RIGGING: shackles &
thimbles
There are various rigging fittings used with STANDING and RUNNING
rigging of a ship.
STANDING rigging always stands permanently
in place to support the mast and spars of a ship and the wire used for this
purpose is of the strongest type: it does not bend easily.
RUNNING rigging includes all ropes employed
aloft that work through blocks and are used to shift the position of other
gear. For this purpose, Flexible Steel Wire Rope (FSWR) is used because
it ismore flexible the Steel Wire Rope (SWR)
Shackles: The type and size of shackle
depends on the task it has to fulfill. There is a large variety available,
ranging from shacles 25mm in length to shackles capable of lifting many
tonnes. They are cast steel or wrought iron and used for all joining purposes.
For tasks such as standing rigging, running rigging and
cargo work only tested shackles are used. The safe working load will be
stamped into the iron, eg: SWL 6T.
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| Parts of a shackle (straight
screw type):
This is a general purpose shackle and the end of the bolt
should be moused. It is also known as a "D" shackle. |
Bow Shackle with Forelock:
Along with the "D" shackle, this is a general purpose shackle.
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Securing to Buoy Shackle:
This is used to join the bridle to the buoy shackle. |
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| Lugged Joining Shackle:
This is used to join two lengths of cable together. |
Lugless Joining Shackle:
This is used to join two lengths of ANCHOR cable together. |
Thimbles: Thimbles are manufactured from mild steel, iron
of gunmetal and are classified according to the size of the rope which they
are intended. Thimbles are always used in conjunction with shackles.
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