Wichard MX Shackles: a block alternative for static, high-load applications

Wichard MX Shackles: a block alternative for static, high-load applications: "
This is pretty clever! Sometimes, you need a bit of purchase for a line you don’t adjust often, and sometimes you would prefer not to incur the weight or maintenance penalties a block demands.



If only somebody were to manufacture a fitting with a really smooth dished surface of moderate radius that smooth synthetic line could slide over…

Hey, they did it!

Obviously, this is not an all-purpose block replacement. Far from it. But once in a while, this might be just the right fitting.

Let’s see what Wichard says about it:

The MX is a High Resistance halyard shackle fully forged in 17/4 PH stainless steel to take on the high loads. MX has been specifically designed for static load operations and can be used to replace the terminals on flying sail furlers (i.e halyard block) or as a 2:1 purchase for your mainsail.

Outstanding strength/weight ratio:
Fully forged in High Resistance stainless steel, the MX offers one of the best strength/weight ratios on the market. Compared to standard blocks and for the same line diameter, the MX offers much higher working and breaking loads as well as optimised dimensions and weight.

A unique design:
Thanks to its unique design, the MX can excellently distribute the stresses. Its particular shape enables the MX to perfectly position the line to avoid undue and excessive wear on the line.

Easy to install:


The MX requires no specific lashing knowledge. Its installation is as easy as installing a shackle, thanks to its Wichard self-locking pin.

Reliable and maintenance free:


The MX does not include any mechanical parts (i.e sheave) which can potentially break. Moreover, it does not require any particular maintenance.

APPLICATIONS

As terminal for flying sail furlers:
The MX can effectively replace the terminal of your flying sail furlers, especially the halyard block, by providing an outstanding strength/weight ratio. When luff tension is needed, it can be used:

• to replace the halyard block on top swivel
• to replace the lower terminal on spool (snap shackle etc.)

As a halyard shackle for mainsail halyards (2:1 purchase):

The MX has been specifically designed to adapt itself to the heads of most mainsails. Thus it can be used in place of a 2:1 purchase on a mainsail halyard making it easier to tension the halyard and hoist the mainsail.
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