"D" Shackles
Introduction
‘D’ Shackles shall be used for lifting of equipment and connecting of 2 wire ropes, etc.
Safety Precautions in ‘D’ Shackles:
1. Always store and handle the D shackles correctly.
2. Inspect the shackle before use.
3. Select the correct pattern of shackle and pin for the application.
4. Allow for the full result on imposed load.
5. Full tighten the pin.
6. Ensure the load acts through the venter line of the shackle.
7. After completion of work clean the shackle and handover in stores.
8. Do not exceed 120 degrees for the angle when using multiple leg slings while lifting loads.
Hazards in ‘D’ Shackles
1. Never use ‘D’ shackles with bent pins or deformed bodies.
2. Never force, hammer or wedge shackles into position.
3. Never replace pin with bolt.
4. Fit pin in contact with moving parts which may looser or unscrew them.
5. Poor condition ‘D’ shackles may be discarded.
How to Inspect Shackles
- Inspect the shackle eye and pin holes for stretching (elongation) and wear. Elongation means the metal is being overloaded.
- Inspect the shackle body for bending. A bent shackle indicates excessive side-loading.
- Inspect all shackle pins for distortion, surface blemishes, wear and fractures.
- All pins must be straight, and all screw pins must be completely seated.
- Replace shackles that are bent, show excessive wear by more than 10% of the original diameter, or have an elongated eye.
Types of Shackles: A shackles has two main paths, the body and the pin. The body can have the anchor shape (bow) or a chain shape (D type). Each body shape can be used, depending on the specific application, with a screw pin or bolt-type pin.