Shackle forged | A2/A4
Forged strap eye, also known as a fairlead eye, in stainless steel. The forged construction provides high strength and durability, and the strap eye is suitable for both sailboats and motorboats.
Choose quality: stainless steel A2 or acid-proof A4. For marine environments and saltwater, A4 is recommended.
APPLICATION AREA
The strap eye is used for securing rigging components and blocks, as well as for attaching various deck equipment, covers, and lines.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Product type: Strap eye / fairlead eye, forged
- Quality: A2 / AISI 304 or A4 / AISI 316 (choose variant)
- Mounting: Two screw holes for through-bolts or screws
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is a strap eye (fairlead eye) and how is it used?
A strap eye (often called a fairlead eye, deck eye, or line guide) is a hardware component designed to guide, secure, and relieve tension on lines, wires, and rigging equipment on both sailboats and motorboats:
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Guiding lines and sheets: Acts as a durable line guide that keeps halyards, reefing lines, and steering systems in the correct direction across the deck without tangling or chafing.
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Attachment point for rigging and deck hardware: Used for attaching chafe guards, cover straps, fender securements, safety lines, or lead blocks.
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Compact profile with dual attachment points: Mounts flat against the deck, hull, or mast with two through-bolts/screws, providing a stable and low profile that reduces the risk of snagging toes or lines.
When should you choose Stainless A2 versus Acid-proof A4?
The choice between A2 and A4 depends entirely on how exposed the mounting location is to salt, chemicals, and constant moisture:
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Acid-proof stainless steel A4 (AISI 316): The obvious choice for all marine applications, outdoor decks, rigging, and freeboards. The molybdenum alloy provides maximum protection against saltwater, crevice corrosion, and pitting.
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Stainless steel A2 (AISI 304): Suitable for protected environments, the interior of the cabin, storage lockers, freshwater environments (lakes), or less demanding outdoor constructions where it is not exposed to direct saltwater or aggressive chemicals.
How do you mount a fairlead eye for a waterproof and strong result on deck?
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Use through-bolts and backing washers: For loaded installations on deck, it is best to use through-deck M-threaded machine screws (A4) with large fender washers and locking nuts on the underside to distribute the force into the laminate.
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Seal the screw holes carefully: Apply a marine sealant (e.g., deck caulk or polyurethane-based sealant) around the screw holes and under the contact surface of the strap eye before tightening to prevent water intrusion into the boat's deck core.
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Feed lines at the correct angle: Ensure the lead angle of the line does not create excessive chafing against the inside of the strap eye. A4 steel has an extremely smooth and fine surface, but for continuous heavy friction, nylon sheaves or lead blocks should be considered.