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One of the most popular type of shackle is the Green Pin variety. A quality lifting shackle which have high safety factors and comply with many different standards. So these are the ones Lifting Equipment Ltd have chosen in order to narrow down the choice from the dozens of varieties available online today. EC declarations of conformity and test certification are available on request. Although both D and Bow shackles are connectors they are used in different ways so read on to find out the differences.

Shackle Pin Types

The most popular pin types in a lifting shackle are the standard screw pin and the safety bolt. Screw pins are quicker to attach and remove. However safety bolt types are safer and more suited for semi-permanent connections. The key difference is that the screw pin will need a wrench or other suitable tool to tighten the pin to its maximum. This is not usually possible by hand. Screw pins may also become loose depending on how it is used or over time. So will need regular checks to ensure it is tightly screwed in. With the safety bolt variety the bolt extends out past the hole in the saddle and a nut is applied, A safety cotter pin or split pin is inserted through the bolt to ensure the nut and thus the pin cannot come out. The safety bolt variety is best for use when there are vibrations through the lifting set up or when there is friction on the pin. Screw pins used in these instances will need regular checks, the safety bolt type will not.

D Shackles

A D shackle has straight side with a curved bowl or saddle and comes with a variety of securing pin types. This type of lifting shackle can only be used for straight, in-line lifting tasks. It should never be side loaded or used for angled lifting. Available in working load limits up to 55 tonnes.

Bow Shackles

A bow shackle is more versatile than its D shaped counterpart thanks to the more rounded bowl. It enables slings to seat properly so they can be used in angled lifting and pulling applications. A bow shackle can be used for straight inline lifts and at any angle up to 90 degrees. Although the working load limit for angular lifts will be somewhat reduced. (see diagram). Available with WLL up to 85 tonnes.

Using Shackles and Slings

Slings and shackles work exceptionally well together within most lifting operations. However there are certain criteria that must be met to ensure safety. One of the main safety aspects to adhere to is where the sling will sit in the shackle. It doesn't matter which type of lifting sling you are using, duplex web, round or chain sling. It must always be seated within the bowl/saddle of the shackle whether D or bow type. What's more the sling should not bunch up in any way. So always make sure your lifting shackles are large enough to seat your sling width correctly. One deviation from this is when a choke hitch is used; in these instances the sling end will sit on the pin so that the bowl sits on the main part of the sling where it hooks back around the load. When using multi leg slings, angles are always formed so refer to the loading charts to ensure you apply the correct WLL reduction necessary. See image for some right and wrong examples of using a shackle and sling combo.