Shackles

Rigging shackles are equipment for transporting, loading and unloading cargo. This is a fastening element of omega shape that connects a load to a lifting fixture — a wire rope or chain. Shackles are selected according to the size of the load.

The scope of application of metal shackles for rigging work is broad: construction, manufacturing, fixing automated cellular call relay stations, and shipping. To match the required load parameters, shackles are additionally protected with coatings.

Design features of a rigging shackle

Shackles are made in several variants. The shape can be omega-shaped or straight, and the fastening element may include a nut or not, depending on requirements.

A shackle consists of a back of simple or complex shape and a pair of ears with eyes. The eyes are used to install pins in the form of screws or bolt-and-nut assemblies. This allows elements to be connected or disconnected quickly.

Manufacturing materials

Depending on the field of use, rigging shackles are applied in the automotive industry, shipping, and for installing or securing structures. For this purpose, durable carbon and high-alloy steels are used. Additionally, shackles are coated with various compounds for protection against environmental effects:

1. Electrogalvanizing. This method involves applying a zinc layer from 10 to 25 micrometers thick by an electrochemical method in an electrically conductive solution. After application, the material gains increased resistance to wear and heat.
2. Hot-dip galvanizing — a zinc layer up to 65 μm thick. This achieves increased resistance to mechanical impact and gradual self-restoration of the layer.

Operating features

Types of metal rigging shackles differ by application features.

1. A straight shackle is used with wire ropes of any kind.
2. An omega-shaped shackle is used exclusively with synthetic ropes.
3. Models with a 90° twist allow securing non-standard attachments.

Before use, the integrity and other parameters of the shackle must be checked:

1. The body and pin must belong to the same size and type.
2. There must be no defects on the thread.
3. The shackle must only be used with a split cotter pin.
4. Wear of the fastening elements must be minimal.

Defects on fastening elements must not be allowed. Welding for fixation is prohibited — it reduces the load capacity of the shackle.

Marking and designation of shackles

Shackles differ by dimensions, resistance to environmental effects and load capacity according to GOST 14892-69. Under the German standard, these elements fall under DIN 82101.

Common types of shackles:

• M10;
• M12;
• M14;
• M16;
• M20;
• M22;
• M24.

How to choose the right shackle?

The choice of shackle is based on the expected load level on various parts of the product during use. First, attention should be paid to the dimensions of the product: they determine how heavy a load the rigging shackle is permitted to lift. The larger the diameter of the elements, the higher the strength and, accordingly, the load level the fastening element can withstand.

For example, a DIN 82101 Type A shackle marked M5 has a loop metal diameter of 4 mm, a pin diameter of 5 mm, and a clamp diameter of 10 mm. The dimensional ratio within one type is proportional: M10 will have dimensions 2 times larger.

You also need to consider the required quantity of products per package: shipment is possible by piece or in small batches.

Size D, mm	Breaking load, t	b₁, mm	h₁, mm	Weight, kg/100 pcs.
3.5
5	0.4	10	20	1.6
6	0.5	12	24	3.2
8	1	16	32	7
10	1.5	20	40	13.4
12	2.5	25	48	25
14	3	28	53	34
16	4	32	60	53
18
20	5.5	38	74	92
22	7.5	44	85	140
25	10	51	97	215
28	15	56	107	340
32	17.5	64	122	590
38	25	76	146	760