Shackles for rigging

There are many jobs a rigger performs that require the use of shackles, that you may not be aware of, so lets look at the types of shackles used.
Shackles are used to connect wires, chains and link to other devices, allowing lifting and moving with ease.
There are two types of shackles that can be used that are either closed with a screw pin or a safety pin.
Shackles come in a range of colours to be easily identified to the type of task being performed. These colours of the shackles are bright and stand out. The main colours are Blue, Green and Silver.
What are the various types of shackles available?

Blue in colour :

• Bow shackles safety pin
• Bow shackles screw pin
• Dee shackles safety pin
• Dee shackles screw pin

Silver colour:

• Dee shackle

Green in colour:

• Bow shackle safety pin
• Bow shackles screw pin
• Dee shackle safety pin
• Dee shackle screw pin
• Heavy Duty Bow
• Sling
• Super
• Wide mouth

What areas can you see a shackle being used?

1. Safety Harness – a safety harness warn by a rigger has many dee or bow shackles connected to a belt, so as the rigger can be connected to an object, or attached to a crane for safety from falling.
2. Cranes – a shackle can be a permanent fixture to the end of the crane or simply attached to move objects securely and safely
3. Pulley System – you will find a shackle attaching a rope or sling to an object to allow the ease of lifting it as it may be too heavy for manual movement.