General question about links
 

Does anyone know a neat trick to get rod ends to tighten down on links at the correct orientation? So far unless I'm really lucky, I either get the rod end tight and have the rod ends in the wrong position, or get both side rod ends at the correct position but not tight against the link.

Re: General question about links
 

The links are going to get beat up and scratched on the rocks so I have no problem grabbing them with pliers.

Re: General question about links
 

I think he's saying he can't get the ends aligned when tightening them.

I use Teflon tape wrapped around the link threads. This bunches up and creates a little bit of a spacer to stop the link in the right orientation. It takes a little playing around to get it right.

Re: General question about links
 

Plastic rod ends should stay in place without being bottomed out on the thread shoulder. If you are using metal rod ends you could alway put a jam nut on first and lock the link where you want it. A dab of super glue or shoe goo might also do the trick.

Re: General question about links
 

Interesting. I've never had a rod end stay in place without being bottomed against something. They always spin for me.

Re: General question about links
 

This is why I like 8-32 threads instead of Metric. I don't really trust the fine pitch of Metric to be overtightened in plastic.

With 8-32, I've never had a problem with getting rod ends aligned by just tightening that last half turn, and actually it's always less than half a turn.

Re: General question about links
 

Worked like a charm! Thanks for sharing.... "thumbsup"