Every legitimate lifting shackle tells its own story in raised forge marks — and reading those marks correctly is how you separate rated rigging hardware from hardware-store look-alikes. Here's how to read a shackle, plus the size-to-capacity chart for the most common series.
What the Markings Mean
A rated shackle bears, at minimum: manufacturer's name or trademark (e.g. the Crosby "C"), size, and working load limit (WLL). Crosby shackles add the product series (G-209, G-2130), a Product Identification Code for traceability, and — on alloy models — the alloy marking. No WLL forged into the bow means it's not lifting hardware, whatever the seller claimed. Note that shackle "size" is the body (bow) diameter; the pin runs one step larger.
Screw Pin Anchor Shackle Chart (Typical G-209/S-209 Ratings)
| Size | WLL (tons) | Pin dia. |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8" | 1 | 7/16" |
| 1/2" | 2 | 5/8" |
| 5/8" | 3-1/4 | 3/4" |
| 3/4" | 4-3/4 | 7/8" |
| 7/8" | 6-1/2 | 1" |
| 1" | 8-1/2 | 1-1/8" |
| 1-1/4" | 12 | 1-3/8" |
| 1-1/2" | 17 | 1-5/8" |
Always verify against the WLL forged on the specific shackle — alloy series (like G-2130 bolt-type in larger sizes, or G-209A alloy screw pin) rate higher than carbon at the same size.
Why Genuine Matters
Counterfeit and unrated shackles are a documented problem in the supply chain. Genuine Crosby hardware is forged, heat-treated, batch-traceable through the PIC code, and backed by published proof-test and fatigue data — with charpy impact properties for cold service. Tells for suspect hardware: painted-over or shallow cast markings, missing PIC codes, pins that thread roughly, and prices too good to be true. If provenance is unclear, don't put it over anyone's head.
Quick Field Checks
Match pin to body (same brand, size, and series), confirm the WLL covers the leg tension at your sling angle — not just the load weight — and check wear at the crown and pin bearing points against the 10% rule.
Certified Shackles, Shipped From Texas
Genuine Crosby shackles from our shackle collection, with certs available. Size, series, and quantity in the quote form at the top of the page — quotes answered during business hours.