Every person in the rigging industry at some point has come across a shackle. The shackle is a staple in our industry. I'm sure most of you have at least one or two in either your toolbox, behind or under the seat of your truck, they are a tool used in the rigging industry and are as common as salt on the dinner table, but do you know how MANY styles of shackles there are out there?
We can start with the bread and butter, the screw pin type. This type of shackle is the most common, and most frequently used in the industry. Offered in a size as small as 3/16" (1/3 ton) and going as far up as 2-1/2" (55 ton). You can order these shackles by the tonnage you need or by the size of the bail. One common misconception is that the shackles are measured by their pin size - this is not correct. ALL shackles no matter what their style, are categorized and ordered according to their tonnage or by the diameter of the bail (the top rounded area). Screw pin shackles are used in just everyday pick and move operations where temporary installations or short-term events are carried out. It is not recommended for use in situations that require permanent or long-term installs. When using a screw pin shackle for multiple and frequent quick pick lifts it is imperative that the pin of the shackle be checked to make sure it's snug within the channel. Never over-tighten the pin and strip the threads, and always check the pin prior to each lift. It's always good to have this shackle on hand, professionally AND personally. They are that good of a tool!
The next type of shackle that is almost as common as the screw pin is the safety bolt shackle. This shackle is very popular when any angle loading is being done, or where permanent installs are needed. This shackle is normally a pick and leave shackle, where it remains on the sling or on the object being lifted for permanent or long-term storage, or on picks where there is excess movement or where 'jerk' lifting occurs. The nut and cotter key keeps the pin from backing out and makes it more difficult, and time consuming to remove the pin between lifts. The safety bolt shackle is measured and ordered the same way as the standard screw pin - by the tonnage or the bail diameter. The big difference here is the nut and cotter pin keeper on the end of the pin. Since the safety bolt shackle is used for more permanent applications, the size range is quite a bit larger than its counterpart screw pin type as well. These shackles are offered in sizes as small as 3/16" (1/3 ton) and go up to 4" bail diameter (150 ton).
These two shackle types are the most used in our industry. Of course, they are offered in domestic lines (Crosby is my preferred) and offered in imported options as well, but there are many more styles of shackles to choose from, too many to analyze and break down in this blog, so I have included some links below to the Crosby website that you might find helpful. You have shackles designed to be used with chain, shackles that are made of alloy steel rather than the standard carbon steel. There are shackles designed for use with strictly web slings and super strong wide body shackles that can be used with web slings and wire rope slings that are available in up to 1550 tons!
Just remember when choosing a shackle, you must take into consideration the job you're tasked to do, the desired outcome and choose accordingly. I can help you choose the correct tool(s) for your job. I am a huge proponent of having the correct tools needed to correctly and efficiently do the job, and the shackle is a tool in every sense of the word that should be utilized for the way it was designed. Its basic design doesn't differ from shackle-to-shackle type, but the function of each is unique. Please take the time to study the different types of shackles and their characteristics, you never know what you'll learn.....in the meantime, if you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to contact myself (kayc@cocasales.net) or contact any one of our knowledgeable sales representatives at Coca Sales by calling 225-775-8700.
Round pin/round pin chain shackles
Screw pin/screw pin chain shackles
Bolt type shackles
Bolt type chain shackles
Alloy bolt type shackles
Wide Body shackles