Shackles

Grade S Bow Shackles

Grade S Dee Shackles

Super Shackles

Grade M Large Dee Shackles

Ratchet Release Shackles

TO AS 2741

GENERAL
Shackles are used in lifting static systems as removable links to connect wire rope, chain and other fittings.

Shackle Types
Grade 'M' Large Dee and Grade 'S' Dee and Bow shackles are the most common types of rated lifting shackles that will be encountered in general industry.

Dee shape shackles are often used on single leg assemblies where it is more practical to use a bow shackle on a multi leg assembly.

Grade 'S' shackles are available with various pin configurations but the two main pin configurations are the 'Safety Pin' and the 'Screw Pin'. The safety pin shackle utilises a nut and split pin arrangement on the end of the pin to secure it in the shackle body where the screw pin shackle utilises a thread on the end of the pin that screws into the shackle body.
Screw pin shackles are mainly used for non-permanent applications. A safety pin shackle is preferred for long-term applications and in circumstances where the pin of the shackle may rotate during loading.

INSPECTION BEFORE USE
The pre-use check for shackles should ensure that:

1. The body of the shackle and pin are both compatible and are of the same grade and material.
2. All markings are clearly legible.
3. The pin is the correct type for the shackle body.
4. The threads of the pin and the shackle body are in good order and function correctly.
5. The body and pin are not damaged in any way and are free from distortion, nicks, gouges, cracks and excessive wear and corrosion. (Recommended maximum wear allowance is 10%).
6. For 'Safety pin' shackles ensure that the nuts and split pins are fitted and in good condition.

Marking

Shackles designed and tested in accordance with Australian Standard 2741 should be marked with the following:

• WLL.
• Manufactures identification.
• Grade of material.
• Identification mark or batch number to cross reference the shackle to the manufacturers test certificate.

CARE IN USE

1. With a screw pin shackle ensure that the pin is firmly screwed into the shackle eye. The collar of the pin should be fully seated on the shackle eye. The pin can be locked using a small spanner or tommy bar. When using a safety pin shackle ensure that the nut and split pin are attached and in good condition.
2. Ensure that the pin is of the correct length so that it penetrates the full depth of the screwed eye and allows the collar of the pin to bed on the surface of the shackle eye.
3. If the shackle pin does not seat correctly this indicates that the pin may be bent, the thread is not correct or compatible or the pinholes are not aligned correctly. The shackle should not be used under these circumstances.
4. Never replace a shackle pin with a bolt. The original shackle pin is specifically designed for the purpose and a bolt may not be suited to the WLL of the shackle.
5. Safety pin shackles must never be used if the nut and split pin are not in place.
6. Select the correct type of shackle for the intended use and application. Shackles should be fitted to the load in a manner that allows the shackle to be loaded along its centre line. Shackles should never be loaded in such a way that inappropriate bending forces are induced.
7. To avoid eccentric loading of the shackle a loose spacer may be used in either end of the shackle pin or a shackle with a smaller jaw width should be used. Do not reduce the width between the shackle jaws by welding washers or spacers to the inside face of the eyes or by closing the jaws, as this will have an adverse affect on the mechanical properties of the shackle.
8. If a shackle is being used to secure the top block of a sheave block or "handy billy" arrangement it should be noted that the hoisting effort used to pull down on the load rope also needs to be allowed for when selecting the shackle WLL.
9. The WLL of shackles is affected at high temperatures therefore the WLL's should be reduced by 10% for temperatures between 200 and 300 degrees C and by 25% for temperatures between 300 and 400 degrees C. Grade S Shackles should not be used at all for temperatures above 400 degrees C.
10. Do not attempt to weld or apply heat to shackles.