Anyone got any tips on removing smash links (lap links?) from bolts? I'd like to replace a set with some screw links but have never worked with these things before. Are they easy to pry open, or do you have to cut them off?

I have used a cold chisel to pry it open and it seemed to work ok. You will also want some vice grips and an extra pair of hands. Good Luck and thanks for the community service.

Pain in the touchas. Above advice is sound... I have pried some open with a beefy nut tool, but wished for some bolt cutters.

Wish folks wouldn't install these on anchors...

Hacksaw would probably be the least damaging to the bolt integrity. I would avoid any sort of impact-oriented approach (hammering/chiseling) as this is likely to weaken the bolt.

Bolt cutters (although if the links are 3/8", you'd need a pretty big set).

Heard tell of folks using cordless grinding wheels. Be fast, and, you could direct the grinder exactly where you'd need it.

Another thing is if the bolt hanger is on a stud, just remove the nut and replace the hanger and link combo. Then, you can work on the hanger/link at home later (less chance of futzin' up the placement).

Cheers!

depending on how thick they are, they can sometimes be opened with 2 pairs of vice grips. The vice grips are clipped to the link and used to twist the laps in different directions. I tried to draw a picture but it was too hard. Basically, If you lie the link on the table with its back on the table and the "gate" up away from the table, your two vice grips should be attached to the vertical parts of the link, so that when you pull them away from each other you are twisting the spine and forcing the lapped parts away from each other.