Types of Shackles at a Glance
Bow Shackles and D Shackles: The Difference in Shape
Screw Pin and Bolt Type Shackles: The Difference in Closure
What Is a Kenter Shackle?
How to Choose Between the Types of Shackles
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Shackles
Find the Right Shackle for Your Connection
What are the main types of shackles? For general rigging, start with the body shape: a bow shackle has a wide, rounded crown, while a D shackle has a narrower profile suited to an in-line connection. Then choose how the pin is secured: a screw pin allows frequent removal, whereas a bolt type uses a nut and cotter pin for added retention. Kenter shackles serve a different purpose: joining sections of marine anchor chain.
Understanding these two choices—body shape and pin type—makes it easier to compare shackles without confusing a bow shackle with a screw pin shackle. A single product can be both.
Type | What Defines It | Common Application | Main Selection Point |
Bow shackle, also called anchor shackle | Wide, rounded body | Connections needing more room at the crown, including some multi-leg sling arrangements | Check how the connected components bear on the crown |
D shackle, also called chain or dee shackle | Narrower D-shaped body | Straight, in-line connections | Keep the load aligned with the body |
Screw pin shackle | Threaded, removable pin | Temporary connections or frequent assembly | Check that the pin is fully seated and cannot loosen in service |
Bolt type shackle | Bolt secured by a nut and cotter pin | Longer-term connections or conditions where pin movement is a concern | Confirm that all retaining parts are installed |
Kenter shackle | Detachable joining link with a center chock and locking pin | Joining marine anchor chain sections | Match the anchor chain system and its specified grade |
A bow or D shackle may be supplied with either a screw pin or a bolt type closure. The product’s markings and manufacturer instructions determine its permitted use; its shape alone does not establish its working load limit.
A bow shackle has a broad, rounded crown with more internal space than a comparable D-shaped design. This makes it useful when the connection needs room for a sling eye, master link or multiple sling legs. It is also commonly called an anchor shackle.
The wider crown does not mean every angled load is automatically acceptable. The loading direction, contact points and any required reduction in working load limit must follow the instructions for the specific shackle. For an example of this body shape, see TOPONE’s G-209 screw pin bow shackle.
A D shackle, also called a dee shackle or chain shackle, has a narrower body. It is generally selected for a single, straight line of pull where the connected parts can remain aligned with the shackle.
Avoid assuming that a compact D shape is suitable for a spreading multi-leg connection. If the rigging geometry could pull against the side of the body or rotate the pin, review the arrangement and the manufacturer’s instructions. TOPONE’s G-210 screw pin D shackle shows this shape with a removable pin.
A screw pin shackle closes with a threaded pin. It can be assembled and removed without taking apart a nut and cotter pin, making it practical for temporary rigging and connections that change frequently.
Check that the pin seats correctly before use. Consider whether movement of the connected component could turn or loosen it during the operation. Screw pins are available in both bow and D configurations.
A bolt type shackle, often called a safety bolt shackle, uses a bolt, nut and cotter pin. The additional retaining parts make it a common choice for longer-term connections and arrangements where pin rotation is a concern.
The nut and cotter pin must both be present and correctly fitted. A bolt type closure does not increase the shackle’s marked working load limit by itself. Compare the G-2130 safety bolt bow shackle with the G-2150 safety bolt D shackle to see how the same closure style is offered in two body shapes.
A Kenter shackle is a detachable joining link used to connect sections of marine anchor chain. Its two body halves fit around a center chock and are secured by a locking pin. Its assembled profile allows it to travel with the anchor chain through compatible handling equipment.
Kenter shackles belong to an anchor chain system with its own dimensional, grade and assembly requirements. Select one to match the chain and marine equipment specified for that system. See the TOPONE Kenter Shackle product page for its construction and application.
First, identify the connection geometry. A bow shackle provides a wider crown; a D shackle suits an aligned connection. Next, consider how often the connection will be opened. A screw pin is convenient for frequent changes, while a bolt type provides a retained closure for longer-term use.
Before choosing a product, check the marked working load limit, the size and fit of the connected parts, the direction of loading and the operating environment. If the load will be applied at an angle, use only the allowance and any capacity reduction stated by the manufacturer. Inspect the body, pin, threads and retaining parts before use.
Material is another choice within these types. For applications where corrosion resistance is needed, compare the available bow, D and pin configurations on the TOPONE Stainless Steel Shackle page. For the wider product range, browse the Shackle collection.
The names are commonly used for the broad, rounded shackle shape. Always check the exact product drawing and markings because naming conventions alone do not confirm its rating or permitted loading arrangement.
Yes. D describes the body shape, while bolt type describes the closure. A D shackle can be offered with a screw pin or a safety bolt, depending on the product.
Neither is the best choice for every connection. Screw pins suit frequent assembly and removal. Bolt type shackles are commonly chosen when the connection will remain in place longer or pin movement is a concern. In both cases, use the correctly rated product and follow its installation instructions.
A Kenter shackle is primarily a joining component for marine anchor chain. Select it as part of the specified anchor chain system rather than treating it as a general-purpose bow or D rigging shackle.
The simplest way to compare types of shackles is to decide on the body shape, then the pin or closure, and finally verify the rating and fit for the complete connection. Explore TOPONE’s Shackle products for bow and D options, or view the dedicated Kenter Shackle for anchor chain joining.
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What are the Differences Between Types of Shackles?
