Crane Rigging Tips: How to Choose the Right Shackle Pins

Safe rigging isn't just a question of choosing the right type of shackle for each load. You also need to use the right type of pin to secure the load. These pins lock a shackle closed so it can hold its load safely and securely.

Read on to learn more about common types of shackle pins and how they work.

Screw Pins

A screw pin has a shoulder on one end and threads on the other. You insert the threaded end of the pin through the hole on one side of a shackle and push it into the hole on the opposite side.

Once the pin is in position, you screw it into its hole to secure it into place. The shoulder on the other end of the pin should sit firmly against its side of the shackle.

Screw pins are easy and fast to use. However, they aren't necessarily a good permanent solution. They can unscrew and come loose if they have to deal with a lot of movement and vibration. You will need to tighten this kind of pin on each load to make sure that it is still safely in position.

Round Pins

Round shackle pins aren't threaded. You secure them with a special pin, known as a cotter.

Round pins have a small stopper at one end; the other end has a hole drilled down through it. To fix the pin, you insert the end with the hole through the shackle's holes. When the pin is in position, you push the cotter pin down through the hole to lock the pin in place.

Round pins work well if a load will twist or turn. The cotter pin holds the pin in position and keeps the shackle locked. However, these pins aren't usually suitable for some overhead lifts or side-loaded jobs.

Bolt Pins

Shackle bolt pins use a nut and bolt system. You also usually use a cotter pin on these fasteners for extra security.

These pins often have a fixed nut at one end and a removable one at the other. When you put the pin through the shackle's holes, you attach the removable nut to secure the pin. The end of the pin also has a hole running through it for its cotter pin.

These pins have extra fastening security because they are secured by a nut and a cotter pin. They will hold firm even if they have to deal with a lot of movement or rotation. You also typically don't need to retighten these pins after each load as they are less likely to come loose.

To find out more about shackle pins and to source suitable products, contact crane rigging equipment suppliers.