Shackles, Hooks, Eyes

Our Shackles, Hooks & Eyes range covers the connecting hardware that joins rope, chain and fittings on deck and ground tackle: bow and D-shackles, snap hooks, eye bolts and swivels, in galvanised and stainless steel, rated by safe working load rather than size alone.

A bow shackle has a rounded body that takes load from multiple angles, making it the safer general-purpose choice for slings, rigging and anchor connections. A D-shackle (chain shackle) is narrower and lighter for its rating, and suits inline loads such as joining chain to an anchor. Always check the safe working load (SWL) stamped on the shackle rather than assuming size equals strength, and match it to the load it will actually see.

Galvanised steel is the standard, economical choice for ground tackle and general deck use; stainless steel costs more but resists staining and suits fittings that stay visible, like rigging and deck hardware. Whichever you choose, seize or mouse the pin of any shackle used on standing rigging or an anchor so vibration can’t work it loose.

Frequently asked questions

Bow shackle or D-shackle for my anchor?

A bow shackle is generally preferred for anchor connections – its wider body handles the side-loading an anchor chain puts on it better than a narrower D-shackle.

What does SWL mean on a shackle?

Safe Working Load – the maximum load the shackle is rated to carry in normal use, well below its actual breaking strength. Always size to the SWL, not the shackle’s dimensions.

Galvanised or stainless shackles?

Galvanised is the economical, hard-wearing standard for ground tackle. Stainless costs more but won’t stain your deck, so it suits visible rigging hardware.

Why does my shackle pin keep working loose?

Vibration from motion at sea backs pins out over time – mouse (wire-tie) or seize any shackle on standing rigging or your anchor so the pin can’t unscrew itself.