Lost Shackles

I just returned from a trip to Southeast Oregon and in the space of 5 miles on the East Steens Road I found two bow shackles in the road. They had obviously shaken loose from a couple of off-roaders. So, for those of us who keep shackles attached to our exteriors here is a reminder. Take a zip tie and run it through the hole in the shackle bolt and around the bow. That way the bot cannot rotate free when on a rough road. Also, a dab of anti-seize on the threads will keep keep the bolt from rusting on. Also, if you do find a bow shackle, look around a bit, the bolts will not be far away.

 

I leave my hard shackles in the recovery bag

 

I agree, that's the best place for them but at least two folks in SE Oregon do not.

 

Me too. I don't like the thought of them jangling freely as I bounce over the rocks or even down the highway. The number of times they'll actually be used for their intended purpose is negligible, and I can have them on in a minute if necessary. Also, if one comes off in traffic, there's a chance of a tire shooting it up into someone's vehicle.

 

But what if you get stuck in a puddle at the mall?

That’s why all the mall crawlers have them.

 

That's what the SOS button is for. I'm not going to risk wet feet in such a situation. I might try ATRAC first, though.

 

Another side note with shackles, if you plan on leaving them dangling on the front of your rig forever, a semi-permanent way to ensure you don't ever lose them is to mouse them. Helps with theft also as mousing wire is kinda annoying to get off bare handed.