Spars, Rigging, and Hardware for Sailboats

Rig-Rite, Inc.
Phone: (001) 401-739-1140 -- FAX: (001) 401-739-1149
www.RigRite.com

Snap Shackle Pin Kits

Snap Shackle Pin Kits consist of a Plunger (Pin), a Spring, and a cotter ring, shackle, or finger pull, depending on type. RIG-RITE stocks over 30 types of of Snap Shackle Pin Kits, covering virtually all produced in the U.S. including those by Merriman, Nicro-Fico, Schaefer and South Coast.

To find the appropriate Pin Kit, you will have to get some details about your Snap Shackle.

1. Determine the manufacturer of the shackle, most will have a name or logo cast into them. In some Snatch Blocks it will be the Block itself that is marked. See major brands, below, for details.
2. Measure the diameter of the Plunger Pin (largest diameter). If your Pin is missing, measure the hole that it goes in.
 

Merriman - Stainless Steel & Bronze Snap Shackles
Nicro-Fico - Stainless Steel Snap Shackles
Schaefer Marine - Stainless Steel Snap Shackles 
South Coast - Bronze Snap Shackles

Merriman invented the Snap Shackle in 1912, and although materials have improved continuously, all modern Snap Shackles use the same basic design. Merriman Snap Shackles have been produced in a variety of attachment configurations and were also used on Merriman's line of Snatch Blocks.

If you have a Merriman Snap Shackle (on most units the Merriman Trident and size appear in relief in recessed circles) you will have to determine whether the Shackle is Bronze (possibly Chrome-plated), or Stainless Steel, and the Plunger (Pin) diameter. Then simply select your Pin Kit Part Number from the tables below.

Newer Merriman Bronze Snap Shackles comprise the majority of Bronze Snap Shackles in use today. Sizes 1-3 are Forged, other sizes are Cast. On most units the Merriman Trident and size appear in relief in recessed circles. If plunger diameter is different than shown, see Old-Style Merriman Bronze Snap Shackles, below. Used on Halyard shackles and on Snatch Blocks. Plungers are Stainless Steel.

For Old-Style Merriman Bronze Snap Shackles (Includes chrome plated)

Old-Style Merriman Bronze Snap Shackles were all cast, and in most sizes had larger diameter plungers than the newer style listed above. Used on Halyard shackles and on Snatch Blocks. Original style plungers are machined Bronze with threaded ends (#5 is SS), and come with a lanyard nut or finger pull nut.

For Merriman Stainless Steel Snap Shackles

Merriman Stainless Steel Snap Shackles were produced in 5 different sizes. Cast or forged from 17-4PH Stainless, sizes 1-3 are Forged, other sizes are Cast. On most units the Merriman Trident and size appear in relief in recessed circles. Size 3 was also produced in a Trunion (side articulating) version used on Snatch Blocks. Size 4 was only produced in a Trunion (side articulating) version used on Snatch Blocks. Used on Halyard shackles and on 'Traditional' Snatch Blocks.

For Merriman 'High-Tech' Snatch Blocks

The vast majority of Merriman Snatch Blocks used the standard Snap Shackles and Pins listed above. To get Replacement Pin Kits for them follow the directions for Stainless Steel or Bronze Snap Shackles, above. The exception is the Merriman 'High-Tech' Snatch Block, Fig. 3570. These Snatch Blocks were notable for their Aluminum Sheaves, flat sides and angular appearance, as well as the integral Trunion (side articulating) feature of their Snap Shackle. Special high strength Replacement Pin Kits for them are listed below.

Nicro-Fico Snap Shackle Replacement Pin Kits

Nicro-Fico Snap Shackles are made from investment cast Stainless Steel and are by far the most common Stainless Steel Snap Shackles out there, easily identified by a NM, N, or U cast into a rectangular recess in the shackle body. There is also a Trunion variety in which the arm of the shackle articulates in a separate plane from the body of the shackle. Used on Halyard shackles, Nicro Snatch Blocks, and a variety of products produced by other manufacturers. Original production plungers are Stainless Steel, and come with spring and lanyard ring or shackle and rivet.

NF Standard Swivel Style	NF Trunion Style

Schaefer Marine Snap Shackle Replacement Pin Kits

Schaefer Snap Shackles are made from investment cast Stainless Steel and are easy to identify because they say Schaefer on them. Used on Halyard shackles and on a variety of Schaefer Blocks including Snatch Blocks. Original production plungers are Stainless Steel with threaded ends, and come with spring, SS finger pull nut, and lanyard ring.

South Coast Snap Shackle Replacement Pin Kits

South Coast Snap Shackles were made from Cast Bronze (frequently Chrome-plated) and are usually stamped with the letters "SC" and a size #. Used on Halyard shackles and on Snatch Blocks, production ceased in the 1970's. Original style plungers are Stainless Steel with threaded ends, and come with spring and cast Bronze lanyard nut.