Anchor Shackle

[bridma]

I get the impression that most of us who use a shackle (excluding swivel shackles) to join the chain to the anchor, use a bow shackle, including myself. Why do we do this? What is the difference between a bow shackle and a straight shackle?

Martin.

 

[dabfd]

Hi Martin,
It's my understanding that bow shackles are better suited when
Pulling loads are multiple directional. Still the load strengths are
decreased as the load moves from a straight pull to a side pull.

Straight shackles are designed for straight pulling. When we retrieve
our anchors or while we are anchored in heavy changing wind directions
the angle of the chain to anchor is constantly changing.

 

[journey on]

Well, I'm used to shackles for connecting halyards to sails and shackles to connect anchors to chain and anchor line. There are tack shackles, stamped shackles, snap shackles, headboard shackles, etc.

So what's the difference? As far as I can see, each is designed to take the load for its designed use. And if you're using a shackle to connect parts of an anchor rode together, as mentioned above the anchor chain and rope will not always be in a straight line. So the bow/anchor shackle has a bow in it to allow misalignment.

You can get anchor/bow in either stainless or galvanized. but the galvanized will have a painted steel pin.

Was that the question?

Boris