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Why This Connecting Link Is Unsuitable For Use

Posted by Crosby on Apr 10, 2018 9:28:03 AM

Bad Rigging - 1

Have a look at the photo above. Do you see a problem?

It might be hard to tell, but this is an alloy connecting link for a chain, the A-1337 “LOK-A-LOY.”

It is suitable for joining two lengths of chain end-to-end, or for connecting a length of chain to a fitting. This connecting link, however, has been assembled onto a pad eye AND has a length of chain on each end.

All Crosby products have been designed and tested for a specific set of loading conditions. Which includes a load limit, temperature range, direction of loading, torque requirements, etc.

Deviating from these parameters can result in catastrophic loss of load.

Bad Rigging - 2

The figure above shows where the load can be applied, and the direction that is acceptable. This part is strictly for inline loading only. The LOK-A-LOY in the photo has a slightly different loading condition.

Both lengths of the chain are pulling in the same direction while the pivot pin is being held by the pad eye. The angle of pull is also down which introduces a bending moment to the pin.

Crosby did not anticipate this loading scenario, and it has not been tested.

Bottom line – the product’s performance is unpredictable and therefore unsuitable for use in this application.

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