Rednroll

Apparently thread powder coating cost more. You'll have to pay extra for that and get the good ones like my $8-$10 HF shackles.

In all seriousness, I'm actually pretty impressed with the nice powder coating on the HF shackles.

Mark Doiron

You're putting pressure on the strap in a way for which it was not designed. I sure wouldn't do that just because the consequences of a failure could be injury or even death. Since you're that concerned about scratching up the shackles, I'd recommend some synthetic winch line ones such as these ...

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/t...waAvzqEALw_wcB

ourjeeps

Home Depot s3/4" shackle w/isolator pads $7.83

If rusting is a concern, you can pay more for hot-dipped galvanized shackles and keep the threads greased. Also the other suggestions posted above work (powder coat, paint, protective film sprays, etc). As far as theft that's a hard one. You can crank down the screw bolts with wrench and discourage casual thieves but determined ones will steal them.

We just keep our shackles and straps in a winch tool bag and avoid the theft and weathering/rusting. We also sometimes put the shackles on, on prior to trail runs, to be ready to assist or be assisted. Additionally Jeep club members often mount and then drape their pre-configured straps over the rear mounted spare for a quick tug (to give or receive).

Didn't believe this was worthy of a new post on its own - - - but saw these plated shackles at the Home Depot home center that included red shackle isolators/pads for $7.83 each, the price you typically see bare 3/4 inch shackles or a pair of isolator/pads going for alone... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...4535/206967330

mr72

That's an excellent deal, and no shipping charge if they have them in stock at the local Home Depot. Good looking out!

ourjeeps

Home Depot typically stocks 6-8 units on the shelf. I wasn't thrilled to pay about $7 with shipping for some shackle pads alone a while back. This is a good price.

And for those who only got one D-ring shackle in their more recent Mopar/Warn "Jeep Trail Rated Kit" that comes with new Jeeps (unless someone at the Dealership copped it) here's a chance to get a 2nd shackle, always better two than one. The earlier Jeep Trail Rated Kits included two shackles. This video explains the kit you should have received with your new Jeep....