chipped, etc., a carabiner that is exposed to weather quickly deteoriates into uselessness (this is why you don't use pro that's lost&found on a climb...). Do not use an aluminum alloy carabiner for any outdoor (permanent or semi-permanent) purpose where you depend on it not failing catastrophically.

 

[ntsqd]

I've yet to have a quick link freeze up or jam on me. Perhaps I shouldn't be in too much of a hurry to fix the transfer case leak?

The next rear bumper I build will have features like this built-in so that nothing more than the chain is needed, unless horizontal as shown and then they'll have provisions for the stopper bolt.