Widely recognized for their first-rate materials, design and workmanship, Wichard products are highly documented, ISO 9001 certified, and backed by a 5-year warranty. Functional load (SWL) is the maximal static load the product can endure without deforming. Breaking load is the static load at which total failure, by rupture or deformation, occurs. Prudence dictates not exceeding 80% of the functional limit. All Wichard snap shackles are hot forged and passivated, providing exceptional reliability, eliminating internal structural defects and protecting against oxidation. Wichard's HR, high resistance, 17.4 PH alloy is one of the strongest available in marine hardware. This slightly magnetic alloy is used in their top-end products.