Tow Chains & Snap Hooks

**Dougal** · 19th October 2013, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by CraigE

I will get into this, are you sure they are cheap snap hooks? If so then yes they are dense however I use steel Karabiners that are more than capable and have a better load rating than most D shackles used in this application. Most D shackles used on trailers are rated from 500kg to 1000kg max, thats if they are even rated shackles, most shackles I have seen on trailers are not even rated. Karabiners are rated from 3 tonne to 5 tonne and already have inbuilt safety margins already.

Given the cost difference between even rated shackles and carabiners. Why would you?

On this side of the Tasman over 2.5T you need to run two safety chains crossed. Safety chains must be bolted to the trailer (never welded). Under 2.5T one safety chain is allowed.

**FeatherWeightDriver** · 19th October 2013, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Thommo

Feather Weight Driver, agreed and at 8 Euros (about $12) each I do not think these animals will be sitting in the bargin teasers at the hardware checkouts. I agree without an effective gate lock they would not be the most suitable but certainly better than the cheapos.

They are somewhat exotic, and yes as like other PPE you won't find them in a hardware store bargain bin.

Having said that you are right - I bet 99.99% of the shackles / snaps that look cheap are cheap and probably not worthy to hold more than a couple hundred kgs at best

**Tank** · 19th October 2013, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by Thommo

Feather Weight Driver, agreed and at 8 Euros (about $12) each I do not think these animals will be sitting in the bargin teasers at the hardware checkouts. I agree without an effective gate lock they would not be the most suitable but certainly better than the cheapos.

Mick88, I think for certain weight ratings/pull angles and appliations & uses you may be correct. I certainly use bow shackles for recovery work. I just know someone here will be able to give us the good oil on "bow" v "D" shackles.

Thanks team for your replies at least I am not the only one who has noticed all the cheapo snap hooks out there on trailer chains. I feel better for my rant now

"D" shackles are designed to take one sling eye (or 2 very skinny eyes of wire rope) in the body of the shackle, "Bow" shackles are designed to take multiple sling/strap eyes in the body of the shackle, no difference in strength between same dia. pins and body, Regards Frank.

**CraigE** · 21st October 2013, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by Thommo

I would be happy if people were using real carabiners, I would even use some of my abseiling carabiners if push came to a shove but I would never use them again for rope work, "D-shackles" would be much cheaper.

No I have never seen anyone use carabiners just cheapo snap hooks!
Unfortunately some snap hooks are advertised as "carabiners".

Yeah you are right shackles are cheaper but we retire karabiners regularly so I get plenty of spares to use for this type of thin and in the shed, tie downs etc, but would never use them for rescue work or recreational abseiling again.
In my experience most of the trailer on the road have non rated D shackles.

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