High strength shackle

Buy shackles for cranes, lifting technology and heavy loads

A shackle is the connecting link between slinging equipment and the load attachment point. The U-shaped bow is passed over the lifting point and closed with a pin. This creates a detachable, positive-locking connection that transmits high tensile forces. Typical combinations are roundslings on the crane hook, chain slings on load eyes or webbing slings on attachment points.

When buying shackles, pay attention to four points: load capacity (WLL), bow shape, pin locking and material. The choice depends on the load weight, the sling angle, the number of sling legs and the operating environment. Our lifting shackles with a hot-dip galvanised bow, painted pin and stamped load capacity cover the spectrum from light workshop tasks to heavy-duty applications in crane construction.

What types of shackles are there?

In terms of bow shape, a distinction is made between straight D shackles and curved bow shackles. For pin locking, the screw pin and the combination of bolt, nut and split pin are the two common variants. In the hoist sector, both designs are also referred to as load shackles or lifting shackles.

D shackle: straight shape

The straight shackle – also called a D shackle – has a narrow, U-shaped bow and is used when the load pulls in a straight line. The compact design saves space and guides the sling directly. For multi-leg slinging with different pulling angles, the curved bow shape is the better choice.

Bow shackle: curved shape

The curved shackle – commonly called a bow shackle – has a wide, rounded interior. This shape is the right choice when several slings are attached to one shackle – for example with two-leg or four-leg slings, roundslings with a large cross-section or movable connections with changing sling angles. The larger interior reduces bending stress on the sling and prevents jamming under load.

Shackles with screw pin

The screw pin is screwed into the thread of the bow and is held firmly by the conical contact surface. Shackles with a screw pin can be opened and closed by hand and are suitable for connections that are released regularly – for example when shackles are moved between different loads at shift changes or for short lifting operations.

Shackles with nut and split pin

Shackles with eye bolt, nut and split pin additionally secure the pin against turning. This combination is used when the connection is under load for a longer period, when vibrations occur or when frequent load changes are expected – typically when slinging precast concrete elements over several days, for fixed assembly connections or in heavy-load transport. The split pin prevents the nut from loosening by itself and makes the connection lower-maintenance. Opening takes a little more time than with a screw pin, but you gain noticeably in operational safety.

Shackle sizes and shackle load capacities at a glance

We stock shackles in 15 load capacity levels. The following shackle load capacity table shows which sizes are available with a screw pin or with nut and split pin. Detailed shackle dimensions – pin diameter, jaw width and inside width – can be found on the respective product page.

When selecting the right level, take the following into account:

• Load weight: relative to the individual attachment point, not to the total weight of the load.

• Sling angle: with multi-leg slinging, the permissible load per leg decreases as the angle to the vertical increases.

• Load case: static, dynamic or with shock loading. Swinging loads or jerky lifting generate higher loads than the pure weight force.

• Jaw width and pin diameter: must match the thickness of the sling and the shape of the lifting eye.

When used in combination with roundslings or webbing slings, choose the shackle size so that the textile sling remains free to move in the curved interior and does not bend over the pin or the edges of the bow.

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Galvanised or stainless steel shackles: the question of material

For lifting and slinging technology in industry, workshops, construction and logistics, hot-dip galvanised shackles are the standard. The zinc layer reliably protects the forged steel against corrosion and is sufficient for many years indoors, in covered outdoor areas and in moderate weather conditions.

Stainless steel shackles are a special design for permanently corrosive environments – typically contact with salt water in the marine and offshore sector (also known as anchor shackles) or applications in chemically aggressive atmospheres. Stainless steel shackles often have lower load capacities than versions made of quenched and tempered steel and are sometimes covered by separate standard specifications such as DIN 82101. We do not stock stainless steel shackles in our standard range. If your application requires permanent corrosion resistance, we will advise you on a suitable alternative or clarify the order with the manufacturer.

Typical applications for lifting shackles and load shackles

Shackles are used wherever detachable and resilient connections are needed in lifting technology. In mechanical engineering and workshops, they serve as the link between the chain sling and the lifting point on the machine, for example when relocating machine tools or large components. In steel and plant construction, load shackles connect webbing slings or roundslings to beams, containers or welded structures. On the construction site, they are used to sling precast concrete elements, formwork elements and steel components. In warehouse and transport logistics, shackles are the connecting element between the sling and the load during crane and forklift work – suitably combined with load handling attachments and crane accessories.

In particularly safety-critical or long-term applications, shackles with nut and split pin are used. For temporary lifting operations with frequent load changes, screw pin versions are the more ergonomic choice.

Visual inspection, maintenance and safe use

Shackles are part of slinging equipment accessories. In Germany, they are subject to the inspection obligations of the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV) and DGUV Rule 100-500; in other countries, the respective national regulations apply. In practice, this means:

• Visual inspection before each use by the user. A deformed bow, compressed pin, damaged thread, missing or broken split pin, corrosion pitting or load capacity marking that has become illegible lead to immediate withdrawal from use.

• Annual inspection by a competent person, with documentation. Shorter intervals are necessary in the case of intensive use.

• Close the pin completely. Screw the screw pin in as far as it will go and secure the nut and split pin correctly. Loose or only partially screwed-in pins are a common cause of accidents.

• Observe the direction of loading. Shackles are designed for tension along the axis of the bow – side loading on the pin significantly reduces the permissible load capacity.

On request, we can carry out the annual inspection of your slinging equipment and accessories by a competent person directly – find out more on our inspection service page.

Order shackles online from Baumgart heben und sichern

Baumgart heben und sichern has been based in Ochtrup in the western Münsterland region of Germany since 1999 and supplies industry, trades, construction and logistics with lifting, slinging and securing technology. You can order shackles online directly in the shop – stock items are available at short notice and, for orders received by 12 noon (German time), are dispatched from our warehouse in Ochtrup on the same working day. We clarify special versions above 25 t and custom designs by telephone or e-mail.

You can reach us on +49 (0)2553 5312 or by e-mail at mail@heben-sichern.de. Address: Baumgart heben und sichern GmbH, Von-Gallitzin-Str. 4, 48607 Ochtrup, Germany.

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Frequently asked questions about shackles