Thanks for the recommendation. I guess I should clarify my use of the term "grind down". In my case, the amount of grinding required to make the shackles fit was extremely minimal - probably less than 1/64". It was a matter of working over some of the surface area that was binding with the powder-coating on the plate portion of the bumper. Nothing major but just enough to keep the shackle from rotating in the D-ring. I still believe that Expedition One should fix this issue though as I tried three separate brands of shackles and all of them had similar fitment issues.
I would agree with you in that excessive grinding will weaken the shackle and reduce the shackle's integrity and working load limit rating. So I will look at adding a small note to the article so others are also aware of the potential dangers.
Cheers,
Jeff
Thanks for the explanation. Practically, I am sure the little that you did is fine (probably on a casting seam) but technically, it would still not pass the rigging examinations and certifications I deal with on a daily basis. I once saw shackles that had a company's name engraved on them, and we were not able to use them unless a waiver was signed. Instead they threw them out and started fresh with new ones
I dont want to argue it.... I have seen it first hand, shackles fail, chains fail, steel rope fails, lawsuits filed, insurance claims filed, nobody ever wins.
This is why a visual inspection must be done every time you use a shackle or any other piece of recovery gear and should be replaced often
There are great forces involved in vehicle recovery, I would not want to risk it to a even slightly modified shackle or worn out piece of gear.
It would actually be safer to remove some of the material from the clevis tab attached to the bumper than the actual shackle itself. It is probably the powder coat that is slightly too thick at that point.
