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Views: 222 Author: Loretta Publish Time: 2025-09-26 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Leading Kenter Shackle Manufacturers and Suppliers in the UK
>> Lifting & Marine Services Ltd
>> Specialized Suppliers with OEM Services
● Manufacturing Process of Kenter Shackles
● Installation and Assembly of Kenter Shackles
● Maintenance for Longevity and Safety
● Applications of Kenter Shackles
● Quality and Safety Certifications
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. What exactly is a Kenter shackle and why is it important?
>> 2. What materials and grades are Kenter shackles made from?
>> 3. How should a Kenter shackle be installed properly?
>> 4. Can Kenter shackles be repaired if damaged?
>> 5. Are UK-manufactured Kenter shackles certified?
In the marine and offshore industries, connecting high-strength stud link chains securely and reliably is a critical task. This is where kenter shackles play a vital role. Often described as detachable joining shackles, Kenter shackles are designed to connect two separate lengths of chains or chain links together to form a continuous assembly. Due to their strength, reliability, and ease of assembly, these shackles have become a standard accessory in mooring, anchoring, and other heavy-duty marine applications.
This article explores the top Kenter Shackle Manufacturers and Suppliers in the UK, highlighting their product features, certifications, and OEM capabilities. If your business involves marine anchor chains or mooring systems, understanding the best sources for Kenter shackles in the UK can help ensure quality, compliance, and performance.
A Kenter shackle consists of two halves that securely join with a center chock and taper pin locking system. Unlike traditional U-shaped shackles, Kenter shackles are detachable and allow easy disassembly for chain repairs and replacements without cutting or complicating the chain assembly.
- Made typically from forged heavy-duty alloy steel.
- Available in various grades such as Grade 2 and Grade 3, designed to handle high loads.
- Sizes range from small diameters around 12.5mm up to over 150mm for large anchor chains.
- Surface treatment options include black paint, hot-dip galvanizing, and electro-galvanizing for corrosion resistance.
- Comply with international marine standards such as IACS W22 and ISO 20438.
The UK is home to multiple world-class manufacturers and suppliers providing Kenter shackles that meet the stringent requirements of global marine industries. Below is an overview of some of the leading companies:
Lifting & Marine Services Ltd supplies a wide range of Kenter shackles in various sizes and configurations. Their products are made from forged steel, suitable for joining stud link anchor chains in marine mooring systems. They emphasize quality assurance and provide detailed technical datasheets for their products. Their Kenter shackles are known for reliability and meet major classification society certifications.
William Hackett is a renowned UK manufacturer of lifting, hoisting, and mooring hardware, including Kenter shackles. Their heavy-duty forged shackles are heat treated and engineered for marine conditions. Their products come with full certification to meet operational safety and compliance standards demanded by offshore industries.
Griffin-Woodhouse produces a variety of marine equipment, including screw pins, shackles, and Kenter joining shackles. Their products are certified by major international bodies and manufactured to ISO and IACS standards. Griffin-Woodhouse also provides OEM services for custom shackle dimensions and designs to suit specific client needs.
Brooks Forgings specializes in the manufacture of both standard and bespoke shackles, including Kenter shackles, through advanced drop forging and machining processes. They offer bespoke tooling and designs tailored to client specifications with a focus on quality control and traceability.
Several UK marine equipment suppliers also offer OEM manufacturing for Kenter shackles. These suppliers customize shackles regarding material grade, surface finishing, and dimensions to fit specific requirements from marine brand owners, wholesalers, and chain manufacturers. Such customization ensures integration with existing chains and anchoring systems for enhanced performance.
Kenter shackles undergo a meticulous manufacturing process to meet the high standards of marine applications:
- Forging: The body of the shackle is drop forged from high-grade alloy steel bars for strength and toughness. Upset forging and bending methods shape the shackle body.
- Machining: Precision machining of pins and locking components ensures accurate fitting and smooth assembly.
- Heat Treatment: Shackles are heat-treated to improve hardness, tensile strength, and fatigue resistance.
- Surface Treatment: Various corrosion protection methods like black paint, hot-dip galvanizing, and electro-galvanizing are applied based on end-use environments.
- Inspection and Testing: Each shackle is rigorously inspected for dimensional accuracy, surface defects, and undergoes load testing to guarantee compliance with international standards like ISO 20438 and IACS W22.
Proper installation of Kenter shackles is vital to maintain assembly integrity and safety during marine operations. Here is a step-by-step guide to assembling Kenter shackles:
1. Prepare Tools and Equipment: Gather necessary tools including wrenches, hammers, and safety gear.
2. Open the Shackle Halves: Use appropriate tools to separate the two halves if they are pre-assembled.
3. Insert Through Chain Links: Insert each shackle half into the respective end of the two chain links that need joining.
4. Position the Center Chock: Slide the center chock between the two halves to align the assembly.
5. Insert the Taper Pin: Insert the taper pin through the aligned holes in the shackle halves and chock.
6. Drive and Secure the Taper Pin: Carefully drive the taper pin into position with a hammer until tightly secured.
7. Seal with Lead: The end of the taper pin should be sealed with molten lead or a suitable material to prevent loosening in service.
8. Final Inspection: Check that the assembly is firm, the pin is secure, and there is no play between parts.
Failure to follow correct installation can lead to loosening risks and potential chain or anchor loss during operations.
To extend the service life of Kenter shackles while ensuring safety, regular maintenance is essential:
- Periodic Inspections: Check shackles for wear, deformation, corrosion, or cracking, especially after heavy usage.
- Cleaning and Lubrication: Remove salt, dirt, and debris from shackles; lubricate moving or connected parts to reduce friction.
- Corrosion Treatment: Apply rust inhibitors or re-galvanize surface layers in corrosive marine environments.
- Proper Storage: Store shackles in dry, ventilated areas when not in use to prevent moisture damage.
- Load Monitoring: Use shackles within specified load ratings to avoid overloading and fatigue damage.
Kenter shackles are indispensable in the marine and offshore sectors due to their detachable design and reliable load capacity. Common applications include:
- Joining stud link anchor chains on vessels for secure anchoring.
- Connecting mooring chains on offshore oil platforms and floating structures.
- Linkage components in buoys and pontoons used in various maritime operations.
- Heavy lifting and rigging in shipyards and ports where quick assembly/disassembly is frequent.
- Emergency repairs of chain systems at sea, facilitated by easy shackle disassembly.
Reliable Kenter shackle manufacturers comply with strict industry standards to guarantee performance and safety:
- IACS W22: International Association of Classification Societies standard for chain fittings.
- ISO 20438: International standard specific to mooring shackles and chain accessories.
- Classification Societies: Certification by organizations such as DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register, and Bureau Veritas.
Such certifications ensure products meet necessary mechanical strength, durability, and corrosion resistance for critical marine applications.
Selecting the right Kenter shackle manufacturers and suppliers in the UK is essential for marine and offshore industries that depend on secure chain connections. Established UK companies like William Hackett Ltd, Lifting & Marine Services Ltd, Griffin-Woodhouse Limited, and Brooks Forgings Ltd provide high-quality forged Kenter shackles that comply with rigorous international standards.
With professional OEM services available, buyers can obtain tailor-made shackles matching precise technical specifications and operational demands. Proper installation, regular maintenance, and adherence to safety norms further maximize the shackles' service life and operational reliability in demanding marine conditions.
In summary, trusted UK manufacturers and suppliers offer the expertise, product quality, and customization capabilities essential to support safe and efficient mooring, anchoring, and lifting operations worldwide.
A Kenter shackle is a detachable joining shackle used to connect two chain lengths securely, mainly in marine mooring and anchoring applications. It allows for easy disassembly and maintenance of chains without permanent modification.
Kenter shackles are typically manufactured from forged alloy or carbon steel with grades like Grade 2 (U2) and Grade 3 (U3) to provide the required mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
Installation involves inserting both halves into the chain links, fitting the center chock between them, inserting a tapered pin, and sealing the pin with molten lead for secure locking as per marine standards.
No, for safety reasons, damaged or deformed shackles must never be welded or repaired by drilling; they must be replaced to maintain structural integrity.
Yes, leading UK manufacturers ensure their Kenter shackles meet certifications such as IACS W22, ISO 20438, and approvals from major classification societies like DNV and ABS.
[1](https://www.wac-corp.com/what-are-the-installation-requirements-of-a-kenter-shackle/)
[2](https://www.wac-corp.com/es/how-to-install-kenter-shackle/)
[3](https://brooksforgings.co.uk/products/shackles)
[4](https://www.toponechain.com/anchor-chain/kenter-shackle.html)
[5](https://dieselship.com/marine-technical-articles/ship-safety-and-naval-architecture/ship-anchor-complete-information/)
[6](https://www.williamhackett.co.uk/files/1742910111_540846aecf0abd3108d7.pdf)
[7](https://www.damenmc.com/kenter-type-joining-shackle/)
[8](https://www.offspringinternational.com/ocimf-chafe-chains/)
[9](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVs9oIqH0fA)
