That job in Galveston taught me to double-check my lift bag rigging

Last month I was working on a pier repair in Galveston and my lift bag came loose mid-ascent because I'd used a cheap shackle. The bag shot up and I had to swim hard to avoid it. Now I only use rated hardware and check every connection before I go down. Anyone else have a close call with gear failing underwater?

4 comments

4 Comments

jessica92114d ago

Betty Perry nailed it honestly, cheap hardware is just asking for trouble down there. I read somewhere that a lot of those lower-grade shackles can have tiny cracks you can't see, especially after a few dives. Hearing @betty_perry24 and @thea602 both talk about shackles snapping really makes me glad I switched to all stainless steel stuff now. Thea's story about 40 feet of water is scary cause that's deep enough to get hurt bad if something goes wrong. Better to spend the extra cash than have a bag rocket up and catch you off guard.

betty_perry2421d ago

Galveston taught me that lesson too, cheap hardware isn't worth the risk.

thea60221d ago

I had a shackle snap on me in 40 feet of water off Port Aransas, scared me straight.

the_alice21d ago

@thea602 I think you mean Port Aransas is in Texas not sure that's 40 feet though