Thread: Australian Standards, Synthetic Ropes & accessories.

It's simply an option for a lighter version of a shackle (instead of steel). They can be opened to be put through a recovery point (if rounded enough) or tree protector etc. I've made a few 1m loops for testing purposes and all of them weigh probably as much as one pin.

Originally Posted by clubagreenie

It's simply an option for a lighter version of a shackle (instead of steel). They can be opened to be put through a recovery point (if rounded enough) or tree protector etc. I've made a few 1m loops for testing purposes and all of them weigh probably as much as one pin.

If you put them through a tree-protector, then I say beware, because synthetic rubbing on synthetic, will cause catastrophic failure very quickly

Cheers Charlie

Originally Posted by chazza

Agreed!

So what is the soft shackle for then; if not a moving connection?

For a straight line pull, a Follow-Through Figure-Eight knot could be tied through a recovery shackle, or eye,

Cheers Charlie

for joining the standing end of a line onto an object.

just to grab an example...

you would use one to join 2 ropes together for an extended single line pull

you wouldnt use one to setup the connection points on a vehicle that had to move across the line of pull (2 winches one pulling forwards and one pulling sideways) where the angle at the join can change.

I have heard that the shackles generally test out to something like 90% of the strenght of the rope they are constructed from and the usual failure point is the base of the "crown" or the end of the eye.

Me, I think they look cool and If I ever get a good source of the rope for the right price I'll probably learn how to tie them just for the hell of it and use them for something mundane like setting up tarps or jackstays.

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

for joining the standing end of a line onto an object.

just to grab an example...

you would use one to join 2 ropes together for an extended single line pull

The example you give is much like the one you gave earlier, where it would be a bad thing to to attach a soft-shackle across a sling.

Forget about different diameters - the dangerous thing is friction between two synthetic ropes. Even though it may be a straight-line-pull they will rub on each other and cause failure and it will be quicker the higher the load is - sometimes a matter of seconds.

If I had to join two ropes together to extend them, I would use a karabiner, or shackle, using Figure-Eight-on-the-Bight to form loops in the ends to be joined; or a knot, such as a Double-Fisherman's, on rope of the same diameter; or a Double-Sheet-Bend for ropes of unequal thickness,

Cheers Charlie

At least any damage would be visible on one of these, whereas a cracked cast shackle isn't immediately obvious. A throwaway item perhaps, just like a snatch strap.

Thats what I'm thinking. Make them cheap enough to be just that. For ~$15- who'd care.

Originally Posted by chazza

The example you give is much like the one you gave earlier, where it would be a bad thing to to attach a soft-shackle across a sling.

Forget about different diameters - the dangerous thing is friction between two synthetic ropes. Even though it may be a straight-line-pull they will rub on each other and cause failure and it will be quicker the higher the load is - sometimes a matter of seconds.

If I had to join two ropes together to extend them, I would use a karabiner, or shackle, using Figure-Eight-on-the-Bight to form loops in the ends to be joined; or a knot, such as a Double-Fisherman's, on rope of the same diameter; or a Double-Sheet-Bend for ropes of unequal thickness,

Cheers Charlie

thats assuming that your ropes dont have joiners in the end of them, Given the forces that can be involved I wouldn't be doing recovery work without properly rated and protected eyes. (hence the comment about using the rope shackles for tarp ties)

Also after speaking to a friend that used to be at standards aust and searching their website I can't find a reference for recovery equipment of any type. Equipment for lifting purposes yes, but anything for horizontal, pulling/dragging uses there doesn't seen to be a referral to. Correct me i fI'm wrong with a number, and I'll dig it up.