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Selection and use guide
Short reference notes for buyers specifying rigging hardware. If you need the values for a particular size, send us the specification and we will confirm them with the quotation.
How to choose a shackle
- Dee (chain) shackles are narrow and take load mainly in line. Side loading can twist or bend them.
- Bow (anchor) shackles have a larger loop and accept loads from several directions, at slightly lower strength than a dee of the same size.
- Screw pin shackles are quick to fit and remove. Bolt type shackles use a nut and cotter pin and are chosen where the connection must not work loose.
- Check that size and working load limit are permanently marked on the body, and never substitute an unknown bolt for a shackle pin.
How to fit a wire rope clip
- Fit the saddle on the live end and the U-bolt on the dead end — the old rule is never to saddle a dead horse.
- The number of clips, their spacing and the tightening torque all depend on the rope diameter. Ask for the values for your size.
- Tighten the nuts in sequence, apply the load once, then re-tighten.
- Clips are not a substitute for a spliced or swaged termination where the termination is safety-critical.
Electro galvanized or hot-dip galvanized?
- Electro galvanizing gives a thin, bright, even coating. It suits indoor use and general outdoor use away from salt.
- Hot-dip galvanizing gives a much thicker coating and far longer corrosion life, and is the usual choice for marine, coastal and permanently exposed installations.
- The thicker hot-dip coating affects thread fit, so state the finish when you order threaded items.
- If the hardware will be in contact with seawater or salt air, tell us — the finish choice matters more than the base material.
Working load limit and safety factor
- The working load limit (WLL) is the maximum load the item is designed to carry in service. It is not the breaking load.
- The safety factor is the ratio between the minimum breaking load and the WLL. It varies with the product type and the standard it is made to.
- Always work to the WLL, not to the breaking load, and never exceed it.
- We state the WLL and the applicable standard for each item with the quotation — ask for it before you specify.
What to send us when enquiring
- The product type and, where relevant, the standard or pattern (for example DIN 1480, G-2130).
- Size — rope diameter, thread size or shackle size — and the quantity per size.
- Material and finish required, and the operating environment.
- The application: lashing, static tensioning, lifting, or marine use. The rating depends on it.
- Packing requirement and, if relevant, private label or OEM packing.
Dimensions, working load limits and packing data are supplied on request together with the applicable standard.
Resources
More in the resource library
Materials & finishes
Carbon, alloy, 304/316 and the coating options
Read moreClip installation
Number, spacing, turnback and torque
Read moreApplications
Where the hardware is used
Read moreInspection & care
Pre-use checks and withdrawal criteria
Read morePacking & shipping
Cartons, pallets, marking and documents
Read moreGlossary
Rigging and lifting terminology
Read moreShackle selection
Bow vs dee, screw pin vs bolt type
Read moreWLL & safety factor
WLL, proof load and breaking load
Read moreTalk to us about your requirements
Send us the specification, quantity and destination — we will come back with a quotation.