Bolt Type Safety Shackles
In the hierarchy of rigging hardware, the Bolt Type Shackle (often called a Safety Shackle) is the standard for critical, long-term, and dynamic lifting operations. Unlike standard screw-pin shackles which can back out under torque, Bolt Type shackles feature a robust triple-lock security system: a non-rotating bolt, a load-bearing nut, and a stainless steel cotter pin. This design ensures the pin remains secure even during rotation, vibration, or shock loading.
Bolt Type Safety Shackles
Holloway Houston stocks one of the largest inventories of Bolt Type Shackles in the USA, featuring premium forged alloy options from the world's most trusted manufacturers: Crosby, Green Pin, and Yoke. From compact 3/16" utility shackles to massive 400-ton wide-body lifting shackles, we have the certified hardware to secure your lift.
The Bolt Type Advantage
Why choose Bolt Type over Screw Pin?
- Rotation & Vibration : If a load rotates or vibrates (e.g., a headache ball on a crane or a tow line), it can create friction that unscrews a standard pin. The Bolt Type's cotter pin acts as a fail-safe, making it impossible for the nut to back off unintentionally.
- Permanent Installation : These shackles are the required standard for permanent or semi-permanent installations, such as offshore mooring, suspension bridges, and tie-down lashings.
- Side Loading : While all anchor shackles can be side-loaded, the secure nature of the bolt pin adds an extra layer of safety when lifting at angles.
Brand Spotlight
Crosby (The Red Pin®)
The domestic standard for rigging.
- G-2130 : Carbon Steel Anchor Shackles. The industry workhorse for general construction.
- G-2140 : Alloy Steel Anchor Shackles. Higher strength-to-weight ratio; same capacity as carbon but in a smaller physical size.
- G-2160 "Wide Body" : Features an extra-wide bow radius to increase the D/d ratio, preventing kinks when using high-capacity wire rope or synthetic slings.
Green Pin® (Van Beest)
Dutch-manufactured excellence.
- G-4163 : The classic Green Pin Heavy Duty shackle. Known for extreme durability and hot-dip galvanization that survives harsh marine environments.
- G-5263 : Super Heavy Duty models for project cargo and subsea lifts.
Yoke
High-performance forged alloy shackles offering exceptional value and strength, featuring the distinctive yellow pin.
Configuration Types
- Anchor Bow : The "O" shape allows for multi-leg slings and side-loading. This is the most versatile shape.
- Dee (Chain) Style : The "U" shape is designed for straight-line pulls and connecting directly to chain or beam clamps.
- Sling Saver (Crosby S-252) : A specialized wide-body shackle designed specifically for synthetic round slings and web slings. The wide surface area prevents the shackle from cutting into the soft sling fibers.
Technical Specifications
- Design Factor : Generally 6:1 (Minimum Breaking Strength is 6 times the WLL). Note: Wide Body shackles are typically 5:1.
- Material : Forged Carbon or Alloy Steel with Alloy Pins.
- Temperature : Rated for extreme environments (typically -40°F to 400°F).
- Markings : All shackles are permanently embossed with the Brand, WLL, Size, and Trace Code for full material traceability.
Safety & Inspection
- Cotter Pin : Never replace the original cotter pin with a nail, wire, or welding rod. Always use the manufacturer-supplied stainless steel cotter pin.
- Side Loading : When side-loading, the WLL must be reduced according to the manufacturer's reduction chart (e.g., a 45° angle typically reduces capacity to 70%).
- Fit : Ensure the shackle pin is free to rotate. If the shackles are packed too tightly with slings, it can create torque on the nut.
Where Bolt Type Shackles Typically Fit
Commonly selected for permanent rigging connections, turnaround and shutdown work, offshore platforms with sustained vibration, and any setup where the shackle stays in place for extended service. Screw pin shackles are the alternative for temporary rigging where the connection is made and broken across a shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bolt type shackle in the same body size and grade carries the same WLL as the equivalent screw pin model, the capacity is identical. The difference is pin retention under service conditions. Manufacturer documentation identifies the bolt-type equivalent for each screw-pin model.
Browse our inventory below to filter by Brand, Style (Anchor/Dee), and Working Load Limit.
