Stainless steel shackles - inspect carefully

[Poignard]

Here is a picture of a stainless steel shackle recently removed from my boat. It had been badly manufactured and was cracked almost all the way across. I was able to easily break it using two pairs of pliers.

It had been used for holding down the tack of the genoa so there was no great load on it, and if it had failed it would not have caused a major problem but I know that many people use a s/s shackle to attach their anchor to the cable. A failure there could result in losing your boat.

Personally, I would never use s/s shackles in ground tackle but those who do might be well advised to make sure they only use good quality ones.

 

[sarabande]

Say the magic words "Crevice Corrosion" and Vyv Cox will give you a four page explanation

 

[savageseadog]

Some marine hardware is very poor quality, unbranded with no load markings or specification. I use Wichard shackles where it matters.

 

[[2574]]

I use Wichard shackles where it matters.

+1

 

[G12]

Say the magic words "Crevice Corrosion" and Vyv Cox will give you a four page explanation

I'm sure I met a girl who suffered from that once.

 

[Sans Bateau]

I bought some 'budget' SS shackles from a chandler a couple of years ago, on a card from a display rack. On close inspection, you could see they were very poorly made with manufactured cracks. They were returned.

As Savage says, Wichard where it matters.

This however is a wider problem as consumers continue to demand cheaper products and the suppliers oblige by supplying same. But as long as buyers buy, China will continue to supply.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

. I use Wichard shackles where it matters.

Absolutely! They might appear to be expensive but there really is no alternative for serious duty.

 

[ffiill]

Usual problem -made in China-got me worried though.
Also worth noting that just because you have had a survey-after a survey I found nearly all the good quality shackles on my running gear were very worn and in my opinion too small for necessary use.