Chicago Brand Shackles
Chicago Brand Shackles: American-Made Strength for Demanding Applications
When the job demands hardware you can trust with your life — or your load — Chicago Brand shackles have been the professional's choice for well over a century. Shackles are the foundational link between a load and the rigging system that moves or secures it, and few manufacturers bring the depth of experience and domestic craftsmanship that Chicago Brand delivers in this critical category.
A Legacy of Drop-Forged Precision
Chicago Brand (Chicago Hardware & Fixture Company) has been drop-forging, forming, and welding rigging hardware since 1912, with all manufacturing still performed in the United States. That longevity isn't just a marketing footnote — it reflects a sustained commitment to metallurgical quality and rigorous production standards that professionals in construction, marine, manufacturing, and utility industries have relied on for generations.
Chicago Brand's shackles are produced as drop-forged anchor shackles and chain shackles, offered in both screw-pin and bolt-type pin configurations to suit the broadest range of applications. The anchor (bow) shackle's rounded shape is engineered to accept loads from multiple directions without generating significant side load, making it ideal for multi-leg slings, load rings, and wide straps. Chain (D-style) shackles, with their straighter profile, excel in direct, in-line tension applications.
Built-In Safety You Can See and Verify
Every Chicago Brand shackle carries permanently stamped markings showing size, working load limit (WLL), and trademark — so there's never any guesswork on the job site. All shackles and pins are heat treated, and loads are rated at a conservative 6-to-1 design safety factor (with select products at 5-to-1), giving riggers a meaningful margin in demanding conditions. Products meet or exceed all requirements of ASME B30.26, covering identification, ductility, design factor, proof load, and temperature performance. Material traceability is also available through Chicago Brand's Product Identification Code (PIC) system — a feature that sets professional-grade rigging hardware apart from commodity alternatives.
Finish Options for Every Environment
Chicago Brand shackles are available in both self-colored (black oxide) and hot-dip galvanized finishes. The galvanized option provides a zinc barrier against corrosion — critical for marine environments, outdoor rigging, and any application where exposure to moisture or chemicals is a concern. The zinc layer also protects steel at the site of any surface scratches or impact damage, extending service life in harsh conditions.
Trusted Across Industries
From towing and lifting to load securement and marine deck hardware, Chicago Brand shackles are recognized alongside the most respected names in USA-made rigging. Whether you're connecting wire rope, chain, slings, or straps, these shackles deliver the consistent, verifiable performance that safety-conscious professionals demand. Explore the full Chicago Brand catalog or browse the complete selection of shackles to find the right configuration for your application.