26/12/2024
Anchor Joining Shackles:
Two lengths of Anchor cables (shackles) are joined together using an ‘Anchor
Joining Shackle’. There are two types of joining shackles, ‘Lugged Joining Shackle’ and
‘Lugless Joining Shackle’. Modern vessels are provided with Lugless Joining Shackle.
1. Lugless Joining Shackle:
A ‘Lugless Joining Shackle’ consists of two main parts with one ‘Stud’ in between.
The two main parts are attached to the ends of cable, then fitted together and then the
stud is inserted in between. The whole assemble is then secured together by hammering
in a ‘Tapered Pin’ through a hole drilled diagonally through both main parts as well as the
stud. A ‘Lead Pellet’ is then hammered in at the broad end of the pin which keeps the pin
in place.
2. Lugged Joining Shackle:
A ‘Lugged Joining Shackle’ (see figure above) even though less common now-a-days may
still be found on some smaller vessels. It consists of a straight shackle whose bolt will be
secured using a tapered pin and a lead pellet. The pin fits into a tapered hole drilled
through the bolt and one lug of the shackle. Except for the Anchor shackle, all lugged
shackles should be fitted into the cable with their lugs facing aft so that they will not foul
when the cable runs out. Since the anchor shackle is already inside the hawse pipe, there
is no danger of it fouling anywhere and so it is fitted with its lugs facing outboard.
