Shackles look simple, but the wrong type can create side loading, pin rotation, or unnecessary downtime. The guide below covers the most common types of shackles for rigging and work at height, what jobs they're best suited for, and when to choose one style over another. If you're also checking load terminology and ratings, pair this with our WLL vs SWL explainer.
 | Bow Shackles: best for multi-leg and angled liftsA bow shackle (sometimes called an anchor shackle) has a rounded body that gives more room for sling eyes and multiple connections. If your lift involves angle changes or more than one attachment point, bow shackles are often the safer, more forgiving option. Best suited for: construction lifts with multi-leg slings, entertainment rigging where angles vary, and general lifting where clearance matters. BROWSE BOW SHACKLES |
Dee Shackles (D Shackles): best for straight-line pullsA D shackle (or Dee shackle) has a narrower profile designed to keep the load aligned. That makes it a strong choice for straight pulls where you want to minimise movement, especially when connecting chain or a single sling leg to a fixed point. Best suited for: single-leg lifts, straight-line tension, workshops, plant maintenance, and general lifting where alignment is predictable. BROWSE DEE SHACKLES |  |
| Pin Type Screw Pin vs Safety Pin: choose based on vibration and accessMany people think "shackle types" only means bow vs Dee. In practice, the pin style matters just as much. A screw pin shackle is fast to install and ideal for temporary or frequently changed connections. Screw pin: fast to fit, best for connections that are regularly checked and don't see sustained vibration. VIEW ALL SCREW PIN SHACKLES |
Safety pin (bolt-type): the nut-and-bolt or cotter pin assembly resists backing out under vibration or rotation. Preferred where the connection is left in place, hard to access once installed, or sees dynamic loads. Rule of thumb: if the connection will be left in place, sees vibration, or is difficult to access once installed, lean toward a safety pin/bolt-type option. | |
 | Piling Shackles: built for heavy-duty construction and groundworksPiling shackles are designed for tougher lifting tasks typically seen in civil engineering, groundworks, and infrastructure projects. Commonly chosen when lifts are repetitive, dirty, or exposed to harsh site conditions where robustness and secure fit-up matter. Best suited for: piling and groundworks, heavy construction lifts, and site applications where standard shackles may be more prone to damage or misalignment. BROWSE PILING SHACKLES |
Stainless Steel Shackles: for corrosion-prone environmentsStainless steel shackles are a practical choice when corrosion resistance is the priority, especially in marine settings, coastal works, wash-down areas, or food-related environments. They won't replace alloy shackles for every heavy lift, but can be the right call when rust and contamination are the real risk drivers. Always check the rated WLL/SWL for the application. Best suited for: marine and offshore support tasks, coastal maintenance, and environments where frequent moisture exposure or hygiene requirements apply. BROWSE STAINLESS STEEL SHACKLES |  |
 | Trusted Brands Crosby ShacklesA globally recognised standard in lifting hardware, trusted across construction, oil & gas, and marine sectors. Forged construction, clear WLL markings, and consistent performance across bow and dee shackle ranges. VIEW ALL CROSBY SHACKLES |
Green Pin ShacklesManufactured in the Netherlands to stringent quality standards. Widely specified in offshore, industrial, and heavy rigging applications where safety, performance, and full traceability are non-negotiable. VIEW ALL GREEN PIN SHACKLES |  |
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What are the main shackle types used for rigging?
The most common shackle types are bow shackles and Dee (D) shackles, typically with either screw pins or safety pin/bolt-type pins. For more specialised jobs you may also use piling shackles or stainless steel shackles, depending on the site and environment. Premium branded options include Crosby and Green Pin.
2) When should I use a bow shackle instead of a Dee shackle?
Use a bow shackle when you need more room for sling eyes, multiple connections, or angled loading. Use a Dee shackle when the load is in a straight line and you want the connection to stay aligned.
3) When is a safety pin shackle better than a screw pin shackle?
If vibration, rotation, or movement is likely, or the connection is hard to access once installed, a safety pin/bolt-type shackle is often the better fit. Screw pins are typically preferred for quick, temporary connections that are checked frequently.
4) Why choose piling shackles?
Piling shackles are commonly selected for heavy-duty construction and groundworks where lifts are repetitive and conditions are harsh. They can be a better option than standard shackles when durability and secure fit-up are key.
5) Are stainless steel shackles suitable for heavy lifting?
They can be, but selection should be based on the rated capacity (WLL/SWL) and the application. Stainless is often chosen primarily for corrosion resistance, making it a strong option for marine and wet environments where rust is a major concern.
6) What is the difference between Crosby and Green Pin shackles?
Both are premium brands widely trusted in demanding lifting environments. Crosby is a global name across construction, oil & gas, and marine sectors. Green Pin, manufactured in the Netherlands, is frequently specified in offshore and industrial rigging where full traceability is required. Both ranges are clearly marked with WLL ratings.
Need help selecting the correct shackle? Share the job type (construction, entertainment, transport, marine), the lifting configuration, and the rated load, and our team can help you choose the right option.
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