General Information on Lifting Shackles
April 23, 2021 Article last updated on 11 July 2023
WHAT ARE LIFTING SHACKLES USE FOR?
The major role of a lifting shackle is to provide a very robust connection between a load-lifting apparatus and a payload, that requires to be moved; with the capability to allow rigging and lifting subsets to be connected and disconnected in a quick manner, it is used typically as the primary connecting link, in a wide variety of rigging & load securing applications. You can also visualize it like a carabiner, in lighter duty form - a shackle in mountaineering.
COMMON TYPES OF LIFTING SHACKLES
The 2 more common types of lifting shackles are the Bow/ Anchor Shackle & the Dee/ Chain Shackle. Refer to the picture below for both shackles with their locking inserts ( screw pin type & bolt & nut type).
Lifting Shackles are often used together with lifting slings, such as: Steel wire rope sling, Alloy chain sling, Synthetic sling, providing a very secure and reliable point of attachment between the sling and the payload in the heavy industry.
The picture below shows a set of Bow-Bolt & Nut Shackle as the connecting medium to the wire rope sling and the concrete bucket (payload)
A Lifting Shackle generally includes 2 main components – the main body and an insert (typically clevis pin or bolt)
The main types of lifting shackles:
•Bow Shackle, also known as Anchor Shackle, and resembling an O-shape
Pros:
- Suitable to handle multiple loads from different directions
- Ideal for handling loads that might shift, or rotate
Cons:
- Overall strength reduced due to its “larger-shaped loop”
•D (written as “DEE”) Shackle, resembling a typical D-shape, they are also known as Chain Shackle.
It is not uncommon that some even refer to it as an "U" Shackle, noting the U shape, when the connecting pin/ bolt is being removed.
Pros:
- Capable of taking high loads on the small loop
- Suitable for straight in-line loading and pulling
- Most common type used in many applications in everyday scenarios
Cons:
- Not suitable for sideloading
GENERAL CARE OF LIFTING SHACKLES
After getting to know the common types of lifting shackles being use, let us look into the general care of these shackles to maximize the effective lifespan of the shackles for prolonged shackle use without causing damages due to poor maintenance and usage.
| Inspection, Maintenance & General Care |
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| During Operations |
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List of DOs & Don'ts for caring of your Lifting Shackles
Related Information: Wondering when should we replace our shackles on site? Check out the below article:
Time to replace our Lifting Shackles?
Feel free to contact us on any lifting shackle enquries for your applications.
Check out the various types of Lifting Shackles provided by STL; available in a wide range of shackle sizes for their intended usage. Refer to the link below: