Wichard Speedlink HR Trigger Snap Shackle 2957 – 8T Working Load

Wichard Speedlink HR Trigger Snap Shackle 2957 – 8T Working Load

What This Fitting Is

The Wichard 2957 is a heavy-duty quick-release trigger snap shackle in the Speedlink HR series. It is machined from 17-4 PH high-resistance stainless steel and rated for an 8,000 kg working load and 13,000 kg breaking load in nautical applications. The trigger latch geometry is engineered to resist accidental opening under impact while still allowing the shackle to be released under load — manually or with a release fid — in a single deliberate action.

Load rating note: The 8T figure is the working load, not the breaking load. The breaking load is 13,000 kg. Confirm both figures are appropriate for the intended application before installation.

Compatible Applications

• Flying-sail furler terminal fittings on performance and cruising sailboats
• Profurl NEX6.5 and NEX8.0 flying-sail furler systems (documented application)
• High-load spinnaker and code-sail halyard release points
• Heavy-duty standing and running rigging terminals where quick-release under load is required
• Racing and cruising applications requiring a high-strength swivel snap shackle

Fitment Notice

Before specifying or installing this fitting, confirm:

• Required working load and breaking load for the application
• Pin diameter and attachment-hole dimensions match the mating hardware
• Furler or rigging terminal compatibility — refer to the furler manufacturer’s rigging specifications
• Swivel configuration suits the rigging geometry
• The 8T working load rating applies to nautical applications as specified by Wichard

Kit Contents

• Wichard 2957 Speedlink HR trigger snap shackle

The Wichard release fid 10302 (150 mm anodized aluminum tool for Speedlink trigger shackles) is available separately — contact us for availability.

When to Replace

• Latch no longer closes positively and locks under load
• Release trigger binds, sticks, or does not move freely
• Body, swivel, or attachment points show deformation or elongation
• Corrosion, cracking, or significant surface wear is present on the body or latch
• Fitting has been subjected to a shock load or overload beyond its rated capacity
• Any time the fitting’s condition cannot be confirmed before a critical offshore passage or race

Installation & Inspection Notes

• Inspect the trigger and latch for free, positive movement before each use season
• Verify complete closure and positive latch engagement before loading
• Inspect all bearing surfaces and attachment holes for elongation or wear
• Confirm all associated rigging components meet or exceed the shackle’s working load rating
• Keep the release trigger area clear of lines, sheets, or hardware that could cause accidental release or prevent intentional release
• Follow Wichard rigging guidelines and furler-manufacturer installation specifications
• A release fid (Wichard 10302) is recommended for reliable one-handed release under load in demanding conditions

Service Interval

Inspect before each sailing season and after any known overload, shock load, or collision event. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure and inspect the latch, trigger, and swivel for corrosion, binding, or wear. Replace rather than repair if any structural or functional deficiency is found — high-load snap shackles are safety-critical components.

Technical FAQ

What is the difference between working load and breaking load?
The working load (8,000 kg / 8T) is the maximum load the fitting is designed to carry in normal service. The breaking load (13,000 kg / 13T) is the load at which the fitting is tested to structural failure. In rigging practice, the working load is the figure to match against the load requirements of the application. Never size a fitting by breaking load alone.

Can this shackle be released under load?
Yes. The Speedlink HR design allows the shackle to be opened under load, either manually or with the Wichard release fid 10302. The anti-accidental-release latch geometry requires a deliberate action to open, reducing the risk of unintended release from impact or vibration.

Is 2957 compatible with Profurl NEX furlers?
Profurl documents the Wichard 2957 as a compatible fitting for their NEX6.5 and NEX8.0 flying-sail furler systems. Confirm fitment against your specific Profurl installation manual before ordering.

What is the Wichard release fid 10302?
The 10302 is a 150 mm anodized aluminum release tool designed specifically for use with Wichard Speedlink trigger snap shackles. It allows reliable one-handed release under load in conditions where manual finger access to the trigger is difficult. Ask us about availability.

What stainless steel grade is used?
17-4 PH (precipitation-hardened) stainless steel, designated HR (high-resistance) by Wichard. This is a marine-grade high-strength alloy with good corrosion resistance in saltwater environments, selected for high-load rigging hardware.

Parts Desk Insights

The key point to communicate to customers with the 2957 is the load rating distinction — the 8T is the working load, and the breaking load is 13T. Customers comparing snap shackles sometimes conflate the two figures, which can lead to under-specifying the fitting for the application. The other thing worth confirming is the release-fid situation: in a performance sailing context where this shackle is at the tack of a code sail or on a furler, being able to release it cleanly under load in challenging conditions is the whole point, and the 10302 fid makes that much more reliable than finger operation alone. If the customer is fitting this to a Profurl NEX system, the manufacturer has already done the compatibility work — it’s a documented fit for NEX6.5 and NEX8.0.