No protruding pin, no unnecessary snagging and Wichard self-locking security – a smart D shackle for compact and demanding sailing installations.

The Wichard Self-Locking Allen Head Pin D Shackle has been specifically designed for applications where strength, security and minimum overall bulk are equally important.

Unlike a conventional shackle with a protruding pin head, this model uses a recessed Allen head pin. The head stays within the profile of the shackle, significantly reducing the possibility of catching on sails, ropes or nearby equipment.

Wichard specifically recommends it for connecting chain to anchor, use on halyards where it helps avoid damaging sails, and installations where space is limited.

For Cavo Yachting, the product is available in three sizes:

8mm – Wichard #1304
10mm – Wichard #1305
12mm – Wichard #1306

Recessed Allen Head Pin – Nothing Sticking Out

One of the strongest advantages of this Wichard shackle is immediately visible:

The pin head does not protrude from the shackle body.

Instead of a conventional projecting pin, the shackle uses an Allen / hex socket head that remains inside the overall profile.

Why is this important?

A protruding pin can potentially catch on a sail, rope or other nearby equipment. By keeping the pin head flush within the shackle’s profile, Wichard reduces this snagging risk.

This makes it particularly useful for installations where there is very little free space around the connection.

Ideal for Halyards

Wichard specifically identifies halyard applications for this model.

Because the Allen head pin does not protrude, Wichard states that when used on a halyard it helps avoid damaging the sails.

This is a major practical advantage compared with hardware that has exposed or projecting edges close to sailcloth.

Ideal for Connecting Chain & Anchor

Another application specifically recommended by Wichard is:

Connecting Chain to Anchor

The D-shaped body provides a strong, direct connection, while the recessed Allen pin keeps the overall assembly compact.

The combination of high Working Load, self-locking security and compact geometry makes this model particularly suitable where a clean, strong connection is required.

Designed for Reduced Space

Wichard also recommends the Allen Head Pin D Shackle:

When available space is limited

This is where the design really makes sense.

There is no large pin head unnecessarily extending beyond the body. The result is a cleaner and more compact profile that can be particularly useful in tight rigging installations.

Self-Locking Security

The Allen head design does not mean sacrificing security.

This is a genuine:

Wichard Self-Locking Shackle

The pin locks into an indentation incorporated into the shackle body, helping prevent accidental loosening caused by vibration.

That is especially valuable on a sailing yacht, where hardware is constantly exposed to movement, vibration and changing loads.

The result is a clever combination:

Recessed Allen Pin + Self-Locking Design + Compact Profile

Forged 316L Stainless Steel

All three sizes are manufactured from:

Forged 316L Stainless Steel

This gives the shackle the corrosion resistance expected from premium marine stainless steel together with the mechanical performance of a forged component.

Wichard also highlights the high Working and Breaking Loads of the range and specifies CE marking.

Three Available Sizes

Wichard distinguishes between Working Load (WL) for nautical applications and Working Load Limit (WLL) for industrial applications.

Wichard #1304 – 8mm

The 8mm #1304 is the lightest and most compact Cavo Yachting option.

Nautical Working Load: 960kg

Breaking Load: 2,700kg

Industrial WLL: 540kg

Weight: only 53g

At only 53 grams, the 8mm version provides an impressive 960kg nautical Working Load and 2.7-tonne Breaking Load.

This makes it an excellent option when minimum weight and compact dimensions are important.

Wichard #1305 – 10mm

The 10mm #1305 increases load capacity considerably:

Nautical Working Load: 1,440kg

Breaking Load: 4,300kg

Industrial WLL: 860kg

Weight: 99g

With a nautical Working Load of 1.44 tonnes while weighing less than 100 grams, the #1305 provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

It retains the same recessed Allen pin and self-locking design.

Wichard #1306 – 12mm

For higher-load applications, choose the 12mm #1306.

Nautical Working Load: 2,080kg

Breaking Load: 6,000kg

Industrial WLL: 1,200kg

Weight: 187g

This is the strongest of the three available sizes, with a nautical Working Load exceeding 2 tonnes and a substantial 6-tonne Breaking Load.

For demanding installations where both high strength and a snag-free compact pin design are required, the 12mm version is the obvious step up.

Detailed Dimensions

The specifications above correspond to Wichard parts #1304, #1305 and #1306.

Working Load vs Breaking Load

When selecting the correct shackle, the load ratings must be interpreted correctly.

Working Load (WL) is the figure Wichard specifies for nautical applications.

Working Load Limit (WLL) applies to industrial applications.

Breaking Load represents the failure load and must not be treated as the normal permissible operating load.

For industrial WLL, Wichard states a safety factor of 5, meaning WLL = Breaking Load ÷ 5.

For use aboard a yacht or sailing boat, select the appropriate size according to the nautical Working Load, dimensions and requirements of the complete installation.

Why Choose an Allen Head Pin Shackle?

The key reason is reduced snagging and minimum bulk.

With a standard pin, part of the pin head normally extends outside the shackle body. In installations close to sails, ropes or other hardware, this can become an unwanted obstruction.

With the Wichard Allen Head Pin design, the head does not protrude beyond the shackle body.

That makes it particularly attractive for:

• Halyards
• Chain-to-anchor connections
• Tight installations
• Areas close to sails
• Connections where snagging must be minimised
• Applications where a compact shackle profile is important

Why Choose the Wichard Allen Head Pin D Shackle?

• Genuine Wichard marine hardware
• D-shaped self-locking shackle
• Recessed Allen / hex socket pin
• Pin head does not protrude from the body
• Reduces snagging risk
• Helps protect sails when used on halyards
• Ideal for chain-to-anchor connections
• Ideal where available space is limited
• Self-locking design
• Helps prevent pin loosening from vibration
• Forged construction
• 316L stainless steel
• Available in 8mm, 10mm & 12mm
• Nautical Working Load up to 2,080kg
• Breaking Load up to 6,000kg
• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• CE marking
• Premium solution for sailing and yacht rigging

Technical Specifications – Variable Product