FlatLink E (EXPERT)
MSRP: $208.75
Factor Direct: $167.00
Product Description
The FlatLink E (Expert) is a variation of our popular foldable standard FlatLink winch shackle mount. The FlatLink E provides a means to eliminate the conventional winch hook and replace it with a safer and more secure screw pin shackle resulting in a CLOSED SYSTEM WINCHING operation. The large pear shaped shackle mounting hole allows for attachment to either the pin or bow end of common screw pin shackles, as well as common OEM recovery points. This makes the new FlatLink E more versatile than the current FlatLink design, but it also adds the possibility of a dangerous shackle side loading condition (See Picture), especially during momentary slack conditions. A shackle side loading condition is not possible with our standard FlatLink shackle mount due to the shackle pin mounting constraint. For the recreational off roader we highly recommend the safer standard FlatLink product, not the FlatLink E. This way the winch operator does not have to monitor whether the shackle may have shifted and rotated in the recovery tackle. The FlatLink E is only available in the Military Specification Anodizing (Mil-A-8625 F Type III) hard anodized gray finish.
Conventional winch hooks can cut and fray recovery straps and often allow strap ends to escape during momentary slack cycles of a typical winching recovery. Screw pin shackles do not allow strap loops to escape due to their secure screw pin attachment. The FlatLink E does not require splicing and is compatible with steel cables or synthetic ropes up to 3/8 inches in diameter. The cable eye is retained in the FlatLink E by a 5/8 inch diameter 6Al4V Titanium double shear pin and internal snap ring. Installation takes only minutes. The EPDM Rubber Guards protect alloy fairleads and are securely attached to the FlatLink E with 4 barbed tips each. The FlatLink E stows neatly against either roller or Hawse type fairleads and is designed to be used with common 3/4 inch shackles.
MADE IN THE USA
U.S. Utility Patent No. 9,388,025
Foreign Patents Pending
*LIMITED EDITION color options– Limited Edition Colors can be out of stock frequently. If you have any questions you can call 208-639-1674 for availability and pricing.
Product Specifications
- MADE IN THE USA
- Precision machined from 6000 series billet aluminum
- Compatible with all roller fairlead license plate mounting brackets
- When folded flat – less than 1.75 inches of thickness
- Weight – 26 ounces
- Max load rating : 16,000 pounds
- Ultimate failure : greater than 40,000 pounds
- Fits steel cables and synthetic winch ropes to 3/8 inch diameters
- EPDM Rubber Guard protects alloy fairleads and cushions line stowage
- Simple snap ring removal for shear pin
- Fits common 3/4 shackles/D-Rings
- Eliminates hook rattle and fairlead damage
Additional Information
| Weight | 1.75 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.75 × 4.25 × 2.25 in |
| Color | Gray, Red, Limited Edition Yellow, Limited Edition Orange, Limited Edition OD Green, Limited Edition Lime Green, Limited Edition Silver, Limited Edition Blue, Black |
Question
bjwarta –
Can you fit the bow end of the 3/4 Warn Epic shackle through this? As the profile of that shackle isn’t a standard shape.
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Rob Postle (verified owner) –
@bjwarta “Can you fit the bow end of the 3/4 Warn Epic shackle through this?”
I was disappointed to find it will not. The ends where the pin screws in will not fit through the flat link E. I bought this with the idea it would 🙁 At least it’s easier to slip the soft shack through :-\
YMMV
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Factor 55 (verified owner) –
It should and that is why the instructions for our shackle mounts state to test fit the shackles before use. Our products were designed to work to the specifications of USA-made rigging hardware standards. The WARN Epic shackles are imported. The Crosby Shackles we sell on our site are USA made and certified for overhead lifting.
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Factor 55 –
As far as we know, yes it will fit. But please keep in mind these types of shackles are imported/Non-regulated, it is import to test fit each shackle. Some of them may work and some of them may not. It is always best to source USA Made, tested and rated shackles from companies like Crosby, Columbus Mckinnon, and Skookum.
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sanatem2003 –
The great look doesn’t take away from it’s versatility and functionality. Would strongly recommend.
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Robert L Vecchiolli –
I got this to use with my AmsteelBlue synthetic winch rope, and I simply love this product. Shackles fit through the loop nicely both the pin and the hoop side. I’ve used this extensively to winch myself out of holes and to winch logs into position on my property. I love the design of this product. It lays flat(ish) on the fair hawse lead when not in use, and looks a lot better than the thimbles, imo.
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Klebrchelp –
I saw the ProLink, I liked it but didn’t really want my rig sucking a binky most the year. When the Flatlink came out I was like cool… except it was limited in that you could only use one side of the clevis shackle. This allows so much more use as you can link in different ways and or to a hook. The only other one that impresses me as much is the ProLink bridle. But in my perfect world they’d make a ProLink bridle e. They might have to call it a spade, because it would certainly look like a phalic symbol.
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