Choosing the right equipment for the job is the first order of business when you are lifting heavy items. If you check manufacturer recommendations carefully you are heading in the right direction but you also need to use common sense to make the best choice of lifting slings and shackles.

There is an order to everything and before you purchase shackles you need to know the type of lifting sling you will be using. But before you purchase a lifting sling, you need to know the item you’ll be moving and what it weighs, among other things.

Lifting slings are used for a variety of applications. They can be used to lift loads using a crane – even loads as heavy as a boat or ship. They can also be used to pull a 4 x 4 out of the mud or a car out of the ditch. These straps are usually made of nylon, polyester, wire rope or chain. Nylon is the all purpose choice with slightly more stretch than polyester. Wire rope and chain are for the really tough jobs and chains are unmatched in strength. Each type of sling will be rated as to capacity and weight load and you should check to make sure your choice is strong enough to do the job you need it to do.

Once you decide on a sling, you will want to choose the appropriate shackle to connect it to the crane, lift, etc. Your choice will depend on the type of pull you will be doing. Chain shackles are best for straight pulling. An anchor type is best for multi-dimensional pulls. Both the chain and anchor types may be available in a variety of materials including galvanized or stainless steel. Stainless steel is better for marine applications. You also need to consider the type of close with options ranging from screw pins to round pins to bolts. Screw pins are easiest to connect and disconnect.

One important note that requires common sense is that the weight rating capacity of the sling and shackles you purchase is based on it being new. Once you put these items into service you need to check them carefully each time you use them because they can be adversely effected by sunlight, abrasion and the daily work of heavy lifting. Replace them as soon as you see signs of wear.