What is the Soft Shackle (Edwards) used for?

Replacing a metal shackle in sailing connections with less weight; Connecting sheets, halyards, and blocks aboard; Lightweight anchoring in rigging and rescue; Quick connections that can be opened and closed by hand; Reducing the risk of injury from a loose metal fitting on deck.

How do you tie the Soft Shackle (Edwards)?

The Soft Shackle (Edwards) is a soft shackle made entirely from high-modulus rope, such as Dyneema, that replaces a metal shackle with much less weight. The Edwards model is a specific variant for laying up the loop and the button (diamond) knot that closes it. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Soft Shackle (Edwards) hard to tie?

The Soft Shackle (Edwards) is rated hard, in the Lashings category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Soft Shackle (Edwards)?

Tighten the diamond knot until it's really firm (use pliers or a vise); if it's left loose, it can be pulled into the shackle under extreme load; High-modulus rope is sensitive to abrasion and friction heat; inspect it regularly; Leave enough tail so the button can't come undone under load.

Soft Shackle (Edwards)

Q: What other names does the Soft Shackle (Edwards) have?

It is also known as Soft Shackle (Edwards), Edwards Soft Shackle, Grillete blando Edwards, Manilha macia Edwards.

A high-modulus (Dyneema) rope shackle, Edwards style, replaces a metal shackle with far less weight

Also called: Soft Shackle (Edwards), Edwards Soft Shackle, Grillete blando Edwards, Manilha macia Edwards

What it is for

Replacing a metal shackle in sailing connections with less weight
Connecting sheets, halyards, and blocks aboard
Lightweight anchoring in rigging and rescue
Quick connections that can be opened and closed by hand
Reducing the risk of injury from a loose metal fitting on deck