Uses for shackles

An important accessory when working with rope or chain is a shackle. A shackle is best described as a d shape piece of metal that can be used to link chains together. The straightedge is a pin that can be removed to link the chains or rope .

So what kind of uses could you have to use a shackle?

Shackles are essential to boat owners and most commonly used to link their chain to their anchor. They are also used to link chains to the mooring to secure the boat when not out at sea. Because these shackles are use in an ocean environment, they tend to be constructed from 316 marine grade stainless steel. This reduces them from rusting due to the oceans high salt content.

The most common use for shackles are for lifting heavy objects in combination with rigging equipment. These heavy duty types of shackles can come in various sizes to suit many different weight ratios. These types of shackles are used widely in the construction and mining industries.

Shackles are commonly use in mountaineering. Mountain climbers use the shackles pinned into steep ledges to secure themselves safely with ropes. There are many different types and varieties of shackles as well as the standard d shackles there is also the bow shackle. This is a more round shackle to allow multiple ropes and chains to be secures from different angles.

As well as the shape of the shackle there are also variations to the pins. There is the standard screw type pin which screws into the shackle and also a bolt type pin.