Shackles as Lifting Equipment: What You Need to Know

Shackles a type of connection link. This means that shackles are used to connect a load to a lifting device, such as a hoist or a lifting sling; they therefore have a very important role to play in safe lifting and manoeuvring of loads. There are different types of shackles that can be used for different loads and lifting equipment. The type selected will depend on the purpose – this is a brief overview of shackles, what they are, how they work and how they can be used safely and correctly.

The Different Types of Shackles that are Available

There are two main types of lifting shackles: chain shackles and anchor shackles. There are also specialist shackles that are designed to suit more specialist usage in different environments.

Chain shackles are D shaped, so might also be known as dee shackles. They are most often used with hoists, for applications such as rigging. This is because of their shape, which makes them the ideal width for connecting components together. They might be used in confined spaces where there is limited room for operation, as they are more compact than other types of shackles.

Anchor shackles are also known as bow shackles, again due to their shape and appearance. They tend to be larger than chain shackles, and their larger surface area comes in useful for attaching more to them at once, such as slings or crane hooks. They have a rounder shape, more like the letter C, and they can have a galvanised finish if they need to be better protected for use in harsh environments.

If something more specialist is needed for a particular environment, then specialist shackles will perhaps be used instead. These can range from simple long mouth piling shackles, to polar shackles for more challenging environments.

Choosing Shackles Carefully: What You Need to Know About Selecting Appropriate Shackles for Lifting Loads Safely

Lifting equipment shackles are used to create a secure connection, and are therefore the final piece in the puzzle during lifting in many senses. They need to be highly reliable and suitable for use in the intended environment, which should be verified before putting them to work for lifting and securing loads. Shackles are in many ways quite simple in their structure, but they still need to be used appropriately and carefully. The right type of shackle and configuration needs to be selected, and two of the most important factors are the size and the working load limit (usually given in lbs). Some can be side loaded, as well as used with multiple connections – always ensure the correct specifications are given when selecting shackles for any particular purpose. There are also other features to take into account, such as whether the shackles are powder coated, and the pin: there are round pin and bolt, and nut and cotter pin designs available with different shackles. If any unique features are needed, specialist shackles can be sought from a reputable manufacturer to meet the specific lifting equipment needs.