Have you ever wondered what a lifting shackle is? It's likely you have come across this piece of equipment before, especially if you're business or industry involves the use of moving fragile, heavy, or large goods.
Lifting Equipment Store USA (LES USA) always want to ensure that you're provided with the best equipment and inform you about everything there is to know before purchasing so you can be sure you have the right equipment for your business challenge.
That's exactly why in this article we're going to look at exactly what this item is, show you how they work by looking at example products, explain the advantages of using them, and highlight safety measures you must take when using your equipment.
If by the end of the article you require any further information or support, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the LES USA team who can help you find a solution.
WHAT IS A LIFTING SHACKLE?
This small, yet important, piece of equipment has many uses in both the industrial and domestic sectors. You can find heavy-duty versions of this product being used and perform in intensive workplace roles such as industrial crane rigging and on-board large ships.
Lighter-duty equivalents are often used for moving luggage and tow ropes, or in personal safety gear including climbing and mountaineering harnesses.
Put simply, this piece of equipment is a metal connection link that is used to connect loads that are being lifted from a crane or a hoist.
A small yet effective piece of gear that can help you solve your business challenge.
EXAMPLES
The most common types you will find are labeled as anchor and chain due to the design and being able to be applied to various different applications.
In addition to these two, you can also get specialist versions that can be created for your business's specific needs. You can contact a member of the LES USA team to discuss any special requirements you and your business have.
To illustrate what the different types of equipment in this category look like, and what they are capable of doing, we're going to list a number of products. These are products that you can purchase from the LES USA website if you find that they are what's going to solve your problem.
ANCHOR SHACKLES
Anchor shackles, also known as Omega or bow shackles, feature a larger bow than the chain version which offers a larger surface area from attachments to sit such as slings and crane hooks.
CHAIN SHACKLE
Chain shackles are also known as dee shackles and it gets this name from the ‘D’ shape. The entrance to this version is the same width as the body of the whole version. This makes the chain version ideal for standard rigging, connecting to chains, hoists, and your ideal solution for confined spaces where smaller dimensions are essential.
SPECIALIST VERSIONS
These are designed for specific purposes and environments. You can expect them to vary from simple long mouth piling shackles to more complex Polar Shackles or those with load measuring functionality.
These types are available in various finishes from self-color and galvanized to stainless steel and powder-coated options. You can find this version often being used for fishing, rigging, pulling, securing, connecting, and anchoring.
BENEFITS YOU CAN GET FROM USING
There are various advantages to you using this gear which we're going to have a look at.
Please make sure you consider all of the individual benefits of each of these types of items you get, including the ones mentioned above, before you purchase so you're more re-assured you've made the right choice.
You might already have a number of ideas of what the advantages would be to you and your business by reading the above. If you haven't, we've put a number of advantages below to give you a better view of if this is right for your business challenge or not.
· Known to be reliable and secure
· There is a strong point of attachment between the sling and/or other lifting devices to ensure it can lift equipment safely
· Anchor shackles are well equipped for handling multiple loads from different directions
· Anchor shackles can accommodate far wider straps than the narrower variants
· The chain versions are usually closed with a threaded pin or a clevis-type pin, and they’re generally seen as suitable choices for moderate to heavy loads that are being lifted inline
SAFETY MEASURE TO TAKE WHEN USING
- Make sure you always perform a visual inspection before you start any lift
- Please make sure you pay close attention to the manufacturer specifications of the one you decide to use
- Be sure to connect multiple sling legs to the body of your shackle and not to the pin itself
- Make sure you are using the correct size for the hook or sling straps being attached
- You should never run a strap or sling body over a screw-type shackle pin, as it can move under load and eventually back the pinout of its threading
- You should not perform the lift if yours fails to meet the required safety standards or appears to show signs of excessive wear
By following the points highlighted in this safety overview will ensure you, your team, and anyone on your business site will stay safe.
WOULD A LIFTING SHACKLE BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS?
You now have an overview of how these small yet effective pieces of equipment can offer you an easy and effective solution in a wide range of heavy lifting, securing, and rigging jobs you might have around your workplace.
Together we've looked at what this piece of equipment is and outlined the advantages of them. However, the question still stands: how can this piece of equipment benefit your company?
If you do want to understand in more detail how this piece of equipment can help your business challenge, please contact an experienced member of the LES USA team where they will be happy to discuss what products can help you most.
