RIGGING: shackles and 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.

Shackles and Thimbles

Bow Shackle D - Shackle Securing to Buoy Shackle
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.
Securing to Buoy Shackle:
This is used to join the bridle to the buoy shackle.

Lugged Lugless
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.


Parts of a thimble 1Round welded thimble

2
Round open thimble 		solid thimble
Parts of a thimble
1. Round Welded Thimble
2. Round Open Thimble
Used for Boom Fittings and in awnings.
Solid thimble:
Used where a close fitting is necessary eg. round a boat or pin so that there is no movement.

Information used form the Woking Sea Cadets homepage.


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