Shackles are often a necessary piece of equipment when working with rope. When you need to secure a load or object that you are pulling with a rope, for example, a shackle will typically be used to make that connection. Often, shackles are made from steel and come in a “U” or “D” shape that can be looped around whatever it is that you are trying to secure.
However, there is another option that offers some notable performance benefits – the synthetic shackle. With a synthetic version, you pick up some advantages over traditional forms of shackles, and we’ll talk about those benefits later in the article.
Of course, whether you need synthetic shackles or anything else related to the world of rope, SEACO should be your first choice. Contact us today to get started!
Some Problems with Traditional Shackles
To be sure, the traditional shackle still has a place in many projects or tasks. Standard shackles are very strong, relatively easy to use, and suitable for plenty of jobs. But there are some drawbacks that come with traditional shackles that may cause you to look toward a synthetic shackle for better results.
First, there is the potential risk that comes with using a standard metal shackle. These devices are quite heavy, and they may be put under significant load during use. That means that if something happens to break, the shackle you are using could turn into a dangerous projectile. This is a worst-case scenario that could lead to significant equipment damage or serious injury.
Beyond safety concerns, there is also the fuss of dealing with the pins used to secure a standard shackle. And, if you work with your shackles around water, you’ll have basically no hope of recovering a shackle that is dropped in the water, as it will immediately sink to the bottom.
Using a Synthetic Shackle
So, with it determined that there are some issues that can arise through the use of a regular steel shackle, let’s turn our attention to how a synthetic shackle works and why this option might be preferable. For starters, these are simple devices that are very easy to use. Basically, the shackle is a strong rope with a loop on one end and a ball shape on the other. To set up the shackle, you run it through whatever you need to pull or haul, and then slip the ball through the loop. As the line is pulled, the shackle will self-tighten and will be ready for the task at hand. It’s just that simple!
So Many Benefits
Using a synthetic shackle is easy, and there is essentially no learning curve involved. Whether you want to switch entirely from traditional shackles, or you want to use a blend of the two types, there are plenty of advantages available when opting for synthetic. Those advantages include –
- Buoyancy. As mentioned above, a steel shackle will drop right to the bottom of the water if you drop it or it slips off the line while working. With a synthetic shackle, however, the device will float, and you can just pick it back up if it falls in the water.
- Strength. Many users are surprised to find that synthetic shackles can offer just as much strength – and in some cases, more strength – than their steel counterparts. When you have heavy-duty work to perform, check the specs on synthetic shackles to see if they are suitable for your requirements.
- Easy to store. When not in use, synthetic shackles are easy to tuck away in any of a number of spaces you might have available. This is because they are both relatively small and extremely lightweight. Of course, steel shackles can be quite heavy, meaning you won’t have as many options for storage. Also, if you need to bring along several steel shackles for a job or project, moving them around can be difficult due to their combined weight.
Once you experience how well synthetic shackles work, and how easy they are to use, you might find that you will leave your steel shackles behind more often than not.
Is a Synthetic Shackle Right for Your Needs?
There is a lot to like about synthetic shackles, but they aren’t the correct pick for every project. If you need help determining what type of shackle to order for an upcoming job, or you have any other questions for our team, contact us right away and we’ll be glad to assist. Thank you for visiting SEACO!