Shockles Line Snubber™ Safety, Rigging & Care
Safety
SHOCKLES® are quite strong and have been tested to have a load rating of 2,500 lbs, however, it is IMPORTANT that your SHOCKLES be rigged with a safety loop so that in the event that the load on the SHOCKLES becomes too great, the safety line will take the load.
When rigged correctly, the load rating of the system is that of the safety line. The length of this safety loop should NOT BE LONGER THAN 80% of the SHOCKLE length, and be securely fastened to the carabiner at each end.
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Rigging
The best way to rig your Shockles Line Snubber is by using our LineGrabbers. These strong, simple loops of Dyneema provide a simple, fast and easy way to attach, adjust and remove your Shockles from any size line. For attaching a Shockle to lines smaller than 9/16", you can use a clove hitch (but we don't recommend this for extended attachment since any knot can weaken your line as well as become 'welded' in place if left in a marine environment more more than a few days.
When using LineGrabbers, you can easily adjust the exact amount of stretch you want in the Shockle (up to 14"). If you simply want to keep your boat centered between two slips when docking without excessive movement, just leave a small amount of slack dock line between the carabiners (perhaps 26"). If you want longer shock absorbing, leave up to 334" of slack between the carabiners.
NEVER use your Shockles as the primary attachment. ALWAYS use your Shockles with a safety line between the carabiners.
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Caring for your Shockles
Like any important piece of marine equipment, you’ll want to inspect and clean your SHOCKLES periodically. Make sure the carabiner gates open easily and smoothly, especially if they’ve been in salt water. If the gate seems a bit ‘sticky’ you can usually solve this with a SLIGHT sideways pressure on the gate when it is open. Keeping a little pressure on one side and then the other, open and close the gate a few times. This will smooth out any internal oxidation that may have occurred in the hinge (normal). Then you can spray a little NON OIL BASED lubricant into the hinge and spring area. [Oil based lubricants will generally attract dirt.]
While the nylon outer cover is sun-resistant, this doesn’t mean that it won’t deteriorate gradually over time if left in direct sunshine for extended periods (6 months or more). The strength of the outer stitching and cover itself will also be reduced over time. This will NOT affect the ultimate strength rating of the SHOCKLE however, since the shock cord, internal strength member and bar tacks are all contained inside the cover.
To clean your SHOCKLE simply put it in a sink or bucket with warm water and mild soap and give it a scrub, carabiners and all. Rinse thoroughly with cool, fresh water.
