On a boat it is a matter of course that every shackle should be moused whether it's used for standing or running rigging or anchor tackle. Loosing a mast overboard at sea is no fun at all. Nor is loosing your anchor on a lee shore in a rising gale...
SS wire can be used as suggested, but more often a sailor would use whipping twine. It doesn't have to be very strong as it's just preventing the pin from turning, but it does have to stand up to the elements.
OwenIf you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.
The hole is specifically for that wire.
As a guy wire works the shackle against the eyebolt, every sway of the mast or guy wire back-and-forth puts a tiny twist on the shackle bolt. They don't quite cancel out. This is why the shackle bolts unscrew, even if you tightened 'em up solidly, and why a mousing wire is necessary. (Works the same way on an anchor or rigging, too.)[ Parent ]
Whipping twine doesn't corrode, or catch unwary fingers and dissimilar metals are to be avoided in the marine environment. SS wire is only used on SS shackles. I would never use galvanised wire for mousing a shackle on a boat.
Owen If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.[ Parent ]
