Published: May 14, 2026
Walk onto any job site, rigging shop, or port facility, and you will find shackles in crates, on hooks, and in tool bins. The challenge is knowing exactly what you are picking up before you put it to work. That is precisely the problem raised lettering on Crosby shackles is designed to solve.
What is raised lettering?
Raised lettering refers to forged markings that stand up from the body of the shackle itself. Unlike stamped impressions that press into the metal, raised lettering is created as part of the forging process. The information is literally built into the shackle.
On a Crosby shackle, raised lettering communicates seven critical pieces of information at a glance:
Quic-Check icon
Quic-Check icon, indicating the shackle has angle indicators for enhanced safety and peace of mind.
Working Load Limit (WLL)
Working Load Limit (WLL), the maximum load the shackle is rated to handle
Brand identity
Brand identity, confirming the product is a genuine Crosby
Size designation
Size designation, so the operator can verify the correct fitting is being used
Grade
Grade, indicating the material and performance class
Product Identification Code (PIC)
Product Identification Code (PIC), a unique code allowing the user to verify authenticity and see full traceability all the way to the source of raw materials.
Angle indicators
Angle indicators, for easy angled load identification
Why forged markings last longer than alternatives
Stamped markings can fill with rust, paint, or mud, making them difficult to read in the field. Painted markings wear off during normal use. Raised lettering, by contrast, does not depend on surface coating or ink. It remains readable through corrosion repeated exposure to harsh conditions, and years of heavy use. For operations in marine, oil and gas, or construction environments where shackles are exposed to saltwater, UV, chemicals, and mechanical abrasion, the durability advantage is significant.
What every rigger should be able to read before attaching a shackle
Proper equipment identification is a foundational skill in rigging safety. Before any shackle goes into service, the operator should be able to confirm:
Certified hardware
The hardware is a certified, genuine product and not a counterfeit
Raised lettering
Raised lettering makes each of those verification steps faster and more reliable, especially in low-light conditions or environments where time pressure is a factor.
Working load limit
The correct working load limit for the planned lift
Shackle size
The shackle size matches the rigging system it is joining
Grade
The grade is appropriate for the application and environment
A quick training reference: what the marks mean
When training new riggers or reviewing procedures with experienced crews, use this as a
baseline:
WLL
This is the number that governs the lift. It’s the maximum load that a lifting or rigging component can safely handle during regular use.
Brand mark
Confirms authenticity. If the Crosby name is not clearly readable or has a different font/location, question the product.
Size
Is appropriate for the wire rope, chain, or sling in the rigging system and as specified on the lift plan.
Grade
Indicates the metallurgical class and load performance level.
The industry standard that should be universal
Crosby shackles set the standard for raised lettering. The value of that standard is not realized at the point of purchase. It is realized on every job site, during every inspection, and across every service cycle where the marking remains readable, and the operator can make a fully informed decision.
That is the standard the industry should expect. It is the standard Crosby shackles deliver.
Learn more about Crosby shackles with raised lettering
