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This is a normal hardware store chain link. Its a dirt-cheap way to get a belay device (just be sure to get the right size). Since it is steel, it wears well but doesn't dissipate heat well - as if anything this small could.
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MSR once made a chain link out of aluminum that was significantly lighter than the hardware-store chain link. There is not a lot of margin for wear on this device, and there is no coating to retard the wearing process.
Version B was anodized. According to MSR, "The anodized red color is for better visibility. Sometimes it flakes off next to the weld, but this is not detrimental."
MSR tested the belay link by sawing the weld out completely, and it "still held 1600 pounds. This is far above the forces in the link in belay use." I do not reccommend trying this yourself.
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©2008, Gary D. Storrick