screw link - quick link

The screw link – quick link is a universal piece of equipment. It is often referred to as a “quick link” or “chain link”.

It has a very wide range of applications. On the one hand, the connector is used in mountaineering and at work at heights. For example, as an abseil point in a bolt hanger or in a glue in bolt. It is also used in the home and for hobbies.

The two different areas of application have very different requirements. For mountain sports and work at heights, the quick links must be standardized.

In the hobby sector, however, they do not have to. Please bear this in mind when selecting your products!

Below you will find a detailed overview of the topic “screw link – quick link”.
Standardized and non-standardized quick link
In simple terms, the chain link is available in two qualities. On the one hand with standard. And on the other hand without standard.

This is a decisive feature for your intended use.

Here is a picture with the quality features of the Quick Link. You can immediately see which screw link – quick link it is. You should also be able to read the breaking load for tension and cross-loading.

Key point “twist lock”
The decisive factor for the breaking load of a screw link is the fully closed screw cap. This means that the more “closed” the cap is, the more the quick link holds.

Therefore, always check the closure. This can come loose! E.g. in fixed quickdraws due to vibrations caused by wind. Or with cyclical loads such as in flying foxes etc.

The following video illustrates this very clearly!

Climbing garden owners watch out!
Climbing garden owners must pay attention to their legal obligations. These clearly stipulate an orientation towards the “average dimensional figure”. Consequently, we strictly recommend the use of a standardized Quick Link!

Therefore, pay attention to these two criteria. Firstly, the use of a screw link – quick link with the EN 362 standard. And secondly, to install stainless steel chain links. In this way, you are consistently following the EN 959 standard for expansion bolt. You also avoid galvanic corrosion!
screw link – quick link: Overview forms
A Quick Link can come in many different forms. Depending on the intended use, specific designs are simply ideal.

It’s always about the same two questions:

Firstly. From where to where is a load/force transmitted? Where do the forces act? I.e. in which direction?

Secondly. How large is the suspension point or how large is the object that is suspended on the opposite side?

The ideal shape of the chain links depends on the combination of these factors.

Here is an overview of the most common forms.

D-shaped screw link – quick link
Distributes forces well in several directions: D-shaped Rapidgied

This shape is ideal for attaching several items of equipment from one attachment point. For example, a harness for work at heights.

A D-shaped quick link is often attached to the hip belt. This is because several objects can be attached to the “belly” of the link in different directions. Such as cow’s tail, rigging plate, descender etc.

In short. With this design, forces can be distributed from one point in several directions.
Rectangular Quick Link
Equally loadable on all four sides, a rectangular quick link.

This form of screw link – quick link is ideal for connecting two wide parts together. For example, two wider load belts.

This component also offers the option of using a wide fixed point. For example, a steelcrimp. Thanks to its wide design and lateral opening, this form can be slid over such components.

Such trapezoidal links have the same breaking load in all directions. This means that they are also suitable for creating cross connections. This can be the case for suspensions in the assembly area, for example.

Or to put it better. A wide component can be fixed on all four sides like a webbing strap.
Triangular screw link – quick link
Perfect power transmission from a wide to a narrow point. The triangular Quick Link.

This shape is used to transfer from a narrow to a wide fixing point or vice versa. For example, from a glue in bolt to a load belt.

“Triangles” have a very high longitudinal breaking load. This means that they are particularly suitable for heavy loads. For example, for slacklines or lifting work.

In the work at heights area, it is also often fixed in webbing straps. The wide side on the webbing, the narrow side directly into the chest ascender, for example. In this way, it also follows the principle of ideal power transmission.
Oval screw link – quick link
A classic screw link – quick link made of stainless steel with EN 362 standard for all safety-relevant activities.

The oval shape is the classic design of a Quick Link. This is because the chain link immediately aligns itself longitudinally under load. This means that no cross-loading can occur in this case.

Classic examples are

Abseiling point on bolt hanger
Attach step sling in ascender
Fixed attachment of a cow’s tail
etc.

The oval chain links are usually available in two different versions.

On the one hand, the “short” standard shape with a “small” opening of usually 10mm. And on the other hand, the “long” shape with a significantly larger opening of around 17 mm.

As a result, “long” screw links can be hooked into much larger fixed points than “short” ones. Be sure to bear this in mind when buying!
Pear-shaped Quick Link
Pear-shaped quick links transfer loads very well from narrower to wider belts.

This type of screw link – quick link is ideal where a large opening is required on the one hand. And on the other hand there should be plenty of space for a component.

Small pulleys are a good example. Or two load belts or slips of different widths.

Pear-shaped links are characterized by their high breaking load. In the longitudinal direction, they are often well over 25kN. In the transverse direction, they also reach an impressive 10kN.

These properties make them a popular piece of equipment for rescue organizations.
Quick Link in mountain sports
Only a standardized screw link – quick link should be used in mountain sports. We are talking about the EN 362 standard.

They are used in the following disciplines:

Climbing: Abseiling point and connections with chains to fixed points.

Speleology / Caving: As an abseil point and for attaching various gear. Such as a chestascender.

Mountain rescue: For connecting various pieces of equipment.

Slacklining: For fixing pulleys. Also for attaching ropes and slings to fixed points;
Source of danger DIY store screw link – quick link
Unfortunately, you still see inferior connectors on climbing routes.

On the one hand as an abseiling point. On the other hand, when connecting chains to anchor points. These chain links are a major source of danger! Because they have an extremely low breaking load. The value can often even be read on the quick links themselves. However, the specifications are sometimes just 250kg or 350kg!

Please check the safety of the chain link, especially when rappelling!

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