Many shackles come with a weight limit rating stamped on them. What should you do if you have one in service that does not? Is it OK to use?

One marine application for shackles is to use them to attach the anchor to the rope or chain that connects to the boat or ship. It is important to use the highest grade connector possible because of the need for quality and reliability. Compared to most items you purchase for your boat, this piece is relatively inexpensive. However, boat owners are still sometimes tempted either to sacrifice on quality or to buy what is available at their local marina. If you pick up just any connector and happen upon one that is not rated, is that a problem? It could be.

Most shackles that you purchase come with a rating stamped on them. This shows you that they have been tested and proofed to be safe for use up to certain limits. Of course, you should purchase the one that is right for your use based on that number. The important thing to remember is that your gear is only as good as the weakest link. If your chain is rated at a certain level but your connector is less than that, then you might as well have bought the weaker chain. The entire rigging has to be based on the lesser rating of your connector because the assembly could break at its weakest point.

If you are employing unrated shackles, it will cheaper in the long run for you to throw it out and purchase a connector that you know is sufficient for the job. It is possible to have an unrated piece tested but because parts such as these are not high dollar, it is better to just purchase a new one and be safe than sorry, especially if you are running a commercial boat. The risk is not worth it.