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Lifting Shackles
At Lifting Safety, we offer a great selection of lifting shackles, with the majority available to buy online and at sale prices, from as little as £3.24! Shackles are the essential component that acts as the link between your lifting equipment, such as a hoist hook or sling, and the load you are working with. You’ll typically encounter two main types: D-shackles (or Dee shackles) and bow shackles, which are also referred to as Omega shackles.
Our inventory includes a wide array of shackles, ranging from galvanised and self-coloured (forged black steel) to stainless steel options. The galvanised types are generally US Federal specification alloy steel and are manufactured by either Van Beest (Green pin) or Crosby (red pin). The black forged steel self-coloured shackles are high-tensile and are generally to BS3032, but these can also be galvanised if required.
It’s important to keep in mind that US Fed spec anchor shackles generally tend to be smaller than the high tensile black BS3032 self-colour shackles, despite having the same safe working load. To secure the load pin, you have two main options: the screw pin, which screws into the shackle body like a bolt, or safety pin shackles, where the pin slides through and is secured with a split pin or nut with a split pin.
Additionally, we offer a diverse range of stainless steel, ROV (remotely operated vehicle, also referred to as ROUV - remotely operated underwater vehicle) and wide-body shackles that are all rated for lifting applications and supplied with a Declaration of Conformity as standard! Whether you’re lifting heavy objects or need dependable hardware, we’ve got everything you need!
A Complete Guide to Lifting Shackles
What Are Shackles for Lifting?
Lifting shackles are vital components in rigging and lifting operations, designed to connect lifting slings, hooks, and other lifting gear securely to loads. Sometimes referred to as lift shackles or simply shackles for lifting, they act as strong connectors that provide safety and efficiency in industries ranging from construction to offshore engineering.
There are two main types of shackles for lifting: the D shackle and the bow shackle. Each has its own unique strengths depending on the application.
Types of Lifting Shackles
D Shackles for Lifting
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Lifting D shackles, also called dee shackles, have a narrow "D" shape.
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Best suited for straight, in-line loads where minimal side movement is expected.
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They are compact, strong, and often chosen where space is limited.
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Available in a range of lifting shackle sizes and capacities, including heavy-duty and all are fully certified lifting shackles.
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Common in applications such as crane lifting shackles, lifting chains and shackles, or when used as a shackle for lifting eyes.
Bow Shackles for Lifting
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Lifting bow shackles (also known as omega shackles) feature a rounded "O" shape.
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They allow for side loading and are ideal for multi-leg lifting slings and shackles.
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Suitable for applications where multiple connections are needed.
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Available in various materials, including stainless steel lifting shackles for marine and corrosive environments.
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Popular choices include Greenpin and Crosby lifting shackles, known globally for safety and reliability.
Key Features of Lifting Shackles
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Variety of Types: From lifting D shackles to lifting bow shackles, operators can select based on load direction and application.
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Range of Sizes: Lifting shackle sizes vary widely, ensuring suitability for light-duty lifting or heavy industrial loads.
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Materials: Options include alloy steel, galvanised, and stainless steel lifting shackles.
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Safety Certification: All of the shackles that we offer are certified lifting shackles and fully compliant with CE/UKCA lifting regulations, as a minimum.
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Versatility: Used with lifting hoist hooks and lifting eye bolts, or part of a larger lifting equipment shackle arrangement.
Choosing the Right Lifting Shackle
When selecting shackles, consider:
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Load Direction: Use D shackles for lifting straight loads; opt for bow shackles for lifting with side or angled loads.
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Application: For cranes, crane lifting shackles like Van Beest Greenpin or Crosby lifting shackles are often preferred due to their reliability.
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Environment: In marine or corrosive settings, stainless steel lifting shackles are the best choice, but there is a lot less choice on capacity, so we also offer specialist offshore shackles too.
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Safety: Ensure all shackles are properly rated. At Lifting Safety, all of our shackles are sourced from reputable manufacturers of lifting shackles in the UK or worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Lifting shackles are the backbone of safe lifting and rigging operations. From shackle lifting gear used on construction sites to lifting shackle types designed for offshore work, the right choice depends on load, environment, and safety requirements. Whether you need Greenpin lifting shackles, Crosby lifting shackles, British standard lifting D shackles, or bow shackles for lifting, selecting the correct lifting shackles and equipment ensures reliability and compliance every time.