Snap Shackles & Dive Gear

[Dave616]

Does anyone use Snap Shackles on dive gear? If so/not why?

 

[DevonDiver]

I've never used them, and have no intention to. I can't see what the benefit would be over a regular bolt-snap?

 

[Andyblue]

No I do not. they look hard to use with thick gloves on.

 

[vladimir]

They look like they'd be more difficult to operate with one hand.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Too complicated for one hand use. I'd guess also more expensive than a regular bolt snap.

 

[DevonDiver]

They seem to be approx $10 each. HERE They're designed for sailing, not scuba.

I just can't think of any scuba diving application that they would be optimal for.

 

[dkktsunami]

Very clunky looking.

 

[Dave616]

I have a few tactical weapon slings with snap shackles and it's a somewhat nice quick release feature for a weapon.
I wasn't sure if there was anything in the diving world that would require a quick release.

It seems like one would exceed the point of diminishing returns when you are using a $40 snap shackle when compared to a $4 bolt snap.

 

[romad119]

Use snap shackles on my lanyard for clipping into the floor of helos and thats a rare event.

 

[captndale]

This is the type of shackle that is commonly used for the spinnaker sheets on a sail boat. They are designed to hold large loads and to be able to be opened while under load. They are useful for many rigging applications both on the boat and underwater. An example of a good application would be on a lift bag to attach a load that could be easily dropped in an emergency. I have seen many commercial divers use them for things like hanging tools to their diving rigs. To make it easier to open the shackle, a short, thick lanyard is usually tied into the release trigger.

Bolt snaps are good for most diving applications but are not intended for heavy loads and cannot be released under load.