New Soft Shackle Design

allene222 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2011

I have been using soft shackles for attaching jib sheets all season. There are things I love about them, and things that are not so nice. I have also designed several variations on soft shackles for halyards, lines, and other specialized uses. Just recently I came up with a new design for a straight soft shackle that I think is superior to anything else out there and I thought I would share it. http://L-36.com

The main difference is that the shackle is much easier to use. It closes very fast and should avoid the aging issue with the one where the shackle is a core inside a cover that you have to milk around the entire length to close. It is secure because it just barely opens enough to press the stopper knot out. I can't get it to come undone by pulling anywhere on it except by actually opening the knot with no load on the shackle and pushing the knot out. The slightest pressure closes the shackle, and any load on the shackle keeps the eye closed no matter where you pull.

In use I wrap velcro around it to hold the knot inside the clew ring like this:

It is of course impossible to open the shackle with the velcro there but the reason to use the velcro is to keep the knot inside the clew ring so that it cannot hang up on the rigging. Keeping knots from hanging up on the rigging is the main reason for using soft shackles.

I have posted complete instructions on how to make them. I hope you enjoy the article.
http://L-36.com/soft_shackle_9.php

Allen

WanderingStar · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2011

Thank you.

Barquito · #3 (**permalink**) 09-29-2011

Would you foresee problems with knot hanging up on rigging if my jib has a cringle rather than SS ring? I think the cringle would be too small to hide the knot. O/w me likeee.

allene222 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-30-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barquito

Would you foresee problems with knot hanging up on rigging if my jib has a cringle rather than SS ring? I think the cringle would be too small to hide the knot. O/w me likeee.

First, let me say that I do not see any issues with the shackle coming undone no matter how you hook it up. The only reason I hide the knot in the ring is to get it out of the way. That said, the small diamond knot is much less likely to hang up on rigging than two bowlines.

Also, you can still use some velcro to hold the knot against your cringle.

Allen