Further information/advice regarding D-Shackles

rockylizard · Guru

Further information/advice regarding D-Shackles

LLD · Guru

Almost on topic.

I've seen some vehicles with HUGE yellow carabiners dangling i.l.o D-Shackles. Looked up what is required but cannot determine what I require. Even waited for a driver to return recently but I think he/she was off Xmas shopping. Looking for a quick release as I have limited movement in my wrists, fingers, and knees (from a mis-spent youth) and the D-Shackle is becoming a little arduous.

LLD · Guru

I think what I'm actually after is called a "Clevis Sling Hook with Latch". Is anyone using such an item?

Greg 1 · Guru

I believe that any of the quick release style of links are not considered acceptable for towing. Caribiners are definitely a no no.

Desert Dweller · Guru

Pretty simple really, went up the road to this place & bought some genuine load rated D-shackles.

https://www.peninsulatruckparts.com.au/

Easy as taking wheat off blind chooks. biggrin biggrin

Yuglamron · Guru

This is very much a Tongue in Cheek reply.

These "Soft Shackles" are easy to use and undo without tools. This particular version has a huge breaking strain at 9.5 T

Way bigger load rating than a D Shackle. of 1/2 inch steel at 2.5 T

I wonder what the Industry would say about using them. Especially after reading the attachment from Rocky Lizard, which states that they are very rarely needed and are just a safeguard.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-8mm-80mm-Quick-Release-Soft-Shackle-for-Offroad-Parts-Synthetic-Rope-with-/281854429084

LLD · Guru

Soft Shackles - Quick release probably because they break away quickly

PeterD · Guru

LLD wrote:
I've seen some vehicles with HUGE yellow carabiners dangling i.l.o D-Shackles.

What you may have been looking at was a - Hammer Lock - They are often locked on to the tow bars when the chains are too short. They also extend the chain hooking points out where you can easily reach them.

LLD · Guru

PeterD. I think it was something more like this.

Screen Shot 2018-12-14 at 9.14.54 am.png

yobarr · Guru

LLD wrote:
PeterD. I think it was something more like this.

Thats exactly what I have.Quick,easy,and no need to worry about shackle-pins getting lost or borrowed? Cheers.

Yuglamron · Guru

One alternative is to get a Long handled Tee Key and Cut a slot to fit the pin on the D Shackle.

Personally I would be as wary as hell to use those clevis hooks. The pin to attach to either your towbar or chain does not give you the articulation you need for the application, and the clip is as weak as. That's why you can buy the replacement clips by the bag full.

I use a Chain link connector semi permanent.( Also Known as a Hammer Lock)

I have mine permanently attached to the Tow Hitch and just use D shackles.

However there is nothing to stop you having the chain connected at the towbar with the Hammer Locks and the chain itself connected from the tug end.Then you can cut the chain off the trailer and only leave one link to use your D Shackles. Much easier to connect up. I also have a Shackle Key on my keyring to make it easier to open and tighten the pins. They can be bought at BCF and other boating stores.

I did have difficulty attaching the Hammer Locks to the towbar. You need to hammer the pin in with quite a bit of force. I got around that by using a G Clamp and using that to push the pin into place.

wichard-shackle-key-bottle-opener__74606.1469512356.1280.1280.png

-- Edited by Yuglamron on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:19:59 PM

-- Edited by Yuglamron on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:49:24 PM

Jaahn · Guru

Hi smile

I do not think I would trust that hook stayin on, 100% rattling around on the towbar. The strength is OK but the spring loaded flap is not reliable enough for me. I have seen so many of them bent and un-usable in my working life.

Sailing boat people carry around a shackle tool or a universal tool with a shackle 'key' on it for helping to undo shackles. Look at boat shops for assistance with your hands, perhaps. aww

Jaahn

PS I see Yuglamron has also put a picture of one type.

-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:29:24 PM

yobarr · Guru

Jaahn wrote:
Hi
I do not think I would trust that hook stayin on, 100% rattling around on the towbar. The strength is OK but the spring loaded flap is not reliable enough for me. I have seen so many of them bent and un-usable in my working life.
Sailing boat people carry around a shackle tool or a universal tool with a shackle 'key' on it for helping to undo shackles. Look at boat shops for assistance with your hands, perhaps.
Jaahn
PS I see Yuglamron has also WAYput a picture of one type.

-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 14th of December 2018 12:29:24 PM

There is NO WAY known that the spring loaded flap could get bent in this situation.The hooks simply hang off the connection point,with the only force on them being their own weight,and the weight of the safety chain. Talk about making a simple process difficult.For towing other trailers,I also have shackles attached to the car with hammerlocks,and the shackle pins in my toolbox,but the clevis hooks I use are SO simple to connect,will NEVER become disconnected,and there is absolutely NO chance of anybody helping themselves to my shackle pins.Also,I do not have to carry any special tool to unhook my chains.....I cant see the point in making a 5 second job last 5 minutes? Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Friday 14th of December 2018 05:18:16 PM

aussie_paul · Guru

yobarr wrote

There is NO WAY known that the spring loaded flap could get bent in this situation.The hooks simply hang off the connection point,with the only force on them being their own weight,and the weight of the safety chain. Talk about making a simple process difficult.For towing other trailers,I also have shackles attached to the car with hammerlocks,and the shackle pins in my toolbox,but the clevis hooks I use are SO simple to connect,will NEVER become disconnected,and there is absolutely NO chance of anybody helping themselves to my shackle pins.Also,I do not have to carry any special tool to unhook my chains.....I cant see the point in making a 5 second job last 5 minutes? Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Friday 14th of December 2018 05:18:16 PM

Strange how sometimes people just seem to go looking for complications. hmm I just love KISS, not the band. biggrin

Aussie Paul. smile

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Friday 14th of December 2018 05:26:23 PM

Possum3 · Guru

I carry a small six inch shifter in pocket of rear in Patrol specifically for tightening/loosening D Shackles, I think it cost $2.00 in Silly Solly's . AP is correct KISS.

Any equipment designed specifically for lifting is normally not compliant for trailer chain attachment.

yobarr · Guru

Possum3 wrote:

Any equipment designed specifically for lifting is normally not compliant for trailer chain attachment.

The Nobles site says that trailer safety chains are NOT suitable for lifting......

rockylizard · Guru

yobarr wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
Any equipment designed specifically for lifting is normally not compliant for trailer chain attachment.
The Nobles site says that trailer safety chains are NOT suitable for lifting......

Gday...

I think Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan is referring to D-Shackles that might be designed for lifting rather than that caravan safety chains are designed/suitable for lifting.

confuse

cheers - John

Possum3 · Guru

Yep thanks John; Bow shackles, sling hooks, Safety hooks, Snap hooks, Carabiners, etc. Non compliant to regs for trailer attachment.
No unrated and untested chain is suitable for lifting WorkSafe Regs.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

One of my my tow cars has a U with bolt through chain . No need for any shackle etc .. The encapsulated hook is fine . Mainly used on heavier vehicles .