Stainless Steel Twist Shackle

A twist shackle has its pin set at 90 degrees to the bow, so hardware connected through it turns a quarter turn. In tree work that helps blocks, slings and eyes line up the way the load wants to run instead of twisting.

Why twist the connection

Some hardware connects at the wrong angle. A block hanging from a sling may want to face sideways, or a hook may twist a rope eye. A twist shackle turns the connection a quarter turn so everything lies flat and loads straight.

Stainless steel holds up well in the truck, in wet weather and around bar oil.

Twist shackles are a small piece of hardware, but they solve a real problem. When an eye or hook is loaded at the wrong angle, it twists the rope or sling under load, which adds wear and can make a setup behave unpredictably as the piece comes off the tree.

Use within its rating

Only use a shackle with a clearly marked working load, and size it to the job. Rigging loads in tree work can be many times the weight of the piece being lowered, so leave a big margin. Do not use general hardware in a life-support climbing system.

Inspect the pin threads and bow for wear or bending before use. For rigging connectors, also see our hardware range.

Screw the pin fully home every time, and mouse or secure it if the setup could shake it loose. Replace any shackle with a bent bow, stretched pin or damaged threads, and keep stainless and galvanized hardware separate so you always know what is rated for what.