Buying extra Shackle PINS (they disappear, somehow)

[Whomda]

I have a number of Shackles that are missing pins.

I can't imagine how they disappeared.

But I cannot seem to buy just replacement pins, only new shackles, and it seems like a waste of hardware. Thanks.

[silversailor]

The bast places for extra shackle pins are marine flea markets and marine resale shops.

[DeepFrz]

Lots of places advertising replacement shackle pins.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Try chandleries, even if they have to order them. Assuming you know the make & model of the shackle. Riggers & rigging shops are another one to try.
Keep in mind though that you'll never be 100% certain that you have the correct pin for any of those which you replace, so it may not seat as tightly & securely as it otherwise would. And you won't be able to trust the shackle to it's nominal working & breaking loads, as you would were it a new shackle. Which is part of why pins aren't always the easiest thing to find for some shackles. Especially as 2 pins or shackles can be exactly the same size, & yet have vastly different strengths. On the order of 2-5x at times.

[JPA Cate]

2 pins or shackles can be exactly the same size, & yet have vastly different strengths. On the order of 2-5x at times.

You're right, of course, Unciv. But that's really a bummer for someone who was going to try the marine flea market route!

There are some uses we buy only tested shackles for.

Ann

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

You're right, of course, Unciv. But that's really a bummer for someone who was going to try the marine flea market route!

There are some uses we buy only tested shackles for.

Ann

True enough, but if you want strong on the cheap, simply use Dyneema lashings, soft shackles, dog bones, etc. In most applications they're superior anyway.

[Comix Bay]

Thats why cotter pins and zap straps were invented

[Whomda]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

Lots of places advertising replacement shackle pins.

I really cannot find any stainless replacement pins. Suncor will list the part number, I can't find anyone to sell them. Not even on ebay. Not at West Marine. Not on Amazon.

Perhaps my google search skills are not on point.

Definitely got to switch to captive pin in the future for shackles that are opened frequently. All these pinless shackles I have are making me sad.

[Jim Cate]

If proper shackle pins are not available, you could consider using an appropriate size cap screw instead, or even a clevis pin/split pin combo instead.

Purists will howl, and you could not depend upon the shackle to reach its rated strength, but realistically, many applications do not demand full strength. Just be a bit thoughtful in where you might use the de-rated shackle.

Jim

[UNCIVILIZED]

In a pinch you could even have some made. It's not like high quality stainless rod is tough to come by. You'd just have to figure out what sort of ends you want on the non-threaded bits. As to the spec's of various stainless alloys, go to matweb.com

[TheThunderbird]

Lathe work
Bolt and nut
A dyneema lash on shackle

Boating is expensive

[Whomda]

Originally Posted by TheThunderbird

Lathe work
Bolt and nut
A dyneema lash on shackle

Boating is expensive

No, stop. My whole point was to not waste/throw away the shackle bodies just because the pin is gone, not to go crazy with time or expense or jury rig something.

You can get 316 stainless shackles for under $10, any solution that costs more than just replacing the shackle isn't really worth it, which means anything more than a couple of dollars for a spare pin.

I really expected to find like a package of five replacement 3/8in shackle pins for $15 or something like that.

[UNCIVILIZED]

If you know the make, & or, make & model of the shackle, contact the manufacturer directly. Or mail them the shackles with a letter asking for new pins to be fitted to them, plus a few spares. You know, a happy customer is a repeat customer.

Why is this topic so complicated to figure out?

[roverhi]

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

If you know the make, & or, make & model of the shackle, contact the manufacturer directly. Or mail them the shackles with a letter asking for new pins to be fitted to them, plus a few spares. You know, a happy customer is a repeat customer.

Why is this topic so complicated to figure out?

Because we all have these pinless shackles and don't want to trash them for a few penny part and/or waste hours trying to find replacement pins that don't seem to be available anywhere. Seems like someone would stock different diameter and length threaded SS pins to solve the problem. Probably a case of stocking less than 30 different size/length combinations to cover almost the entire spectrum of shackles. Granted no one is going to get IPO rich making these available but it would seem that a chandlery that stocks hundreds of different sized fasteners and clevis pins could painlessly stock a range of threaded pins to fit most shackles.

[DeepFrz]

Here are a few places to try;
US Shackle Pin | Suncor Stainless

Crosby G-4075 Replacement Shackle Pins from Westech Rigging Supply

http://www.petersen-stainless.co.uk/...pin-types.html

However maybe try a local boat rigging shop.