Shackles are one of the primary connecting links that are used to connect a sling to a load. They’re the workhorse of the industry, as lifting a load symmetrically would be impossible without them. Shackles do so by providing a robust and strong physical connection between the sling and the load.
One wrong move in the shackle selection process can lead to all your crane operations being affected.
Shackles should not only be correctly loaded and connected, but also carefully selected.
This guide will help you do just that:
Step#1: Get the right sling
The appropriate shackle varies based on the kind of object you want to lift. As a construction company, you should have clarity regarding what kinds of objects your workers need to lift with cranes. Slings are not only needed to lift bulk objects, but also to pull and hold loads.
Slings are made of a wide range of materials. The most commonly available options are synthetic fiber, chain, wire rope, and synthetic web. The one you need will depend on the shape, size, and weight of what you’re lifting.
Step#2: Choosing the appropriate shackle
Once you have your sling, it’s time to move on to the shackle. The choice of shackle largely depends on how the load will be pulled.
If the load requires straight pulling, chain shackles work the best. If it requires multi-dimensional pulling, an anchor shackle is the better choice.
Just like slings, shackles come in a variety of materials—the choice depends on the application. The most common ones are stainless steel, plain painted steel, and galvanized steel. Stainless steel works best for marine applications and tough construction site conditions. This is because it’s extremely durable and has highly reliable fastening mechanisms.
Your crane warning system provider will help you choose a shackle that suits your industry requirements.
Step#3: Choose the right pin type
After you have the right shackle, you’ll need to select a pin type that complements it. You will have options like screw pins, round pins, and bolts. If you’re looking for pins that are easy to connect and disconnect, screw pins are a fine choice.
Some industries and their applications do require permanent shackle connections. The oil industry, for example, has use cases that do. For such scenarios, a bolt works better.
For overhead cranes and lifting shackles, use pins that have been heat-treated, since such applications require high tensile strength. For most industries, an alloy and shackle body that’s made of forged carbon is a reliable choice.
At Crane Warning Systems Atlanta, we sell a wide range of crane safety instrumentation systems, including crane A2B systems, portable links and shackles.
Contact us for details about crane LMI system.
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