Which Anchor Shackle?

[KeelsonGraham]

I need a strong bow shackle to attach the chain to my anchor.

Whichard do a 10mm version with an 8mm pin (the largest diameter that will fit through my chain links). However, there are two choices, one with a conventional captive pin and one with an allen boot. Here’s the dilemma, the allen bolt version has 200kg less SWL than the captive pin.

I‘m tempted to go for the strongest possible shackle (the captive pin) but I’m worried that the protruding head might be more likely to snag or come unscrewed.

Any thoughts?

 

[[2574]]

I

I need a strong bow shackle to attach the chain to my anchor.

Whichard do a 10mm version with an 8mm pin (the largest diameter that will fit through my chain links). However, there are two choices, one with a conventional captive pin and one with an allen boot. Here’s the dilemma, the allen bolt version has 200kg less SWL than the captive pin.

I‘m tempted to go for the strongest possible shackle (the captive pin) but I’m worried that the protruding head might be more likely to snag or come unscrewed.

Any thoughts?

i have a grade 70 anchor shackle from Jimmy Green which didn’t fit my boat, I have a through-stem roller which is quite narrow, so I had to find a different solution. It’s been in the water once, since then in my shackle bag. It was £60 odd, I could send you the invoice for validation. See pictures attached. It is a high spec shackle for 8mm grade 70 chain.

 

[RobbieW]

Wire lock or use thread lock on the captive pin. I'd use thread lock on the allen bolt too

 

[Minerva]

I prefer a 'Traditional' shackle pin with eye so I can seize the end with wire. Also, for safety critical uses, I find buying shackles from lifting apparatus suppliers so they come with actual tested SWL / breaking strain etc and (hopefully) less likely to be bitten with a cheap generic knock off shackles made from cheese.

 

[Neeves]

I think Crosby shackles (and shackles to a similar specification are available from Peerless and Campbell) - all called Grade B shackles (its an American standard). This range of shackles are all a G80 specification. These are commonly a 2t WLL for a 3/8th" (the pin) shackle. They are available as 'D' or bow (aka anchor) shackles. Similar shackles are also available, but difficult to source from the 'Far East'. All of which I have tested. Contraily some shackles are made from cheese and are rubbish, see above, post from Minerva - you will not go wrong with shackles from Crosby - but check the spec, they make 2 qualities. Buy shackles sold under a brand name, Crosby, Peerlift, Campbell etc - if there is no name - maybe the supplier lacks confidence......????

Crosby shackles are available from Tecni in the UK.

All of these shackles have a protruding pin.

Chaineries (I beleive now owned by one of Europe's top lifting chain (and components) manufacturers - Rud or Pewag) are the only company of which I am aware who make a recessed shackle pin.

Red loctite is secure (and sets under water)

Adhesives Test - Practical Sailor

I'd take any old cheap shackle and actually identify if the pin is an issue - before modifying a good shackle. I'd then throw the cheap shackle away. . Shackles are made to the same dimensions - but ....wildly different specifications

Jonathan

 

[Neeves]

I think Crosby shackles (and shackles to a similar specification are available from Peerless and Campbell) - all called Grade B shackles (its an American standard). This range of shackles are all a G80 specification. These are commonly a 2t WLL for a 3/8th" (the pin) shackle. They are available as 'D' or bow (aka anchor) shackles. Similar shackles are also available, but difficult to source from the 'Far East'. All of which I have tested. Contraily some shackles are made from cheese and are rubbish, see above, post from Minerva - you will not go wrong with shackles from Crosby - but check the spec, they make 2 qualities. Buy shackles sold under a brand name, Crosby, Peerlift, Campbell etc - if there is no name - maybe the supplier lacks confidence......????

Crosby shackles are available from Tecni in the UK.

All of these shackles have a protruding pin.

Chaineries (I beleive now owned by one of Europe's top lifting chain (and components) manufacturers - Rud or Pewag) are the only company of which I am aware who make a recessed shackle pin.

Red loctite is secure (and sets under water)

Adhesives Test - Practical Sailor

I'd take any old cheap shackle and actually identify if the pin is an issue - before modifying a good shackle. I'd then throw the cheap shackle away. . Shackles are made to the same dimensions - but ....wildly different specifications

Jonathan

 

[Porthandbuoy]

The st/st Peterson shackle pin is secured with high-strength red loctite. That will take heat and brute force to remove.
The galvanised Force 7 shackle comes prepped with blue loctite so can be removed if/when I replace chain or anchor.
Both shackles exceed the breaking load of the chain.
Compared to my previous arrangement of two oversize, rusty shackles of unknown provenance, these glide over the bow roller easily enough.

 

[vyv_cox]

Are you sure about pin sizes? A 10 mm pin will go through an 8 mm chain link. I have used the Wichard countersunk Allen type for many years but they were in HT steel then, now only 316. Loctite has always been good.

 

[KeelsonGraham]

Thanks chaps. It seem like the vote is for captive pin - so long as it’s moused. Wichard stamp the SWL on their SS shackles which gives me confidence.