Different Types of Shackles

Ideal for use with lifting slings and tow ropes, shackles provide secure fastening and connection for a diverse range of jobs.

However, it's worth noting that not all lifting shackles are the same. In fact, there are many different types of shackles to choose from - examples include:

D shackles

Most commonly used on single-leg slings, D shackles (or dee shackles) - as the name suggests - are shaped like the letter D. They also resemble a loop of a chain, which explains why they are sometimes referred to as 'chain shackles'. SafetyLiftinGear stock a wide variety of High Tensile Stainless Steel D Shackles, perfect for lifting heavy loads with ease. 

Side or racking loads may bend a dee shackle, so think carefully about how you will use your shackle before making your final choice.

View All D Shackles >>

Bow shackles

Recognisable by their 'O' shape, bow shackles (aka omega shackles) are commonly used on multi-leg slings. Ideal for jobs such as rigging, bow shackles provide an easy way of fastening chains and straps securely. These shackles come with a variety of weight limits and in a range of colours, which can be particularly useful for live event rigging where black shackles (as pictured above) can minimise their visibility.

View All Bow Shackles >>

Green pin shackles

One of the most popular lifting shackle types in our range, our green pin shackles are essentially alloy bow shackles, providing durable reliability in eye-catching green for heightened visibility and easy identification.

These dependable fastenings are typically used with wire rope slings. Their weight limits range from 0.75 tonnes to 85 tonnes.

View Green Pin Shackles >>

Safety pin shackles

Designed for maximum security, safety and reliability, these shackles use a nut and bolt, with a safety pin providing further stability and assurance.

This particular fastening option is a popular choice for many lifting firms, including some of the leading lifting rental companies in the UK.

View Safety Pin Shackles >>

Screw pin shackles

Primarily used for temporary applications, screw pin products are great for jobs where shackles regularly need to be removed and re-attached. When using screw pin shackles, it's important to remember to check the pin prior to each lift and re-tighten if necessary.

For jobs that include notable vibration, wire mousing can help to prevent the pin from coming unscrewed; however, safety pin shackles are usually preferable for such jobs.

View Screw Pin Shackles >>

Stainless steel shackles

Extremely durable and long-lasting, our stainless steel shackles are the ideal connection for use in tough conditions, making them the perfect fastening mechanism for sailing and industrial rigging jobs.

Simple to use and extremely reliable, these stainless steel shackles come in 1 tonne or 2 tonne varieties, with varying dimensions to suit your requirements.

View Stainless Steel Shackles >>

Piling shackles

Fully tested and certified, these long-bodied shackles provide a strong and sturdy solution, making them suitable for a variety of lifting jobs.

With a self-coloured finish, our piling shackles come in a range of durable weight categories, with weight limits ranging from 1 to 5 tonnes.

View Piling Shackles >>

In addition to all of the above, we also stock a selection of untested shackles for purely connective purposes. While these zinc-plated dee shackles cannot be used for lifting jobs and are unsuitable for carrying weight, they do make perfectly adequate connectors in situations where no force is being applied.

Do you have any questions about the different types of shackles we stock here at SafetyLiftinGear.com? Feel free to contact our customer service team!