Quick Links
RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON
Professional Quick Links - Marine Hardware & Rigging Connectors
Quick links, also known as quick connectors or rapid links, are versatile rigging hardware featuring a threaded sleeve or screw gate that allows fast, secure connections without tools. These essential connectors provide semi-permanent attachment points for rigging, climbing, marine applications, and industrial use where frequent connection and disconnection is needed. US Rigging offers professional-grade quick links in stainless steel construction, engineered for fast connections, corrosion resistance, and reliable performance in demanding marine and rigging applications.
What is a Quick Link?
A quick link is a metal connector, typically oval or triangular in shape, with a threaded sleeve or screw gate that opens to allow attachment and closes to secure the connection. Unlike carabiners with spring-loaded gates, quick links use a threaded closure that provides a more permanent connection while still allowing removal when needed.
Key Characteristics of Quick Links
- Threaded Closure: Screw sleeve or gate provides secure connection
- No Tools Required: Hand-tighten for quick connections
- Semi-Permanent: More secure than carabiners, easier than welded connections
- High Strength: Rated for significant working loads
- Various Shapes: Oval, triangular, and other configurations
- Corrosion Resistant: Stainless steel for marine environments
- Versatile Applications: Marine, climbing, rigging, and industrial use
- Cost-Effective: Economical alternative to more complex hardware
Types of Quick Links
Screw Pin Quick Links
The most common type, featuring a threaded pin that screws into the body to close the link.
Key Features:
- Threaded pin screws into body
- Hand-tighten, no tools required
- Easy to open and close
- Most economical option
- Various sizes and shapes
- Good for frequent connections/disconnections
Locking Quick Links
Feature a locking mechanism that prevents accidental opening, providing additional security for critical connections.
Key Features:
- Locking mechanism prevents accidental opening
- Additional security for critical applications
- Various locking designs available
- Higher cost than standard quick links
- Ideal for permanent or semi-permanent connections
Oval Quick Links
Traditional oval shape provides good strength and versatility for general-purpose connections.
Key Features:
- Symmetrical oval shape
- Good all-around strength
- Versatile for various applications
- Most common shape
- Available in many sizes
Triangular Quick Links
Delta or triangular shape provides multiple attachment points in a compact design.
Key Features:
- Three-sided design
- Multiple attachment points
- Good for organizing connections
- Compact footprint
- Prevents cross-loading
Materials & Construction
Stainless Steel Quick Links
The preferred choice for marine applications and corrosive environments.
- 316 Stainless Steel: Best corrosion resistance for saltwater environments
- 304 Stainless Steel: Good corrosion resistance for freshwater and general use
- Benefits: Excellent durability, maintains strength in harsh conditions, long service life
Other Materials
- Galvanized Steel: Economical, good for non-marine applications
- Zinc-Plated Steel: Basic corrosion protection, indoor use
- Aluminum: Lightweight option for non-critical applications
Common Applications
Marine Applications
- Rigging connections
- Anchor and mooring hardware
- Sail rigging
- Deck hardware connections
- Equipment securing
Climbing & Arborist Work
- Anchor building
- Equipment connections
- Rigging systems
- Gear organization
- Semi-permanent attachments
Industrial & Rigging
- Lifting and rigging connections
- Chain and cable attachments
- Equipment mounting
- Load securing
- General rigging hardware
General Purpose
- Tie-down points
- Rope and chain connections
- Playground equipment
- Garage organization
- DIY projects
Quick Links vs. Carabiners
Key Differences
- Closure Method: Quick links use threaded closure; carabiners use spring-loaded gates
- Permanence: Quick links are semi-permanent; carabiners are for frequent connections
- Strength: Quick links often have higher strength ratings than carabiners
- Speed: Carabiners are faster to connect/disconnect; quick links are more secure
- Cost: Quick links are generally more economical than carabiners
- Applications: Quick links for semi-permanent connections; carabiners for frequent use
Choosing the Right Quick Link
Key Considerations
- Load Requirements: Ensure working load limit exceeds maximum expected loads
- Material: Stainless steel for marine/corrosive environments, galvanized for general use
- Size: Large enough to accommodate your hardware and connections
- Shape: Oval for general use, triangular for multiple connections
- Locking: Locking type for critical or permanent connections
- Application: Marine, climbing, industrial, or general purpose
- Frequency of Use: Quick links for semi-permanent, carabiners for frequent connections
- Environment: Corrosion resistance critical for outdoor and marine use
Proper Use & Installation
Safe Usage Guidelines
- Tighten Completely: Screw sleeve or pin fully closed, hand-tight
- Check Regularly: Verify closure hasn't loosened, especially with vibration
- Proper Loading: Load along the major axis, avoid cross-loading
- Working Load Limits: Never exceed rated capacity
- Inspect Before Use: Check for damage, corrosion, or wear
- Correct Orientation: Orient quick link to distribute loads properly
- Avoid Shock Loading: Apply loads gradually
- Thread Condition: Ensure threads are clean and undamaged
Critical Safety Warnings
- Fully Close: Always screw closure completely tight before loading
- Check Tightness: Vibration can loosen threaded closures over time
- No Modifications: Never modify, weld, or alter quick links
- Proper Application: Use only for intended purposes
- Load Direction: Avoid side-loading or cross-loading
- Regular Inspection: Check for wear, especially on threads
Inspection & Maintenance
Inspection Guidelines
- Visual Inspection: Check for cracks, deformation, or damage
- Thread Condition: Inspect threads for wear, damage, or corrosion
- Closure Function: Ensure screw sleeve operates smoothly
- Corrosion: Look for rust, pitting, or corrosion
- Deformation: Check for bending, stretching, or distortion
- Wear Patterns: Inspect for excessive wear at contact points
Retirement Criteria - Retire Quick Link If:
- Cracks, deformation, or structural damage visible
- Threads are damaged, worn, or stripped
- Screw sleeve doesn't close properly or is loose
- Excessive corrosion or pitting present
- Quick link has been shock loaded or overloaded
- Body is bent, twisted, or stretched
- Any doubt exists about quick link integrity
Care & Maintenance
- Freshwater Rinse: Rinse with freshwater after saltwater exposure
- Clean Threads: Keep threads clean and free of debris
- Lubrication: Apply light lubricant to threads if needed
- Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from corrosive materials
- Tighten Regularly: Check and tighten closures periodically
- Documentation: Track installation dates for critical applications
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a quick link instead of a carabiner?
Use quick links for semi-permanent connections that won't be frequently opened and closed, such as permanent rigging points, anchor building, or equipment that stays connected. Use carabiners when you need to frequently connect and disconnect, such as clipping into anchors while climbing or attaching gear. Quick links are more secure and economical but slower to operate than carabiners.
Are quick links safe for climbing?
Yes, when properly rated and used correctly. Many climbers use quick links for semi-permanent anchor connections and gear organization. Ensure the quick link is rated for climbing loads (typically CE or UIAA certified), made from appropriate materials, and fully closed before use. Quick links are not suitable for frequent clipping like carabiners - use them for connections that will remain in place.
How tight should I screw the closure?
Screw the closure hand-tight until it's fully seated and secure. You don't need tools or excessive force - hand-tight is sufficient. Over-tightening can damage threads or make removal difficult. Check tightness regularly, especially in applications with vibration, as the closure can loosen over time.
Can quick links be used for overhead lifting?
Yes, if they are properly rated for lifting applications and meet applicable standards (ASME B30.26, OSHA requirements). Use quick links rated for the load, ensure they're fully closed, and inspect regularly. For critical overhead lifting, consider using rated lifting hardware specifically designed and certified for that purpose. Always follow workplace safety regulations.
What's the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel quick links?
316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, providing superior corrosion resistance in saltwater environments. Use 316 stainless for marine applications, especially in saltwater. 304 stainless is adequate for freshwater and less corrosive environments and is more economical. For critical marine hardware, the extra cost of 316 stainless is worth the investment in longevity.
Professional Quick Links from US Rigging
US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience, we offer professional-grade quick links in stainless steel construction, engineered for fast connections, corrosion resistance, and reliable performance in demanding marine and rigging applications.
Our quick link collection includes screw pin quick links, locking quick links, oval and triangular shapes in various sizes and materials including 316 and 304 stainless steel. Whether you need fast-connect rigging hardware for marine applications, semi-permanent anchor connections for climbing, or versatile connectors for industrial rigging, we have the quality quick links engineered for efficient connections and professional performance.
Browse our quick link selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Streamline your rigging operations with reliable quick links from US Rigging.