A forelock mooring shackle is a specialized type of shackle, commonly used in marine applications, particularly for connecting anchor chains or mooring lines. It's characterized by a unique locking mechanism, a forelock, that secures the shackle's pin, preventing accidental disconnections. This design is crucial in environments where frequent maintenance or inspection is difficult or impractical.
SMEOCEAN offers Grade 2 ,Grade 3 and 304,316 stainless steel, with sizes ranging from 12.5mm to 52mm. Cotter pins are available in 304 and 316 stainless steel. Technical inquiries are welcome.
Forelock Shackle Mooring Shackle Diagram:

Specification Of Forelock Shackle Mooring Shackle:
| Nominal Dia. | D | d | d1 | S | E | W | Proof Load | Break Load | Weight |
| Anchor Chain (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (KN) | (KN) | (kg) |
| 12.5 | 18 |
|
|
|
|
| 66 | 92 | 1.1 |
| 14 | 20 |
|
|
|
|
| 82 | 116 | 1.4 |
16
| 22 |
|
|
|
|
| 107 | 150 | 1.65 |
| 17.5 | 24 |
|
|
|
|
| 127 | 179 | 2.2 |
| 19 | 26
| 34 | 26 | 100 | 62
| 50 | 150 | 211 | 2.9 |
| 20.5 | 29 | 36 | 28 | 102 | 65 | 51 | 175 | 244 | 3.5 |
| 22 | 31 | 39 | 31 | 104 | 68 | 53 | 200 | 280 | 4.3 |
| 24 | 34 | 43 | 34 | 114 | 74 | 57 | 237 | 332 | 5.5 |
| 26 | 37 | 46 | 37 | 123 | 81 | 61 | 278 | 389 | 7.2 |
| 28 | 39 | 51 | 39 | 132 | 87 | 68 | 321 | 449 | 8.8 |
| 30 | 42 | 54 | 42 | 142 | 93 | 72 | 368 | 514 | 10.9 |
| 32 | 45 | 57 | 45 | 151 | 99 | 76 | 417 | 583 | 12.3 |
| 34 | 48 | 62 | 48 | 160 | 105 | 80 | 468 | 655 | 15 |
| 36 | 50 | 65 | 50 | 170 | 112 | 87 | 523 | 732 | 18 |
| 38 | 53 | 69 | 53 | 180 | 118 | 92 | 581 | 812 | 21.2 |
| 40 | 56 | 72 | 56 | 189 | 124 | 96 | 640 | 895 | 24.6 |
| 42 | 59 | 76 | 59 | 251 | 130 | 100 | 703 | 981 | 28.8 |
44
| 62 |
|
|
|
|
| 769 | 1080 | 33.5 |
| 46 | 64
| 83 | 64 | 276 | 143 | 111 | 837 | 1170 | 37 |
| 48 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 908 | 1270 | 43.6 |
| 50 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 981 | 1370 | 48 |
| 52 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1060 | 1480 | 52.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a forelock shackle?
A mooring shackle with a pin secured by a metal clip (forelock), designed for permanent or long-term installations where vibration could loosen other types.
2. How to choose the right one?
Match it to your chain diameter and grade. Standard forelock shackles fit chain sizes from 22mm to 50mm. For U2 chain, use Grade 2 (490 MPa); for U3 chain, use Grade 3 (690 MPa). The shackle grade must never be lower than the chain grade.
3. What’s the size limit?
50mm is the practical upper limit. For chains over 50mm, use an LTM End Joining Shackle instead, which is designed for smooth passage through chain stoppers.
4. Elliptical shaft or round shaft?
Both meet the same strength. Elliptical shaft (~1.2x heavier) offers better underwater stability – recommended for permanent submerged moorings. Round shaft is lighter and easier to handle – suitable for temporary connections.
5. How is it secured?
Insert the pin, then bend the metal clip through the hole in the pin to lock it. This simple but effective design prevents accidental loosening.
Need a forelock shackle? Contact us with your chain size and grade. Mill test certificates included. Class certificates available on request.