Davis Instruments Shockles® LineSnubber™
Reduce Dangerous Shock Loads
What is the Shockles LineSnubber?
Shockles are the shock-absorbing solution that minimizes stress on all lines. With a progressive tension design and patented Internal Stretch Limiter, the further it stretches, the greater the return force.
For Marine Applications:
- Davis LineSnubber is a multi-purpose shock absorber for use on any boat.
- Patented design reduces shock to any line, cleat, or ground tackle, including bow rollers and rigging.
- Attaches, adjusts, or removes quickly and easily; use a simple clove hitch or buy a pair of Davis LineGrabbers™ (#2460).
- Reduces or eliminates all noise from creaking, groaning dock lines or ground tackle—jarring is minimized too.
- Increases the life of dock or anchor lines by reducing chafe.
- Compensates for tidal surge and chop from wind waves.
- When rigged properly, LineSnubber keeps boats centered in the slip.
- Excellent as both a dock line snubber and anchor snubber.
- One size serves most applications, or double up and use two LineSnubbers side-by-side on heavier boats.
- Available in two colors: blue or black.
Important Safety Information
⚠️ General Warnings:
- Always use Shockles in parallel with a strong rope or line. Never allow Shockles to bear a full load alone. Shockles are designed to absorb in-line shock only.
- Do not use any Shockles product to directly suspend or hold any loads or as a personal tether. Not for climbing or for use as a static line.
- Always consult with a qualified engineer for any special applications.
Rigging and Safety
Shockles are strong, but it is important that they be rigged correctly. Shockles should never bear the full load alone—always rig in tandem with the line so the line bears the load when Shockles are stretched. In most applications, the optimum slack that should be allowed in a load-bearing line is six inches or less (15 cm). That is all the slack that is usually needed for Shockles to do their job.
Visual Description: Two photos show the LineSnubber rigged in-line with the load. The slack is visible in the left photo. In the right photo, the slack has been 'neatened up' by wrapping it around the snubber. In most cases, two or three wraps will equal 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).
Rigging Options
Two methods of attaching LineSnubber:
1. Davis LineGrabber™, #2460 (Optional Accessory)
LineGrabber makes attaching LineSnubber fast and simple on any line up to 1" (25 mm). LineGrabber is made of high modulus polyethylene line with a loop sewn in each end. It is attached anywhere along the line by using a simple climbing knot called a Prusik hitch. LineGrabbers are sold in pairs and allow for easy adjustment during initial setup or when changing attachment location.
2. Clove Hitch Knot
The other way to attach LineSnubber is by using a simple clove hitch. The clove hitch is not as easily adjustable as LineGrabber, but is perfectly acceptable on all line up to 3/4" in diameter (19 mm).
Detailed Clove Hitch Instructions
To attach LineSnubber to lines 3/4" (19 mm) and smaller:
- Step 1: Form two loops. The left loop is nearer, the right further away.
- Step 2: Extend your left arm slightly, taking the left loop further away.
- Step 3: Move the left loop behind the right one, forming the hitch.
- Step 4: Snap your Shockle to the constricting loop. With a clove hitch, the more you pull, the tighter it becomes.
Rigging Note: NEVER allow LineSnubber to bear the full load. Instead, always rig LineSnubber in-line, leaving 32-36" (81–91 cm) of working slack between the carabiners ?.
Maximum Recommended Working Stretch
Visual Description: The diagram shows the relaxed position of the LineSnubber at 28" (71 cm). When stretched to 4" (10 cm), it reaches 32" (81 cm). When stretched to 8" (20 cm), it reaches 36" (91 cm). Leaving 32-36" of working slack allows the LineSnubber to stretch 4-8" (10-20 cm) before the line takes over to bear the full load.
Suggested Uses for Shockles LineSnubber
| Use | How Much Slack Line Between Carabiners | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Docklines | 32–36" (81–91 cm) allows for 4–8" of stretch (10–20 cm) | Keeps boat nicely centered between docks; reduces shock load to lines and cleats. Reduces or eliminates jarring and line noise. Increases life of dock lines. |
| Anchor Snubber | 34–36" (86–91 cm) allows for 6–8" of stretch (15–20 cm) | Reduces wear on anchor rode; helps keep anchor from shifting. Absorbs shock loads to bow roller, windlass and cleats. Quiets noise from anchor rode. See Davis AnchorSnubber™ #2420, designed for use with all-chain ground tackle. |
| Boom Preventer | 34–36" (86–91 cm) allows for 6–8" of stretch (15–20 cm) | Minimizes dramatic shock loads to boom, preventer line and attachment points. Good choice for sailing off the wind or stabilizing the boom on trawlers. |
| Tender Towing | 32–34" (81–86 cm) allows for 4–6" of stretch (10–15 cm) | Reduces stress on towing line, protects weak attachment points on tender, keeps tender from surging forward and snapping back at the end of the line. |
| Boom Tie Down | 30" (76 cm) allows for 2" of stretch (5 cm) | Keeps boom on sailboat or trawler from swinging freely, reduces static load on rigging. |
| Tender Tie Down | n/a | Secures inflatable on deck. Shockles will expand or relax as temperature changes cause the inflatable to expand or contract, holding the dinghy snugly. |
| Spinnaker Tack | 32–34" (81–86 cm) allows for 4–6" of stretch (10–15 cm) | Minimizes pressure on nylon sails caused by gusts or running into back of wave after surfing, normalizes tension on sails. |
| Tiller Leash | n/a | Keeps tiller in place at the dock or under way, protects rudder by reducing shock load in case of collision with underwater object. |
Full Line of SHOCKLES® Shock Absorbing Solutions
Unique designs engineered in the USA. Patented. Visit www.davisinstruments.com for more information.
Shockles LineSnubber
Reduces tension on dock lines—compensates for surge. Patented line stretch limiter and progressive tension design. Also useful for towing, tie-downs, and preventers. Features two 316 s.s. carabiners. Available in 20 inches (51 cm) long. Models: #2400 Blue, #2410 Black.
DockShockle
Designed for smaller, lighter boats up to 40 feet (12 m). Includes two 7 inch (18 cm) Mini-LineGrabbers for quick and easy attachment or adjustment. Use on braided or twisted line from 3/8" to 3/4" (10–19 mm). 12 inches (31 cm) long. Model: #2415 Black.
AnchorSnubber
Reduces tension on anchor chain, rode, or snubber line. Eliminates chain noise and shock loads in bumpy anchorages. Helps keep anchor set. Protects roller, windlass, and cleats. Features two 316 s.s. captive key pin shackles. 20 inches (51 cm) long. Model: #2420 Black.
LineGrabber
Adds a strong, instant attachment point to any line up to 1" (25 mm) by using a simple Prusik hitch. Made of UV resistant, Ultra High Modulus Fiber rated at 2200 pounds SWL (1000 kg). A great companion product for use with Shockles LineSnubber. Measures 9" (23 cm) long with a spliced & sewn loop at each end. Model: #2460 Pair.
MiniShockle
A heavy-duty bungee cord. MiniShockles hold up to 300 lbs. (136 kg) to protect valuable gear, ten times stronger than a standard bungee cord. Available in: #2430 Black 12" (31 cm), #2440 Black 18" (46 cm), #2445 Black 24" (61 cm).
FenderFriend
The world's only fender whip with a built-in shock absorber. Stretches up to 12" (31 cm) to protect rails, cleats, stanchions, and lifelines from shock loads. Nexus® nylon buckle makes deploying fenders a snap. Adjusts from 16–72" (0.4–1.8 m) to fit most boats. Models: #2450 Twin eye, black; #2455 Center tube, black.
