Stainless Steel Swivels

Frequently asked questions

Eye and eye, eye and jaw or jaw and jaw: how do I choose?

Closed eyes need a shackle or link at each end, while jaws pin directly onto a chain link, eye or padeye and remove a component from the assembly. An eye and jaw swivel is a common compromise between anchor and chain. In this range all three types are AISI 316, and the two jaw types share one size table from 6 to 16 mm.

What do the breaking loads for SS018, SS0181 and SS0182 mean?

They are the loads, in kg, at which the swivels are expected to fail, from 820 kg for the 5 mm SS018 up to 16100 kg for the 20 mm SS018. They are not working load limits and must be divided by a safety factor appropriate to the application. Rotation under load and side loading should also be considered.

When is a swivel snap shackle the right choice?

When a line must both spin freely and be released quickly, as with spinnaker sheets and guys, halyards and tack lines. The swivel stops twist building up and the plunger jaw opens without untying. SS451 has a swivel eye, while SS453 has a key pin swivel end that pins directly to a fitting.

Why AISI 316 for swivels?

Swivels in anchor, mooring and deck use stay wet with sea water, where the molybdenum in 316 gives better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion than 304. The crevices around the swivel bearing and pins are where corrosion tends to start, so the grade matters. Regular rinsing and inspection still extend service life.

What should a swivel RFQ include?

Give the code, size and quantity per size, whether a breaking-load test certificate is needed, and any marking or private-label packaging. For a modified eye, jaw or pin, send a drawing or sample.