Bow Shackles

[Apache]

Just bought some new 4.5 ton ones.

Whats the significance of the blue pin? (The ad said something about load testing)

[Gizmo]

Just bought some new 4.5 ton ones.

Whats the significance of the blue pin? (The ad said something about load testing)

each shackle is tested to its load strain, the colours of the pins allow for quick identification

http://www.ropeservicesdirectltd.co.uk/htshackles.html : doesn't state colours

[Apache]

Ah OK, so blue signifies that it's actually been tested to 4.5 tons, but an unpainted pin on a 4.5 ton one means it's been designed to work at 4.5 tons but hasn't been tested?

[graham78]

normally all equipment that is used for lifting is tested to a safe working load whilst equipment that is used for recovery purposes are tested to a different tolerance.... they normally have the swl or "for recovery use only" stamped on...