Slip hooks and shackles are commonly used in material handling applications. Companies in the construction, manufacturing and even maritime industries frequently use them to lift heavy objects. They can connect a slip hook or shackle to a heavy object. And with the help of a lifting crane or vehicle, companies can lift the object while moving it to a new location. Slip hooks and shackles aren’t the same, however. They feature different designs that affects how they work in material handling applications.
What Is a Slip Hook?
A slip hook is a traditional hook that lives up to its namesake by “slipping” onto the objects with which it’s used. As shown in the adjacent photo, most slip hooks consist of a solid piece of metal — which may or may not be powder coated — with a small opening at the top. You can connect a slip hook to an object by placing the object over it.
What Is a Shackle?
A shackle is a type of closed hook that’s used in material handling applications. Most shackles feature a U-shaped design. They have a U-shaped piece of metal with a removable pin. The removable pin is designed to close the opening. You can connect a shackle to an object by removing the pin and then sliding the object over and through the opening. Once connected, you can then insert the pin back into the shackle so that the object is secure.
Differences Between Slip Hooks and Shackles
While they are both used in material handling applications, slip hooks and shackles aren’t the same. Slip hooks feature a more basic design than their counterparts. A slip hook is simply a hook that you can slip onto and off of objects. A shackle is a slightly more complex lifting device. It consists of a U-shaped piece of metal with a removable pin.
Shackles are often used in material handling applications where the lifting device is frequently moved. Shackles can be moved more easily than slip hooks. Slip hooks, on the other hand, are typically a better choice for material handling applications that involve high torque. They can withstand more twisting force than shackles.
Slip hooks and shackles are used for similar purposes but feature different designs. Slip hooks are basic hooks with an opening. Shackles, on the other hand, are U-shaped hooks that can opened or closed with a removable pin.