Post by neil on Mar 4, 2013 13:42:56 GMT -5
[glow=Orange,2,300]SHACKLES[/glow]
This is to inform you on what to look for when using or buying shackles. Their ratings and different styles,along with what to avoid.
The first thing to deturmine before buying or using a shackle is the Load at which you plan to apply to it.
WLL. cast on the shackle stands for the Working Load Limit.
Working Load Limit is the safe load limit capability. The WLL is generally a 5 to 1 safety factor on high quality shackles.Larger shackles of high metric ton capacities are generally only 4 times.
Most jeep guys are going to be looking for shackles in the3 to 4 ton WLL.
Remember that the shackle should also be rated for at least the load rating of your winch if your using the shackle during winching. Possibly double if you are using it with a snatch block to return the cable to the jeep for doubling your pulling power.Making a 8k lb winch a 16k lb capable pull. That means you would need at least a 8t WLL.
Other things to consider are the make up of the shackle itself.
Q Are the markings on the shackle very easy to read and defined?
A If not, then it is probably a Low quality shackle which was made in a open cast. Give yourself plenty of safety factor.
Q Are the pin holes a tight tolerance, or are they sloppy?If threaded,are the threads a nice fit or loose?
A Loose fit is a low quality but also promotes faster fatigue and wear of the shackle.
Q What type of pin does the shackle have?
A A threaded pin is most desireable,possibly even with a safety pin in the end. A non-threaded shackle with a nutted pin with or with out a safety pin is only rated for straight line pull and in my opinion should not be used for recovery period.
When do you throw out your shackle?
1. when you cannot clearly read the markings
2. if the pin does not thread nicely in or out by hand
3. If the eyes of the shackle are deformed and have excessive slop
4. Any indication of a crack
5. Deformation from a hammer blow or impact.
When disposing of the Shackle, cut it apart!
[glow=Orange,2,300]How to use your Shackle....and not![/glow]
General Information
1.Make sure you are using the correct size shackle...WLL
2. After placing the pin in the shackle and threading it closed...Back it off 1/4 of a turn.This will prevent the pin from getting stuck in the shackle should it be side loaded by mistake.
3. Take into account how the load is being applied to the shackle...as this may lower the WLL. High quality shackles will have two lines marked at 45 deg. on the bow as reference to how a two point pick should be positioned on the bow.
never pick with anything more than a 120deg spread
Inline pull= 100% WLL
45 deg pull=70% WLL
90 deg pull=50% WLL
4.When using your shackle as a hook point for a strap, the pin should be placed in the solid anchor point and the strap should be placed in the bow.
5. NEVER use a shackle to join two straps,or a chain and a strap if at all possible. Just know that you have placed a missile in the equation of recovery by doing so. Should the strap or chain break the shackle is onward bound in the opposite direction at unbelievable force and speed.Death may result....you have been warned.
6. If using a shackle to place between a tree strap and a winch line hook....lay the straps in the bow equally left from right and place the hook on the pin at 90 deg. By flipping the straps to the pin you will deform the shackle and lodge the pin in place.As a precaution to using a shackle in this manner you could fasten a smaller strap around the tree of a longer length thru the shackle to help prevent it from becoming a missile in the event of breakage
I have tried to include the uses primarily run into while using shackles in ORV recovery. There is deffinitely more info on the use of shackles.
Crosby shackles are top of the line when it comes to quality...their not cheap tho.
This is your standard shackle that I reccomend for most of your recovery practices. You'll take notice to the 45 deg markings. WLL is plain to read and this shackle has a threaded pin without a safety.
I also wanted to note that some shackles are marked with a SWL (SAFE WORKING LOAD) as opposed to WLL.
This style shackle is best suited for use with chain
I wanted to add this one for the measurment factor of 1 3/8". This is the diameter of the pin
This style shackle is designed for a straight pull with a sling, so as to not roll the material which reduces the WLL of the strap being used if it were placed thru a normal bow shackle.
Last but not least, this a shackle that has a nutted pin and a safety. This shackle is only really suited for straight line pulls or picks, which is why it is not reccomended for recovery.
This is to inform you on what to look for when using or buying shackles. Their ratings and different styles,along with what to avoid.
The first thing to deturmine before buying or using a shackle is the Load at which you plan to apply to it.
WLL. cast on the shackle stands for the Working Load Limit.
Working Load Limit is the safe load limit capability. The WLL is generally a 5 to 1 safety factor on high quality shackles.Larger shackles of high metric ton capacities are generally only 4 times.
Most jeep guys are going to be looking for shackles in the3 to 4 ton WLL.
Remember that the shackle should also be rated for at least the load rating of your winch if your using the shackle during winching. Possibly double if you are using it with a snatch block to return the cable to the jeep for doubling your pulling power.Making a 8k lb winch a 16k lb capable pull. That means you would need at least a 8t WLL.
Other things to consider are the make up of the shackle itself.
Q Are the markings on the shackle very easy to read and defined?
A If not, then it is probably a Low quality shackle which was made in a open cast. Give yourself plenty of safety factor.
Q Are the pin holes a tight tolerance, or are they sloppy?If threaded,are the threads a nice fit or loose?
A Loose fit is a low quality but also promotes faster fatigue and wear of the shackle.
Q What type of pin does the shackle have?
A A threaded pin is most desireable,possibly even with a safety pin in the end. A non-threaded shackle with a nutted pin with or with out a safety pin is only rated for straight line pull and in my opinion should not be used for recovery period.
When do you throw out your shackle?
1. when you cannot clearly read the markings
2. if the pin does not thread nicely in or out by hand
3. If the eyes of the shackle are deformed and have excessive slop
4. Any indication of a crack
5. Deformation from a hammer blow or impact.
When disposing of the Shackle, cut it apart!
[glow=Orange,2,300]How to use your Shackle....and not![/glow]
General Information
1.Make sure you are using the correct size shackle...WLL
2. After placing the pin in the shackle and threading it closed...Back it off 1/4 of a turn.This will prevent the pin from getting stuck in the shackle should it be side loaded by mistake.
3. Take into account how the load is being applied to the shackle...as this may lower the WLL. High quality shackles will have two lines marked at 45 deg. on the bow as reference to how a two point pick should be positioned on the bow.
never pick with anything more than a 120deg spread
Inline pull= 100% WLL
45 deg pull=70% WLL
90 deg pull=50% WLL
4.When using your shackle as a hook point for a strap, the pin should be placed in the solid anchor point and the strap should be placed in the bow.
5. NEVER use a shackle to join two straps,or a chain and a strap if at all possible. Just know that you have placed a missile in the equation of recovery by doing so. Should the strap or chain break the shackle is onward bound in the opposite direction at unbelievable force and speed.Death may result....you have been warned.
6. If using a shackle to place between a tree strap and a winch line hook....lay the straps in the bow equally left from right and place the hook on the pin at 90 deg. By flipping the straps to the pin you will deform the shackle and lodge the pin in place.As a precaution to using a shackle in this manner you could fasten a smaller strap around the tree of a longer length thru the shackle to help prevent it from becoming a missile in the event of breakage
I have tried to include the uses primarily run into while using shackles in ORV recovery. There is deffinitely more info on the use of shackles.
Crosby shackles are top of the line when it comes to quality...their not cheap tho.
This is your standard shackle that I reccomend for most of your recovery practices. You'll take notice to the 45 deg markings. WLL is plain to read and this shackle has a threaded pin without a safety.
I also wanted to note that some shackles are marked with a SWL (SAFE WORKING LOAD) as opposed to WLL.
This style shackle is best suited for use with chain
I wanted to add this one for the measurment factor of 1 3/8". This is the diameter of the pin
This style shackle is designed for a straight pull with a sling, so as to not roll the material which reduces the WLL of the strap being used if it were placed thru a normal bow shackle.
Last but not least, this a shackle that has a nutted pin and a safety. This shackle is only really suited for straight line pulls or picks, which is why it is not reccomended for recovery.