Using Shackles Safely

Trawling-Bow-Shackle-Square-Head-Forged-Toolee

If you want to use the shackles safely ,you should know the safety knowledge:

Do not attempt lifting operations unless you understand the use of the equipment, the slinging procedures and the mode factors to be applied.

Do not use defective shackles or unidentified pins.

Shackles should be fitted so that the body takes the load along its centre line and is not subjected to side bending loads. When connecting a number of sling legs, and similar applications, position them so that they do not impose a side load on the shackle jaws. Use spacers to position them if necessary.

Ensure the pin is correctly screwed into the shackle eye.

Tighten by hand, use a small bar to lock the collar to the

shackle eye. Check that the thread is fully engaged with the body but is not too long so that tightening causes the body to deform.

With bolt and nut pins ensure the nut jams on the inner end of the thread and not on the eye of the shackle. The bolt should be free to rotate with minimal side float. The split cotter pin must be fitted before making a lift.

When using shackles with slings in choke hitch, or in other applications where there may be movement, place the pin through the eye or link of the sling and never in contact with the bight of the choke or moving parts which may cause the pin to unscrew.