Winching / rigging question? 8000 lb winch running to a 24k snatch block, attached to a 30k tree saver. Does the shackle connecting the tree saver to the snatch block need to be at least 16k+ ? I would think so.

I also don’t understand how Warn 3/4” shackles have a 4 3/4 ton wll but they say for winches up to 18k. Same goes for brands like rhino USA claiming 41k break strength.

I’m looking for my shackles to not be the weakest link and don’t want to pay $100 per unit. Shackle recommendations?

Well I'm not a physicist by any means... But 4 3/4 tons is 9,500 lbs. I would imagine even including all gear, full armor, full tank of gas, water, supplies, people, dogs, firewood, tools and a kitchen sink, most 4Runners wouldn't even tip to 7,000 lbs. so at worst case scenario, you could pull your entire vehicle, loaded as described, directly vertical, straight up with 2,500 lbs to spare...

Also, I don't think the WLL means that at 9,500 lbs and the additional weight of one standard American house fly landing on the windshield during the pull will explode the shackle. I agree to go overkill, but If this really worries you, start looking into marine level shackles. Like the big ass ones. Otherwise, plan your winching accordingly.

I also don't have tons of experience and mostly winch in snow, which is like zero friction as the issue. So probably take my smart ass answer with a grain of salt.

Working load limit is a standard rating for shackles used for lifting such as with a crane. This is generally much less than the breaking strength, maximum capacity, ect....
For winching operations the WLL isn’t considered the max load rating.
(But you want rated shackles marked with WLL so as not to be using poor quality unrated shackles).

Kind of how your winch says “not for lifting”. Lifting ratings are much more stringent and have much larger safety margins than rigging used in non-lifting applications.

WLL is usually calculated as ratio of breaking strength, with the ratio depending on the manufacturer. For example, for this shackle the ratio is 1:6. It has a breaking strength of 26k lbs (13 tons) and a WWL of 4.3k lbs (2.1 tons).

rigging with a snatch block gets tricky...as far as total loads go.

but yes, you are correct, the shackle/strap would see 16k, IF you stalled the 8k winch, AND you had the line around the block parallel to itself. however, if the winch doesn't pull to capacity, or the line isn't parallel around the block, then you wouldn't see that much load on the strap/shackle.

Block & Tackle Rigging - Snatch Blocks

as to recovery gear, I recommend at least 20k straps, those should cover most any type of extraction you may need to do with an automotive winch.

also, get quality shackles. they are a bit more expensive, but worth it. I prefer VAN BEEST, but Crosby is also good. there are a few others as well.


these are NICE shackles.

3/4" Van Beest Screw Pin Shackle 62,000 lbs - Master Pull

or you can get the 5/8" pin for only $12. but I prefer the 3/4, as it lets me get 2 straps inside much easier. trying to fight the small shackle with rock hard/frozen straps is a PITA.

Great info guys. Probably going to grab some van beests

Sounds like you are confusing WLL with breaking strength. The 24k and 30k ratings are likely breaking strength and the 4 3/4 ton shackle is the WLL for lifting applications.

Know what the weakest link in your chain is, don't shock load your rigging (unless it is a kinetic rope, different application) and follow correct rigging rules - some are not totally obvious.

-Charlie