When connecting two shackles, which configuration is prohibited?

• A. Pin to Pin
• B. Bow to Bow
• C. Bow to Pin
• D. Pin to Body

Answer: (A)

Connecting two shackles pin-to-pin is prohibited. Shackles are designed so the load path runs through the shackle bodies, with the pins mainly closing the loop. When you link two shackles by their pins, the pins become the primary load-carrying elements, which they’re not meant to be. This can cause bending or shearing of the pins, loosening of the threads, and unstable load alignment as the shackles tilt or rotate, creating dangerous cross-loading. Other configurations use the body to carry the load while the pins merely secure the connection, so they maintain a safer, more reliable load path.