Easy to tighten and loosen - without the use of tools.
The NU-D Rated Towing Shackle stemmed from Chris’s frustrations at dealing with ‘difficult to remove’ shackles. A keen boatie and regular trailer user, he often heard of other people’s predicaments of being caught out at the boat ramp without the necessary tools to undo the traditional fiddly shackle. At the same time, feeling the heat of holding up a queue while trying to release your boat off the trailer, he decided there had to be a better way – a shackle that can be ‘easier to tighten and loosen without the use of tools.
After refining the shackle and developing an early prototype, Chris teamed up with Alistair, a fellow boatie. Together, they have tested and trademarked the NU-D-rated towing shackle. The NU-D shackle with its signature ‘large pin head’ was presented to the NZ public in the Innovation Tent at the 2018 Fieldays at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. Positive feedback flooded in, including people with arthritic hands who found the shackle easier to grip and others who live in colder climates were amazed at how easy the shackle was to use – even with gloves on! The enlarged pin head gives the shackle more leverage – a winning design for all! The Big Pin Head is the symbolic trademark of the NU-D Rated Towing Shackle, which is available in galvanised and stainless steel in various sizes.
