Shackles & hooks

Shackles and hooks: High-quality off-road recovery equipment

Shackles, winch rings and hooks are essential tools for off-road enthusiasts. They offer the necessary safety and reliability for demanding recovery maneuvers, recovering stuck vehicles or safely pulling heavy loads. High-quality recovery equipment such as shackles, winch rings and hooks is an absolute must in order to be well prepared in challenging situations and to minimize the risks in off-road terrain.

Shackle: Indispensable tool for off-road use

What do you need a shackle for?

A shackle is a U-shaped piece of metal used to connect two parts together, such as a tow rope and a towing eye. In off-road applications, shackles are particularly important for safely recovering vehicles. They provide a reliable connection and ensure that nothing slips or comes loose when pulling or lifting loads.

There are two main types of shackles that are preferred: soft shackles and steel shackles. Metal shackles are made of robust material and usually have a U or omega shape. They are particularly stable and are often used for heavy loads. Soft shackles, on the other hand, are made of a braided plastic rope and have a high tensile strength despite their lower weight and flexibility.

How do you properly check shackles (soft shackles and bow shackles) for wear?

Regular inspection of the shackles is essential to ensure their safety and functionality. It is best to check the shackles and hooks each time before use for possible wear and tear and safety risks. A defective shackle can break under load and lead to dangerous situations.

With soft shackles, you should check the rope for signs of wear. The rope must be free of cracks, cuts or visible damage in order to be able to use it without any concerns. You should check metal bow shackles for corrosion, deformation or cracks.

Soft shackle: Flexible and lightweight recovery material

What is a soft shackle?

A soft shackle is a lightweight and flexible alternative to the traditional metal shackle. It is made of high-strength, braided plastic rope that can withstand extreme loads. Soft shackles are particularly popular with off-road enthusiasts because they are easy to handle and significantly reduce the weight of the equipment. The horntools soft shackle is particularly powerful with a payload of 10 tons or 14 tons and can be used together with the horntools pulley for self-rescue.

Which rope for soft shackles?

A soft shackle is used to rescue rope, extension rope or the recovery strap safely during recovery. The soft shackle the rope from damage and ensures flexible connections. For use with a soft shackle are high-strength ropes particularly suitable because they can withstand high loads and are abrasion-resistant at the same time. If necessary, the extension rope expand the reach and the recovery strap provides additional stability. Here you will find various ropes and harnesses for your rescue mission.

How does a soft shackle work? The use of a soft shackle

ASoft shackleis used to create a reliable connection between different components, such as between a rope and a pulley or an attachment point. Due to its flexible design, the soft shackle handle high tensile forces and ensures a stable connection that adapts to the requirements. It protects the rope from damage as it has no sharp edges that could lead to abrasion. Instead, the soft shackle the load evenly and thus prevents the rope from wearing out at stressed areas. This makes it ideal for use in demanding off-road situations where high loads and frequent movements occur.

Bow shackle – robust recovery equipment for tough applications

What is a bow shackle?

A bow shackle is a robust and frequently used type of shackle in off-road range. It consists of a solid metal body in the shape of an arch and a screwable bolt that closes the opening. These shackles are known for holding high loads safely and reliably, especially in applications with a working load up to 6.5 tons. Special stainless steel shackle with safety lock provide additional safety in extreme conditions.

What are bow shackles used for?

Bow shackles are mainly used for heavy recovery maneuvers where maximum stability and safety are required. They are ideal for connecting tow ropes to vehicles or for use with winch rings in complex recovery systems. Their sturdy construction means they can withstand extreme loads without giving way.

What is the difference between a bow shackle and a soft shackle?

The main difference between a bow shackle and a soft shackle is the material and flexibility. Bow shackles are made of metal and offer maximum stability, but are heavier and less flexible. Soft shackles are made of braided plastic rope, are lighter and more flexible, but less suitable for extremely high loads.

Shackle in combination with a pulley

The combination of a shackle and a pulley is a proven technique for increasing the pulling force when recovering vehicles. A pulley can change the direction of the pulling force while distributing the load, increasing the efficiency and safety of recovery maneuvers.

You can find more information about winch rings and how to use them correctly in this blog post.