Factor 55 Cross Beam shackle on the left, the Crosby shackle on the right.
Factor 55 Crossbeam Shackle vs Screw Pin Bow Shackles
Shackles are like the glue that holds everything together during a vehicle recovery. And like glue, there are a host of different kinds with various qualities. Here, we’ll be looking at hard shackles which are made from metal. Specifically, the new Factor 55 Crossbeam Shackle and how it stacks up to other screw pin bow shackles.
What is the Factor 55 Crossbeam Shackle?
The Factor 55 Crossbeam Shackle is designed to be the ultimate recovery point. It has a semi-permanent attachment using a snap ring, so when it’s mounted to a bumper, it’s really on there. Plus, this attachment method helps prevent theft. Made in the USA from high-strength T6-6061 Kaiser billet aluminum, the Crossbeam Shackle is super strong. It has a working load limit (WLL) of up to 12,000 lbs. (5443kg).
The Crossbeam Shackle really shines when it comes to angled pulls. The design ensures its legs remain secure and resist spreading under sideload. This helps to offer superior stability during vehicle recoveries. From 0 to 5 degrees, it has the aforementioned WLL of 12,000 lbs./5443kg. From 5 to 45 degrees, the WLL is 8,400 lbs./3810kg. There are laser-engraved angle charts on the shackle, so you’ll know what’s happening during the recovery.
The Crossbeam Shackle’s large-radius circular hole accommodates synthetic rigging components like soft shackles, while maintaining a flat inner edge for steel shackles. It’s also perfectly sized for quick attachment of hooks, including the UltraHook, making it a versatile addition to any recovery gear kit. The Crossbeam Shackle also only weighs 39 ounces (1106 grams) and can be had in a variety of colors to match your vehicle.
Screw Pin Bow Shackles
Screw pin bow shackles are the most common metal shackles on the vehicle recovery accessory market. They’re usually made from steel and consist of a semi-circular ring and a threaded pin connecting the two ends. These shackles have been around for ages and have been a staple of rigging for generations. However, not all are created equally. In fact, far from it.
On the quality side, you have Crosby Shackles, which Factor 55 sells exclusively. These American-made products have been the gold standard for years and were tested through and through by Factor 55 and other companies. Their forged construction and USA-made quality means they’re strong, durable, and trustworthy. Crosby shackles are available in red, black, or galvanized finishes.
On the not-so-great end of the spectrum, there are lots of cheap foreign-made products that are untested, unrated, and unpredictable in a recovery scenario. And worse, there are some inexpensive cast shackles out there. These can be downright dangerous, and when you use a cast metal screw-pin shackle for vehicle recovery, you’re really pressing your luck. These cheapies are often found online or at farm stores. Do not trust cheap, cast shackles for vehicle recovery! Casting can leave air bubbles in metal making them weak when put under load. Always go with forged shackles. And for the most reliability and safety, go with forged shackles from brands you know, trust, and who do their testing, such as Factor 55.
Crossbeam shackles come in the standard grey, plus a wide range of other colors.
Crossbeam Shackle vs. Screw Pin Bow Shackles
Both the Factor 55 Crossbeam Shackle and screw pin bow shackles will do essentially the same function and can have the same WLL (depending on the size of the shackle purchased). But the Crossbeam Shackle’s unique design is superior for those side loads, e.g. pulls made at an angle. Plus, the Crossbeam Shackle’s semi-permanent connection is ultra sturdy and won’t potentially rattle off after miles on the trail. Fortunately, the pin’s removal isn’t difficult. Use snap ring pliers to take off the clip and the pin comes out. When you want the ultimate shackle for the hardest pulls, you’ll want the Crossbeam Shackle.
Forged shackles, such as those from Crosby, are still important bits of rigging kit, especially if you regularly need to remove shackles from your vehicle and for rigging other bits or recovery gear, such as tree straps or extensions. But there are some things to remember.
For instance, when using a screw pin bow shackle during recoveries, don’t crank down on the shackle’s pin. You’ll want to hand tighten it, and back it off ¼ of a turn. Failure to do so may result in difficult pin removal. In fact, many screw pin bow shackles have flat tabs or holes in their pins to use pliers or rods for freeing stuck pins.
However, if you do leave screw pin bow shackles on a vehicle, you will want to tighten them down with significant force to ensure they don’t vibrate off. Some people even use thread lock (such as blue Loctite) to prevent them from rattling off. This can also help prevent casual theft.
Choose Wisely
The Factor 55 Crossbeam Shackle is a new design with extensive testing, proven engineering, and USA-made quality. It improves upon the age-old screw pin bow shackle’s design to make a better mousetrap.
Screw pin bow shackles can still be a good product, so long as you opt for quality shackles, such as the American-made Crosby shackles, or other forged, tested, and rated shackles, such as those from Warn Industries.
Regardless of which you select, recovery gear isn’t the place to skimp. So, skip the cheap cast shackles, and opt for tried, true, and tested recovery gear from Factor 55. It’s not just a matter of trust, but also a matter of safety.