Compact dimensions, fixed connection and serious load capacity – a premium Wichard snap shackle for demanding sailing applications.

The Wichard #2472 HR Snap Shackle is designed around a simple principle: when your installation does not require the connection to rotate, a fixed eye provides a direct, compact attachment point.

At only 70mm long and 90g, the #2472 delivers a nautical Working Load of 1,280kg and Breaking Load of 3,000kg. Wichard achieves this performance with a forged construction manufactured from high-resistance 17-4 PH stainless steel.

Fixed Eye – Designed When Rotation Is Not Required

The defining feature of the Wichard #2472 is its:

Fixed Eye

Unlike a swivel-eye snap shackle, the rear attachment point does not rotate.

Wichard specifically recommends this model for snap shackle applications where free rotation is not required.

This makes it an excellent solution when you want a direct and compact attachment point without the additional movement of a swivel.

Fixed Eye or Swivel Eye?

The choice depends on the installation.

A swivel eye is useful when the connected component needs freedom to rotate.

The fixed eye #2472 is designed for installations where that rotation is unnecessary.

The result is a straightforward connection with fewer moving elements.

HR – High Resistance Construction

The Wichard #2472 is an HR – High Resistance model manufactured from:

17-4 PH Stainless Steel

The snap shackle is forged, giving it the mechanical performance required for demanding sailing loads.

This combination is one of the most important reasons to choose the #2472: it provides substantial load capacity while maintaining compact dimensions and low weight.

1,280kg Working Load

The Wichard #2472 offers:

Working Load: 1,280kg

Wichard specifies this Working Load specifically for nautical applications.

Considering that the snap shackle measures only 70mm and weighs 90g, its 1.28-tonne Working Load gives it an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

Breaking Load – 3,000kg

The manufacturer specifies:

Breaking Load: 3,000kg

That means this compact 70mm snap shackle has a manufacturer-rated Breaking Load of 3 tonnes.

It is important not to confuse Breaking Load with Working Load. For normal nautical operation, the relevant manufacturer specification is the 1,280kg Working Load.

Captive Plunger Pin

An important practical feature of the #2472 is its:

Captive Plunger Pin

Wichard designs the plunger pin so that it is retained in the hook and cannot become detached.

This is particularly useful aboard a yacht, where a small loose pin could easily be dropped or lost during operation.

The captive system means:

Easier handling + no loose release pin + reduced risk of losing an essential component

Easy Release

Opening the Wichard #2472 is straightforward.

Simply:

Pull the Plunger Pin

Wichard also allows a lanyard to be attached to the plunger pin, providing a convenient way to operate the release depending on the installation.

This combination of high strength and practical operation makes the snap shackle particularly useful for sailing rigging.

Compact 70mm Design

One of the strongest advantages of the #2472 is the performance packed into a relatively small component.

Length: 70mm

Weight: 90g

Working Load: 1,280kg

Breaking Load: 3,000kg

This makes it an attractive option where installation space and weight matter but a high-load snap shackle is still required.

Technical Specifications

These are Wichard’s published specifications for part #2472.

Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio

At only 90 grams, the Wichard #2472 handles a nautical Working Load of 1,280kg.

That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this model when designing or upgrading sailing rigging.

You get:

High load capacity + low weight + compact 70mm dimensions

without adding an unnecessary swivel when free rotation is not required.

When Is a Fixed Eye the Better Choice?

A swivel is not automatically better for every application.

If the connection does not need to rotate freely, a fixed-eye snap shackle can provide a simpler and more direct solution.

Wichard specifically positions the #2472 for fixed-eye snap shackle applications where free rotation is not needed.

This makes the product particularly interesting when:

• The orientation of the connection is already controlled
• Free rotation is unnecessary
• A compact snap shackle is preferred
• High load capacity is required
• Low weight is important
• A secure, quickly releasable connection is needed

Why Choose the Wichard 2472?

The Wichard #2472 combines several characteristics that are particularly valuable in performance-oriented sailing hardware:

• Premium Wichard marine hardware
• HR – High Resistance construction
• Forged 17-4 PH stainless steel
• Compact 70mm length
• Fixed eye attachment
• Designed for applications where free rotation is unnecessary
• Captive plunger pin
• Pin cannot become detached from the snap shackle
• Easy opening by pulling the plunger pin
• Possibility to attach a lanyard
• 1,280kg Working Load for nautical applications
• 3,000kg Breaking Load
• Weight of only 90g
• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• Made in France

Working Load vs Breaking Load

The two figures serve different purposes.

Working Load – 1,280kg

Wichard states that the published Working Load applies to nautical applications.

This is the relevant manufacturer load figure when selecting the snap shackle for normal marine operation.

Breaking Load – 3,000kg

Breaking Load represents the manufacturer’s specified failure load.

It must not be treated as the normal permissible operating load.

Always select the appropriate hardware according to the Working Load and the requirements, geometry and load direction of the complete rigging system.

High Strength Without Unnecessary Complexity

The Wichard 2472 HR Snap Shackle Fixed Eye 70mm is an excellent example of purpose-designed sailing hardware.

It does not include a swivel simply for the sake of having one. Instead, its fixed eye is specifically intended for installations where free rotation is unnecessary.

Its forged 17-4 PH stainless-steel construction provides the strength required for demanding loads, while the captive plunger pin makes everyday handling simple and secure.

At just 70mm long and 90g, it delivers:

1,280kg Nautical Working Load

3,000kg Breaking Load

Choose the Wichard #2472 HR Snap Shackle from Cavo Yachting when you need a compact, lightweight and exceptionally strong fixed-eye snap shackle for sailing rigging.

Key Specifications at a Glance