ASSEMBLY

Shackles should be inspected before use to ensure that:

a) the body and the pin of  the shackle are both identifiable as being of the same size, type and make
b) all markings are readable
c) the body and pin are not distorted
d) the body and pin are not unduly worn
e) the threads of the pin and the body are undamaged
f) the body and pin are free from nicks, gouges, cracks and corrosion

Ensure, where appropriate, that the pin is correctly screwed into the shackle eye, i.e tighten finger tight, then lock using a small tommy bar or suitable tool so that the collar of the pin is seated on the shackle eye. Ensure that the pin is of the correct length so that it penetrates the full depth of the screwed eye and allows the collar of the pin to bed on the surface of the drilled eye. In all cases, when the pin is correctly fitted in the body of the shackle, the jaw width W should not be significantly reduced.

Incorrect seating of the pin may be due to a bent pin, the thread fitting too tightly or misalignment of pin holes. Do not use the shackle under these circumstances.

Never replace a shackle pin except with one of the same size type and make as it may not be suitable for the loads imposed.

USAGE

Select the correct type of shackle for a particular application from the information given below. Shackles should not be used in a manner that imposes a side loading unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer. In general this means that the shackle body should take the load along the axis of its centreline.

When using shackles in conjunction with multi-leg slings, due consideration should be given to the effect of the angle between the legs of the sling. As the angle increases so does the load in the sling leg and consequently in any shackle attached to the leg (table 1).
When a shackle is used to connect two slings to the hook of a lifting machine, it should be a bow type shackle assembled with the slings in the shackle body and the hook engaged with the shackle pin. The included angle between the slings should not exceed 120°.
To avoid eccentric loading of the shackle a loose spacer may be used on either end of the shackle pin. Do not reduce the width between the shackle jaws by welding washers or spacers to the inside faces of the eyes or by closing the jaws, as this will have an adverse effect on the properties of the shackle.

In applications where the shackle is to be left in place for a prolonged period or where maximum pin security is required, use a safety pin shackle. Avoid applications where the load is unstable.

Shackles should not be modified, heat treated, galvanised or subject to any plating process without the approval of the manufacturer. Do not use a shackle outside the temperature range of - 20 °C to 200 °C without consulting the manufacturer. Shackles should not be immersed in acidic solutions or exposed to acid fumes or other chemicals without the approval of the manufacturer. Attention is drawn to the fact that certain production processes involve acidic solutions, fumes etc and in these circumstances the manufacturer's advice should be sought. The rating of shackles to EN 13889 assumes the absence of exceptionally hazardous conditions. Exceptionally hazardous conditions include offshore activities, the lifting of persons and lifting of potentially dangerous loads such as molten metals, corrosive materials or fissile materials. In such cases the degree of hazard should be assessed by a competent person and the safe working load reduced accordingly from the working load limit.

ISPECTIONS

Shackles in use should be subject to periodic thorough examination by a competent person. The period between such examinations will depend upon the amount of use but should not exceed six months.

• always inspect the shackle before use

• periodically perform a visual inspection for nicks, cracks, worn or damaged areas, damaged threads either on bow or pin; if necessary perform a magnetic particle test

• record the inspections

• shackles must be removed from service when the standards are not respected
   

horizontal reactions
WLL[t]
a: angle between slings