Our stainless steel shackles are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes, with many designed for specialized applications. Because they are forged or cast in Type 316 stainless steel, they are excellent for use in marine or other wet environments.

What is type 316 stainless steel?

One of the most common types of stainless steel is Type 304. It contains chromium (18%) and nickel (8%), making it resistant to corrosion and oxidation. It also offers durability for a range of applications, including auto trim, wheel covers, food industry equipment, piping, and storage tanks.

Type 316 stainless steel contains a combination of less chromium (16%), more nickel, (10%) and also features molybdenum (2%). This allows it to withstand more extreme chemical corrosion elements like salt water, brine and de-icing solutions, and other wet or high chloride environments. These properties make Type 316 ss shackles the best choice for use in marine environments and as boat hardware. In fact, Type 316 stainless steel is also called “marine grade” stainless steel, so you’ll often see Type 316 stainless shackles also called marine shackles or marine hardware.

Galvanized shackle vs. stainless steel shackle

Galvanized metal is also a popular finish for shackles, with the zinc coating offering some protection against typical rust and corrosion. However, galvanized shackles are best for industrial applications where moisture is not a major issue.

Common types of stainless steel shackles

Because Type 316 stainless steel is ideal for use in marine environments, shackles are available in a wide range of styles and often serve more specialized purposes. The main type of shackles include:


Stainless steel anchor shackles / bow shackles
Stainless steel anchor shackle and bow shackle terms are often used interchangeably, with both referring to a rounded, O-shape. However, stainless bow shackles are generally larger, with a more definite “bow” shape than a stainless anchor shackle. The rounded design of stainless anchor shackles and bow shackles allow them to take loads from many directions without creating a significant side load. The larger loop shape of an ss anchor shackles and bow shackles does reduce its overall strength, but it is also able to handle a larger strap.

D shackles / chain shackles
Stainless steel chain shackles are also known as D shackles due to their “D” shape. A d-shackle is narrower than an ss anchor shackle or bow shackle and generally have a threaded pin or pin close. The smaller loop is designed to take high loads primarily in line. Side and racking loads may twist or bend a D or chain shackle.

Snap shackles
As a variation on the stainless steel d shackle, a snap ss shackle is designed with a spring-activated mechanism so it can be used quickly and with one hand. These are excellent for jobs where speed is important, or when an item needs to be hooked and unhooked often. A snap stainless shackle is not recommended for heavy-duty loads.


Pin types

The pin that locks a stainless shackle can be a deciding factor on which shackle will work best for your job. We carry stainless shackles with loose, captive, round, screw, and bolt type pins.

Not sure what type of stainless shackles will work the best for your application? Give our sales team a call at. They’ll be glad to discuss the different options and help determine the best choice.