Ratchet release shackles

Use this page as a guide to using ratchet release shackles.

What are ratchet release shackles?

Ratchet release shackles release the lifting shackle used by the crane.

This means steel columns can be erected without someone having to climb up to manually release the lifting shackle.

The lifting shackles are what lift the column into place.

Ratchet release shackles use a ratchet system that can be operated from below.

How to use ratchet release shackles

Step one

With the pin retracted, slide the shackle over the material to be lifted until the pin is approximately over the lifting hole.

Press the ratchet spring down with the thumb of one hand. Turn the hexagon knob of the shackle with your other hand.

Step two

Two soft ropes should be attached to the 'D' shackles at each end of the toothed belt.

The material may then be lifted.

It is best practice to tie the ends of the shackle release ropes to the bottom on the member 2a. This is to prevent the ropes from becoming snagged or being caught on the wind and becoming inaccessible.

Step 3

After lifting the material, the shackle is released by pulling the release ropes. First pull them one way and then the other way. Repeat this five or six times.

The ratchet action withdraws the pin.

The stroke of the pull is limited by the 'D' shackles at the end of the toothed belt (450mm maximum length).