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Views: 222 Author: Loretta Publish Time: 2025-07-03 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● What Are Shackles and Why Are They Important?
● Leading Shackle Manufacturers and Suppliers in America
>> 1. Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CM)
>> 3. Tri-State Rigging Equipment
>> 4. Lexco Cable Manufacturing
>> 5. American Crane & Equipment Corp.
● Manufacturing Process of Shackles
● Types of Shackles Offered by American Manufacturers
● Applications of Shackles in Various Industries
● Innovations and Trends in Shackle Manufacturing
>> Smart Shackles and Load Monitoring
>> Environmentally Friendly Coatings
>> Customization and OEM Services
● Selecting the Right Shackle Manufacturer and Supplier
● Maintenance and Safety Tips for Shackles
● FAQ
>> 1. What are the main types of shackles used in rigging?
>> 2. How do American manufacturers ensure the quality of their shackles?
>> 3. Can shackles be customized for specific applications?
>> 4. What industries commonly use shackles?
>> 5. What maintenance is required to keep shackles safe for use?
In the world of marine, construction, and industrial rigging, shackles play a crucial role as essential connectors that secure loads and equipment safely. For businesses and professionals requiring reliable rigging hardware, sourcing from reputable shackle manufacturers and suppliers is vital. This article explores the leading American manufacturers and suppliers of shackles, highlighting their expertise, product offerings, manufacturing processes, and industry applications. Whether you are in marine, construction, or heavy lifting, understanding the top players in the market will help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Shackles are U-shaped metal connectors with a pin or bolt across the opening, used to connect lifting slings, chains, ropes, and other rigging hardware to loads. They are engineered to handle high tensile and shear forces, ensuring secure and safe lifting or load securing operations. Common types include:
- Anchor (Bow) Shackles: Rounded shape, suitable for multi-directional loads and angular lifting.
- Chain (D) Shackles: Narrower, optimized for straight-line pulls.
Pins come in various types such as screw pins, bolt-type (safety) pins, and round pins, each serving different applications from temporary to permanent connections.
Overview: Founded in 1875 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Columbus McKinnon is a top-tier manufacturer of intelligent motion products, including a comprehensive range of shackles designed for heavy-duty rigging and lifting applications.
Products: CM offers anchor shackles, chain shackles, long reach shackles, and bolt-type safety shackles with working load limits ranging from 2 to 120 tons. Their shackles are made from high-strength micro-alloy steel and come with powder-coated, galvanized, or self-colored finishes.
Manufacturing: CM shackles are manufactured in Chattanooga, Tennessee, adhering to rigorous quality standards and certifications such as ASME B30.26. Their products emphasize strength, reliability, and safety, with design factors often exceeding 5:1.
Applications: Widely used in automotive, construction, mining, petroleum, chemical, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and marine industries.
Overview: Established in 2008 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Suncor Stainless specializes in stainless steel hardware for marine, architectural, and OEM markets.
Products: Suncor manufactures corrosion-resistant bolt and round pin chain shackles in sizes ranging from 1/4 to 1 inch, suitable for industrial and marine environments.
Capabilities: Custom machine manufacturing and retail packaging services are available, allowing tailored solutions for clients requiring specialized shackles.
Overview: Based in St. Louis, Missouri, and founded in 1959, Tri-State Rigging Equipment provides custom lifting slings, rigging equipment, and shackles for industrial and transportation sectors.
Products: Their offerings include anchor shackles, chain shackles, and load securement devices designed for construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
Services: They offer servicing, repairs, and master parts distribution for overhead cranes and fall protection equipment.
Overview: Lexco Cable Manufacturing produces anchor and chain shackles from stainless steel and alloy steel, offering hot dip galvanized, painted, and powder-coated finishes.
Products: Available with screw or round pins and safety bolt fasteners, their shackles serve towing, hoisting, and load-bearing applications across transportation, mining, railroad, construction, and marine industries.
Overview: Since 1972, American Crane & Equipment Corp. has distributed polished stainless steel screw pin anchor and chain shackles serving aerospace, automotive, chemical, marine, and construction sectors.
Standards: Their shackles meet AWS and ASME standards, ensuring compliance with industry safety and quality requirements.
Understanding the manufacturing process of shackles provides insight into the quality and durability of products offered by top manufacturers.
- Cutting: Steel rods are cut to length using cold cutting shears.
- Heating and Forging: Steel pieces are heated and forged into shape using roll forging and die forging to create the desired grain structure and mechanical properties.
- Punching and Bending: The shackle's body is bent and punched to form the U-shape.
- Drilling and Thread Rolling: Pin holes are precisely drilled and threaded.
- Heat Treatment: Quenching and tempering improve toughness, ductility, and fatigue resistance.
- Surface Finishing: Shot blasting and surface treatments such as galvanizing or powder coating protect against corrosion.
- Inspection and Testing: Rigorous quality control including proof load testing and magnetic particle inspection ensures safety and compliance.
A detailed video demonstration of the forging and finishing process shows how raw steel transforms into a high-strength shackle ready for demanding applications.
| Shackle Type | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor (Bow) Shackle | Rounded bow, multi-directional load capability | Lifting with angular loads, multi-leg slings |
| Chain (D) Shackle | Narrow, optimized for straight pulls | Straight-line lifts, chain connections |
| Screw Pin Shackle | Easy to remove and install, for temporary use | Quick rigging, temporary lifts |
| Bolt-Type Shackle | Bolt, nut, and cotter pin for secure fastening | Permanent or vibration-prone installations |
| Long Reach Shackle | Extended throat for hard-to-reach points | Specialized rigging applications |
- Marine and Offshore: Used in mooring lines, anchor chains, and rigging systems for vessels and platforms.
- Construction and Civil Engineering: Essential for lifting beams, concrete elements, and heavy equipment.
- Transport and Logistics: Secure cargo, assist in load handling, and recovery operations.
- Manufacturing and Industrial: Connect lifting slings, hoists, and rigging hardware for material handling.
- Aerospace and Defense: Specialized shackles for high-strength, safety-critical lifting tasks.
As industries evolve, so do the demands on rigging hardware. Leading manufacturers in America are embracing innovations to improve the performance, safety, and sustainability of shackles.
Manufacturers are increasingly using high-strength alloy steels and stainless steel grades that offer superior corrosion resistance and fatigue life. These materials enable shackles to perform reliably in harsh environments such as offshore oil rigs or chemical plants.
The integration of smart technology into shackles is an emerging trend. Some manufacturers are developing shackles equipped with load sensors and wireless communication capabilities. These smart shackles provide real-time data on load weight, angle, and stress, enhancing safety by preventing overload conditions and enabling predictive maintenance.
To reduce environmental impact, companies are adopting eco-friendly surface treatments and coatings. Powder coatings with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and advanced galvanizing processes contribute to longer service life while minimizing ecological footprint.
With diverse industry needs, customization remains a priority. American manufacturers offer tailored shackle solutions in terms of size, load capacity, pin type, and finish. OEM partnerships allow brand owners and equipment manufacturers to integrate shackles seamlessly into their product lines.
Choosing the best shackle manufacturers and suppliers requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Certification and Compliance: Ensure the manufacturer complies with recognized standards such as ASME B30.26, ASTM, and ISO.
- Product Range: A wide selection of shackle types and sizes allows flexibility for various applications.
- Material Quality: High-grade steel and corrosion-resistant finishes extend product life and safety.
- Customization Capabilities: Ability to provide OEM services and custom solutions tailored to specific needs.
- Technical Support: Access to engineering assistance, product training, and after-sales service enhances overall value.
- Lead Time and Supply Chain Reliability: Timely delivery and consistent availability are critical for project success.
Proper maintenance and inspection of shackles are essential to ensure ongoing safety and performance:
- Regular Inspection: Check for signs of wear, deformation, cracks, corrosion, and pin damage.
- Load Limits: Never exceed the working load limit (WLL) specified by the manufacturer.
- Pin Security: Ensure pins are fully engaged and secured, especially for bolt-type shackles.
- Lubrication: Apply appropriate lubrication to pins and threads to prevent seizing.
- Storage: Store shackles in dry, clean environments to minimize corrosion.
- Replacement: Remove any shackles from service that show signs of damage or fail inspection criteria.
Following these practices helps prevent accidents and prolongs the service life of shackles.
Selecting the right shackle manufacturers and suppliers in America is critical for ensuring safe and efficient lifting and rigging operations. Leading companies like Columbus McKinnon, Suncor Stainless, and Tri-State Rigging Equipment combine decades of experience with advanced manufacturing technologies to deliver high-quality shackles that meet stringent industry standards. Whether for marine, construction, or industrial applications, these manufacturers provide a broad range of products designed to withstand harsh environments and demanding loads. Investing in certified, durable shackles from trusted American suppliers not only enhances operational safety but also contributes to the longevity and reliability of your rigging systems.
The two primary types are anchor (bow) shackles, which have a rounded shape for multi-directional loads, and chain (D) shackles, which are narrower and optimized for straight-line pulls. Pin types include screw pins for temporary use and bolt-type pins for permanent installations.
Manufacturers follow strict standards such as ASME B30.26, conduct heat treatment processes like quenching and tempering, perform rigorous inspections including proof load and magnetic particle testing, and apply corrosion-resistant surface finishes.
Yes, many American manufacturers provide OEM services to produce shackles tailored in size, material, load rating, and finish to meet unique operational requirements.
Shackles are widely used in marine, construction, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace, and defense industries for lifting, securing, and rigging applications.
Regular inspection for wear, deformation, corrosion, and damage is essential. Pins should be checked for secure fitting, and shackles should be replaced if any defects are found to maintain safety.
