The rigging industry must use appropriate products for all lifting operations. Especially when it comes to heavy loads, the goal is to ensure efficiency and safety. Among the various equipment used are rigging shackles, which come in many different sizes, types, styles, and even fabrications.
Choosing the Right Heavy-duty Shackles
It’s essential to select the appropriate lifting shackles. Not only does that ensure a load gets handled properly to prevent damage, but more importantly, it keeps operators safe. Below are the different types of rigging shackles available.
Anchor and Bow Shackles
Some people think there’s no difference between these lifting shackles. There are, although minor. They both have a larger “O” shaped appearance. However, the bow area of the bow shackle is more pronounced. Regardless, with a round design, this type of shackle can accommodate loads from multiple directions without experiencing much sideload. The only downside is that the larger loop reduces their strength compared to anchor shackles.
Chain Shackles
Commonly referred to as D-shackles due to their “D” shape, these are narrower compared to both the anchor and bow types. With a smaller hook, these heavy-duty shackles accommodate high loads, usually inline. The negative aspect of these shackles is that racking and side loads can cause them to bend or twist.
Snap Shackles
What makes these rigging shackles unique compared to the others is their spring-activated mechanism. With that, an operator can use them one-handed. The mechanism also makes these shackles incredibly fast, making them a perfect choice for jobs that require speed or repetition when connecting or disconnecting.
It’s important to note that these lifting shackles handle lower load limits, meaning they’re not a good option for heavy-duty tasks.
Different Materials
For anchor, bow, and chain shackles, you can choose between stainless steel or galvanized metal. Both options work amazingly well. Along with that, you have a few different choices for pins. As for snap shackles, most manufacturers make these from 316 stainless steel. Unlike the others, these lifting shackles come in different types including a rope snap, swivel jaw, fixed snap, and swivel eye.
Regarding the pins, they play a key role in how shackles work. These come in an assortment of styles such as screw pins, captive pins, loose pins, round pins, and bolt pins.
Your Source for Light- to Heavy-duty Shackles
When you’re ready to purchase light- or heavy-duty shackles, contact us at Murphy Industrial Products. We carry the most trusted brands available. One of our representatives will gladly answer your questions and help you through the selection process. Along with shackles, we offer a broad range of products used by rigging, construction, and other industries.