Shackles: D, Bow, Twisted, Snap, Soft and Swivel Types, and How to Pick One
A shackle is the removable link between a sail, line or fitting and the hardware that carries it. The right one comes down to the shape that suits the load, the pin diameter, how the pin locks, and the material. This is the parent category: a couple of listings sit directly here (the SeaSure 8 mm snap-close shackle 5-pack and the SeaSure Seddon Link for 25 mm), and the rest of the range is in the sub-collections below, by type and by brand.
Shackle Types in This Category
- D shackles: Harken "D" shackles from 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 12 mm) pin, Wichard self-locking D shackles from 3/16 in (5 mm) and captive-pin D shackles from 5/32 in (4 mm), Wichard HR D shackles from 1/4 in (6 mm) to 25/32 in (20 mm), and Ronstan coined-head D shackles from 1/8 in (3.2 mm) to 5/8 in (16 mm). Ronstan also has a D shackle range and long and wide D versions.
- Bow shackles: Harken bow shackles from 3/16 to 13/32 in (5 to 10 mm), including a shallow bow, Wichard self-locking and captive-pin bow shackles from 5/32 in (4 mm), Wichard HR bow shackles up to 15/16 in (24 mm), and Ronstan coined-head bows. See also the Wichard bow shackles.
- Twisted shackles: Harken twist shackles (5 to 10 mm), Wichard self-locking and captive twisted shackles (5 to 10 mm) and Ronstan twisted shackles (4 to 12.7 mm). Wichard describes its self-locking twisted shackle with Allen-head pin as suited to linking chain to an anchor and, on a halyard, as avoiding damage to the sail.
- Snap shackles: Wichard HR snap shackles with fixed or swivel eyes (from 2.0 in / 50 mm to 4 3/4 in / 120 mm long), Tylaska snap shackles in the T5, T8, T12, T16 and T20 sizes plus the CR and LT500 light-air models, and Ronstan trigger and fixed snap shackles. More under Ronstan snap shackles.
- Halyard shackles: Tylaska H5, H8, H12 and H20 aluminum halyard shackles, plus 2:1 versions with a pulley, Ronstan halyard shackles with 3/16, 1/4 and 5/16 in pins, the Harken captive halyard shackle and Ubi Maior mainsail halyard shackles for lines up to 12, 14 or 16 mm.
- Soft shackles: Premium Ropes quick-release soft shackles from 2 mm (1/16 in) to 8 mm (5/16 in), Wichard SoftLink 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0, and Ronstan 6 and 8 mm soft shackles with a dog bone. Also under Premium Ropes soft shackles.
- Swivels and bails: swivel shackles from Wichard (45 to 125 mm long, with clevis, self-locking, Allen-head or large-bail ends, some with ball bearings) and Ronstan, and Tylaska bail swivels from the T12 to the T50.
By brand: Wichard, Tylaska and Ronstan.
How to Choose a Shackle
- Size by pin diameter and working load: the pin diameter is in every title. Harken stamps the screw-pin diameter on its forged shackles. Specify by working load limit, not breaking strength; our deck fittings guide explains why, and the working and breaking loads are on each product page.
- Standard or high-resistance: the Wichard self-locking and captive-pin shackles are forged in grade 316L stainless steel. The HR (high-resistance) shackles from Wichard and Harken are made for heavy loads; Harken HR shackles are forged in 17-4PH stainless steel and carry an HR imprint so you can tell them apart.
- How the pin locks: Wichard self-locking shackles lock the pin into an indentation so vibration cannot loosen it. Captive-pin shackles keep the pin attached to the body even when open and can be operated one-handed. Allen-head pins sit flush with the body so they do not snag a sail or line. Slotted, key-pin and screw-pin versions are the other options.
- Weight aloft: Wichard titanium shackles are forged from TA6V titanium for a 40% weight saving, in D and bow models.
- Soft where steel would chafe: Premium Ropes' soft shackles are made from Dyneema SK78, which does not scratch masts and decks. Its 6 mm (1/4 in) listing is described as suited to boats up to 42 ft.
- Check the listing before mooring or lifting: several Wichard listings say the working load limit applies to industrial use only, and the HR D shackle listing says it is not suitable for mooring. Read the product page for the model you pick.
Who It's For
Owners rebuilding halyard, sheet and control-line terminations, racers saving weight with soft and titanium shackles, and cruisers replacing worn shackles on the mast, boom and stays. For snap shackles on halyards, read how much load a trigger snap shackle takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a D shackle and a bow shackle?
A D shackle has a narrow body and suits a straight pull. A bow shackle has a wider, rounded body that takes a load from more than one direction.
What does self-locking mean on a Wichard shackle?
The pin locks into one of the indentations in the body so vibration cannot unscrew it. A captive-pin shackle is different: the pin stays attached to the body when open, and you can operate it with one hand.
What are soft shackles used for?
Premium Ropes lists its Dyneema SK78 soft shackle for securing sheets and halyards, with quick release, and it does not scratch the mast or deck. Choose the diameter by the listing: the 6 mm is described as suited to boats up to 42 ft.
How do I size a shackle?
Start from the pin diameter that fits the eye of your fitting, then check the working load limit on the product page. Do not size by the look of the shackle.
Can I use any of these shackles for mooring or lifting?
Not automatically. Several Wichard listings state that the working load applies only to industrial applications, and the HR D shackle listing says it is not suitable for mooring. Read the listing for your model first.