How To Use A Shackle: The Ultimate Guide

In many industries, shackles are an important piece of kit. So if you work in an industry that requires their use, it’s a good idea to learn how to use a shackle safely and securely. Luckily for you, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to correctly use the many types of shackles along with other rigging equipment.

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We’ll address the all important health and safety concerns, the different types of shackles, the parts of a shackle, right down to the basics of proper rigging with shackles. Read on to find out more.

What is a shackle?

A shackle is a piece of hardware used to connect two pieces of equipment or materials. They are usually a metal loop through which a screw or pin is passed to secure the load. Shackles are often used in construction and other industrial sectors for applications such as winching, hoisting, lifting, rigging, pulling, piling and machinery moving.

How do you use shackles safely?

Using shackles safely involves a number of steps and precautions. This is to ensure that the shackle is used correctly and that the load is lifted and moved in a safe and secure manner. There are things that you should always do, and other things should be avoided when using shackles. 

Here are some key steps and precautions to use shackles safely:

1. Inspect the shackle for any defects, such as rust, bending, or any other signs of damage, before use. If any defects are found, the shackle should be removed from service and replaced.

2. Select the appropriate size and type of shackle for the load and application. Make sure the working load limit of the shackle is sufficient for the load it will be carrying.

3. Open the shackle by releasing the pin or bolt that holds it closed. 

4. Thread the rope, chain, or other rigging hardware through the shackle, making sure that the shackle is properly aligned and that the pin or bolt is in the correct position.

5. Close the shackle by reinserting the pin or bolt, making sure it is securely fastened. 

6. Test the connection by applying a load to it, making sure it is stable and secure, and that the shackle and the items being connected are not bent or twisted.

7. Use proper rigging techniques and follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the shackle and the rigging hardware.

8. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling and using shackles, including gloves and safety glasses.

9. When not in use, store the shackle and the rigging hardware in a protected area to prevent rust and damage.

Ten Rules on How to Use Shackles

1) How to use a D ring shackle

The D or ‘Dee’ ring shackle is probably the most common type of shackle and has a wide range of uses in lifting, rigging, piling, machine moving and much more. That’s why it’s important to know how to use and install D ring shackles and D ring shackle mounts.

It’s also important to remember how to use a D ring shackle safely. Chiefly, by positioning the load along the centre line of the body and avoiding any side bending loads.

Check out our D-ring shackle size chart.

2) How to use a bow shackle

A bow or ‘anchor’ shackle is used for their ability to bear various weights from multiple directions at once, attachments with larger surface areas or to bear side loads. However, this means that they are unable to tolerate as much weight overall if the lifting is done inline, such as with an equivalent gauge D shackle. 

Bow and D shackles are some of the most common types of shackles. However, the difference between the D shackle and bow shackle is the more exaggerated ‘O’ shape of the bow shackle as opposed to the D shackle.

3) How do you fasten a shackle?

How you fasten a shackle basically all depends on what type of pin is being used. For instance:

• Screw Pin Shackles –

  These shackles have a removable pin that is held in place by a threaded collar which can be removed by unscrewing the collar, allowing the shackle to be opened and closed.

• Quick Release Pin Shackles –

  These shackles have a pin that can be quickly and easily removed by hand, without the need for tools. They are commonly used in situations where the shackle needs to be opened and closed quickly and frequently.

• Safety Pin Shackles –

  These shackles have a pin with a safety locking mechanism that prevents the pin from coming loose or falling out. They are commonly used in high-load or high-stress applications where safety is a primary concern.

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• Bolt Type Shackles –
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  These shackles have a bolt and nut that holds the shackle closed. They are typically found in dee shackles, and are commonly used for heavy-duty applications where a high level of security is required.

• Pin and Chain Shackles –

  These shackles have a pin that is held in place by a chain, which provides an additional level of security. It is commonly used in high-load or high-stress applications where the pin is at risk of coming loose.

4) Should the shackle pin be up or down?

The position of the shackle pin depends on the type of shackle and the application for which it is being used. In general, the shackle pin should be in the ‘up’ position when the shackle is in use. This is known as the ‘safe’ position and ensures that the pin cannot accidentally fall out and cause the shackle to come loose.

In some cases, it may be necessary to orient the pin in the ‘down’ position. This is known as the ‘loose’ or ‘unlocked’ position. This is usually done when the shackle needs to be opened and closed frequently or when the shackle is under low load.

5) How to make a shackle-to-shackle connection

Making a shackle-to-shackle connection involves connecting two shackles together to create a secure and stable link. The preferred and safest method when making a shackle-to-shackle connection is connecting bow to bow, or bow to pin. Connecting pin to pin is never advisable. It’s also important to remember that attention must also always be paid to centring the load.

6) Are you supposed to tighten a shackle all the way?

The proper way to tighten a shackle depends on the type of shackle and the specific application. In general, a shackle should be tightened enough to create a secure connection and prevent any movement or slippage of the items being connected.

For most shackles, this means tightening the pin or bolt until it is snug and secure, but not so tight that it becomes difficult to release or causes damage to the shackle or the items being connected.

7) How to use a web sling shackle

Web sling shackles are a type of shackle that is used to connect a web sling to a load or other rigging hardware. Web slings are flexible straps made of synthetic or natural fibres that are used to lift and move heavy loads. 

Most often, web slings are used in pairs, with one sling on each side of the load, and are connected to the load and the lifting equipment, such as a crane or hoist, using web sling shackles or other rigging hardware.

8) How to use an ROV shackle

ROV stands for ‘Remote Operate Vehicle’, and these are usually used in the oil, marine and defence sectors such as offshore oil rigs. ROV shackles have been specially designed to be used by underwater ROVs with quick release pins, such as the Green Pin® ROV shackle. Some of the major manufacturers of ROV shackles include Gunnebo, Yoke and Crosby.

9) How to use a stainless steel shackle

Well, put simply, a stainless steel shackle is used exactly the same as any other shackle. As you may have guessed, a stainless steel shackle refers to the material it is made from rather than its shape, size, or type. You can get a stainless steel D shackle, or a stainless steel bow shackle for that matter. This means the question should be: ‘why is a stainless steel shackle used?’

Basically, this mainly comes down to the industry. Because of the high resistance to corrosion stainless steel offers, they are utilised by the oil, gas, chemical, water utility, aviation, defence, and marine industries. Corrosive and safety critical environments such as food processing and swimming pools also benefit from the resilient nature of stainless steel.

10) How to use a shackle with a wire rope

Because of its versatility, wire rope is often used as an alternative to chains in many industrial applications such as overhead lifting, rigging, piling, machinery moving, construction, and more.

The golden rule to remember when using shackles with a wire rope is that the shackle must be equal to or larger than the wire rope diameter.

Conclusion

In summary, shackles are a versatile and widely used piece of rigging hardware that should be used with caution, inspected before use, and stored properly to ensure safety and longevity. Always check the instruction manual of the specific shackle you are using and follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Hawk Lifting Ltd specialise in the supply of lifting and handling equipment for all UK industry sectors. Our main product ranges include rigging, loose equipment and engineered items, such as a range of shackles. 

If you require further information or to discuss your individual requirements, get in touch with us.

Shackles are U-shaped pieces of metal with a pin along the non-curved side. Shackles are used to lift, secure and rig heavy loads, where they act as the final link in a connection chain or sling setup.

Shackles are advantageous if wanting to make a robust physical connection between the load-lifting device (typically a hoist hook or sling) and the payload that needs to be moved or supported. 

Regardless of the type of shackle you’re using, they will always consist of two main components: the body and the pin.  The body can have the anchor shape (Bow type) or a chain shape (Dee type). Each body shape can be used with a screw pin or a bolt-type pin. The bolt-type pin in particular is used to ensure safety and that the shackle pin won’t become loose under load or in applications involving vibration or movement.

Download our “Safe Use of Shackles” (PDF) which outlines the care and safe use of shackles.

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