This Plate D Shackle (sometimes written as a Plate Dee Shackle) is a unique variation of the traditional rigging shackle where the main load-bearing body is stamped, laser-cut, or forged from flat metal plating rather than being bent from a round metal rod.
Key Design Character is Flat Profile: The sides of the "D" loop are completely flat. This gives it a slim, low-profile footprint that allows it to easily slide or mount flush against flat surfaces without snagging.
Broader Internal Area: The flat plate stamping allows the shackle to feature a wider, more rectangular internal opening compared to standard round wire models.
This design distributes pressure more evenly across wider webbing, straps, or specific boat components.
Linear Load Strength: Like all chain and D-shaped shackles, it is engineered for straight, in-line tension. Side-loading or angular loads are highly discouraged, as they can twist or warp the flat plate structure.
Common Applications
These shackles are highly popular in small-boat sailing and specialized hardware rigging:
Dinghy & Racing Sailboats: They are frequently manufactured by marine brands like Optiparts to mount mainsheet blocks, ratchet blocks, and cunningham lines on performance dinghies (like the Optimist or Laser). Its flat edges prevent the attached blocks from twisting out of position.
Webbing and Flat Straps: The straight, square base of the plate body accommodates lifting belts and heavy-duty fabric tie-down straps perfectly, preventing the material from bunching up like it would on a round shackle.
Deck and Flush Mounts: Because of its thin profile, it is commonly paired with deck plates or chain plates where space is limited and protruding hardware would be a hazard.
Most industrial and marine plate D shackles are stamped from marine-grade 304 or 316 stainless steel to prevent saltwater rust and pitting corrosion.
Are you looking to use a plate shackle to attach a specific block?
Come and order your Stainless Steel Plate D Shackle.
Haifan Rigging supply a range of Stainless Steel Plate D Shackles. They come with a variety of fittings for each end to suit your particular application.
To put in your order, just fill out our short inquiry form here, but please do ask us if you need anything custom-made.
If you wish to ask a question or need further advice, you are welcome to contact us.
We’ll be happy to help.
