Rule 1 of shackles concerns sling legs and bow. Which option is correct?

• A. Attach multiple sling legs to the bow
• B. Attach a single sling leg to the bow
• C. Use a shackle without a pin
• D. Place the shackle on its side during lifting

Answer: (A)

When you’re lifting with more than one sling leg, the load needs to be carried by the shackle body, not concentrated on the pin. Attaching multiple sling legs to the bow distributes the forces across the shackle and keeps the pin from taking the load, reducing the risk of pin bending, loosening, or failure. The bow is designed to bear that load, while the pin is primarily there to keep the shackle closed. This is why attaching multiple legs to the bow is the correct practice.