What Is an Anchor Shackle?

May 7th 2026

Rigging Hardware Guide

Anchor shackles, also known as bow shackles, are load-rated rigging connectors used to join slings, chain, wire rope, hooks, and lifting points in lifting, towing, marine, construction, and industrial applications.

Quick answer: An anchor shackle is a rounded, bow-shaped shackle with a removable pin. Its wider body provides more internal clearance than a standard chain shackle, making it useful for multi-leg sling assemblies, wider sling eyes, and rigging setups where connection geometry may vary.

What Does an Anchor Shackle Do?

An anchor shackle creates a strong, removable connection between rigging components. In a typical lifting or load securement setup, an anchor shackle may connect a sling to a lifting lug, a chain to a hook, a wire rope assembly to a load, or a marine anchor to chain.

The rounded bow design gives anchor shackles more room than narrower D-shaped or chain shackles. This makes them especially useful when more than one connection point must fit into the bow, such as with multi-leg sling assemblies. However, the shackle must still be selected and used according to its Working Load Limit, manufacturer guidance, and the actual direction of loading.

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Anchor Shackle Anatomy

Most anchor shackles include three main parts:

1. Bow or Body

The rounded body provides the main load-bearing structure and creates clearance for slings, hooks, chain, or multiple connection points.

2. Ears

The ears are the two ends of the shackle body where the pin passes through to close the connection.

3. Pin

The pin secures the connection. Depending on the shackle type, the pin may be a screw pin, bolt type pin with nut and cotter pin, or another approved design.

Common Types of Anchor Shackles

Choosing the right shackle starts with the application. The most common options are screw pin anchor shackles, bolt type anchor shackles, and stainless steel anchor shackles.

Screw Pin Anchor Shackles

Screw pin anchor shackles are a popular choice for temporary connections, pick-and-place lifts, and jobs where the rigging setup changes frequently. They are easy to install and remove, making them a practical option for many lifting, towing, and rigging tasks.

Best for: temporary rigging, frequent assembly and disassembly, general lifting, towing, and field use.

Featured Category: Crosby G-209 Screw Pin Anchor Shackles

Crosby G-209 shackles are a go-to option for everyday rigging applications where strength, clear WLL markings, and trusted brand recognition matter.

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Featured Category: Van Beest Green Pin G-4161 Screw Pin Shackles

Van Beest Green Pin G-4161 screw pin anchor shackles are a strong choice for customers looking for quality bow shackles with a broad size and capacity range.

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Bolt Type Anchor Shackles

Bolt type anchor shackles use a bolt, nut, and cotter pin for a more secure connection. They are often preferred for long-term, semi-permanent, critical, or vibration-prone applications where a screw pin could loosen if not properly managed.

Best for: long-term installations, critical lifts, vibration-prone environments, and applications where added pin security is important.

Featured Category: Skookum 320 Bolt Type Anchor Shackles

Skookum 320 bolt type anchor shackles are built for demanding lifting and rigging applications, with size and WLL markings and a bolt type design suited for semi-permanent and vibration-prone installations.

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Stainless Steel Anchor Shackles

Stainless steel anchor shackles are commonly selected for marine, outdoor, washdown, and corrosive environments. They are useful where corrosion resistance is a major factor, especially around saltwater or harsh weather exposure.

Best for: marine environments, outdoor use, corrosion resistance, water exposure, and industrial applications where long-term durability is important.

Featured Category: Suncor 316 Stainless Screw Pin Anchor Shackles

Suncor 316 stainless screw pin anchor shackles are designed for strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance in saltwater, marine, offshore, and industrial environments.

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Featured Category: Suncor 316 Stainless Bolt Type Anchor Shackles

For marine or industrial applications where corrosion resistance and a more secure bolt type connection are both important, Suncor stainless bolt type anchor shackles are a strong option.

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Anchor Shackle vs. Chain Shackle

Anchor shackles and chain shackles are both used to make secure rigging connections, but their shapes serve different purposes.

Anchor Shackle

An anchor shackle has a larger, rounded bow. This gives it more internal clearance and makes it better suited for wider sling eyes, multiple connection points, and multi-leg sling assemblies.

Chain Shackle

A chain shackle, often called a D shackle, has a narrower profile. It is commonly used for straight-line connections where the load is more directly in line with the shackle body.

Important: A wider bow does not mean an anchor shackle can be side loaded without reduced capacity. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, shackle markings, and lift plan before use.

How to Choose the Right Anchor Shackle

The right anchor shackle depends on the load, environment, frequency of use, and connection points in the rigging assembly. Before choosing a shackle, consider the following factors.

Working Load Limit

Select a shackle with a Working Load Limit that meets or exceeds the requirements of the lift plan. Never exceed the rated capacity marked on the shackle.

Pin Type

Use screw pin shackles for temporary or frequently changed connections. Use bolt type shackles for long-term, critical, or vibration-prone applications.

Material and Finish

Carbon steel and alloy steel shackles are common for lifting and industrial rigging. Stainless steel or galvanized options may be preferred for outdoor, marine, or corrosive environments.

Fit and Compatibility

Confirm the shackle fits the sling eye, lifting point, hook, chain, or wire rope hardware without crowding, binding, or forcing the connection.

Application Environment

Consider whether the shackle will be used indoors, outdoors, around saltwater, in high-wear conditions, or in a setup with vibration or frequent movement.

Common Anchor Shackle Applications

Anchor shackles are used across many industries because they provide a strong and removable connection point. Common uses include:

Connecting lifting slings to loads or lifting points
Joining chain, wire rope, and synthetic sling assemblies
Multi-leg sling rigging where additional bow clearance is needed
Marine and offshore rigging applications
Construction and industrial maintenance work
Transportation, towing, and load securement applications where rated hardware is required

Safety Reminder

Anchor shackles are only safe when they are properly selected, inspected, and used within rated capacity. Always verify the shackle’s markings, pin condition, WLL, and compatibility with the rigging assembly before use.

Anchor Shackle Safety Considerations

Before using any shackle, inspect it carefully and confirm it is suitable for the application. Remove the shackle from service if there are signs of damage, deformation, excessive wear, missing markings, thread damage, or a pin that does not seat correctly.

Verify the Working Load Limit before use.
Make sure the pin is fully engaged and properly seated.
Do not substitute unrated hardware for a load-rated shackle.
Avoid shock loading and unapproved side loading.
Match the shackle type and size to the sling, hook, chain, or lifting point.
Follow OSHA, ASME, manufacturer, and jobsite requirements.

Which Anchor Shackle Should You Buy?

For most general rigging applications, a screw pin anchor shackle is a practical starting point because it is easy to install, remove, and reuse. For more demanding, long-term, or vibration-prone applications, a bolt type anchor shackle is often the better choice. For marine, saltwater, or corrosive environments, stainless steel should be strongly considered.

Quick Selection Guide

Need fast setup and removal?

Choose a screw pin anchor shackle.

Need a secure connection for longer-term use?

Choose a bolt type anchor shackle.

Working near saltwater or corrosion?

Choose a stainless steel anchor shackle.

Need help comparing shackle types?

Review Lifting.com’s guide to the most common shackles used in rigging.

Related Buying Guide: Which Shackle Is Most Commonly Used in Rigging?

Compare common shackle options and learn how Working Load Limit, shackle design, material, and application affect your selection.

Read the Shackle Selection Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Anchor Shackles

What is an anchor shackle?

An anchor shackle is a rounded, bow-shaped rigging connector with a removable pin. It is used to connect lifting slings, chain, wire rope, hooks, and lifting points.

Is an anchor shackle the same as a bow shackle?

Yes. The terms anchor shackle and bow shackle are often used to describe the same rounded shackle shape. The bow provides more internal clearance than a narrower chain shackle.

When should I use a screw pin anchor shackle?

Use a screw pin anchor shackle for temporary connections, frequent rigging changes, and applications where quick installation and removal are important.

When should I use a bolt type anchor shackle?

Use a bolt type anchor shackle for long-term, semi-permanent, critical, or vibration-prone applications where a nut and cotter pin provide added connection security.

What material is best for an anchor shackle?

The best material depends on the environment and application. Carbon steel and alloy steel are common for lifting and industrial rigging, while stainless steel is often used where corrosion resistance is important.

Can anchor shackles be side loaded?

Anchor shackles may be better suited to some multi-directional rigging setups than narrow chain shackles, but side loading can reduce capacity. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance and the approved lift plan.

Find the Right Anchor Shackle for Your Job

Whether you need a screw pin shackle for fast rigging changes, a bolt type shackle for a more secure long-term connection, or stainless steel hardware for marine environments, Lifting.com carries trusted shackle options for demanding lifting and rigging work.

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