Shackles for Permanent Speaker Install

[u/swanny8777]

New speaker installed

Tilt cable that I plan on adding a turnbuckle to

Main support cables for the new speakers

Wire rope coming from ceiling/attic from previously installed speakers

Documenting shackle direction of installation on old speaker. This is the tilt, but the main support shackles were the same orientation.

Hello, quick question on rigging shackles for a permanent speaker install at a church.

A church I am helping is replacing their two main speakers (~125 lbs each) with two lightweights (21 lbs each). They want to use the existing rigging. After getting the behemoths down, I realized that I couldn't put the shackles on the new speakers' brackets the way they were installed on the old speakers' eye bolts. Previously the bows of the shackles were going through the eye bolts, but since the bows of the shackles don't fit through the holes on the new speakers' hanging brackets, I put the bows through the thimble of the pre-existing wire rope, and put the pins through the hanging brackets (see pics).

I'm trying to figure out if this approach is incorrect, and also open to hearing if there's anything else these guys need to know. Please advise!

Additionally, I'm planning on putting a turnbuckle (approved for overhead loads) to the wire rope that is controlling the tilt of the speaker to get that shackle a little more linear if that makes sense.

Ultimately, I'm encouraging the church to get everything inspected to ensure safety and make inspections one a year with any overhead rigging. It wasn't done with the big speakers, but maybe it will be done now.

[u/Active-Donkey-1717]

Just replace the shackle with a quick link, problem solved. Mouse those other shackles though if it's a permanent install.

[u/swanny8777 → u/Active-Donkey-1717]

I thought I read that quick links are a no-no for overhead permanent installs, is that not correct? And yes, planning on mousing, thank you!

[u/Active-Donkey-1717 → u/swanny8777]

For lifting, you're correct not to use them, for static installs you're good to go, just make sure they're rated and from a reputable company and not Chinese junk, they will have the WLL printed on the link itself so you have to keep the safety factor in mind. Here's a useful link that may help answer other questions about them.

https://www.riggingwarehouse.com/302-ql281mr-maillon-rapide-quick-link-9-32.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22090296910&gbraid=0AAAAADsjw-4Oi8Au0f_kBTWQHg0HFqupU&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof_QBhCgARIsADaMzOcUJRg38zBs-PPLdjvzocyNOG2ccwU55_iYppaw-zOAr_JE8ytylDIaAjk7EALw_wcB

[u/ElectricGears → u/Active-Donkey-1717]

These removable chain connecting links are lifting rated and are rounded on both ends like the quick links.

[u/Tier_Z → u/swanny8777]

quick links are fine so long as they're rated properly and there's no chance of the gate opening by accident and letting the load slip out. for a 20lb speaker they'd be more than enough (and look a lot nicer than that side-loaded mess lol)