FlatLink E Expert Version Winch Shackle Mount Assembly Anodized Gray Factor 55

The Factor 55 FlatLink E is a folding winch shackle mount machined from 6000 series billet aluminum with a hard anodized gray finish meeting Military Specification Mil-A-8625 F Type III. It eliminates the conventional winch hook entirely, replacing it with a closed system winching setup using a standard 3/4" screw pin or soft shackle. The large pear-shaped mounting hole accepts attachment at either the pin or bow end of common screw pin shackles, soft shackles, and OEM recovery points.

The cable eye is retained by a 5/8" diameter 6Al4V titanium double shear pin and internal snap ring. It accommodates steel cables and synthetic ropes up to 3/8" in diameter, requires no splicing, and folds flat to less than 1.75 inches of thickness for clean fairlead stowage against roller or hawse type fairleads. EPDM rubber guards — each secured with 4 barbed tips — protect alloy fairleads and cushion line stowage. Max load rating is 16,000 pounds.

One note worth passing along: the FlatLink E's pear-shaped opening introduces the possibility of shackle side loading during momentary slack. Factor 55 themselves flag this — it's an expert-level tool that rewards attentive operators. For casual recovery use, their standard FlatLink is the lower-risk choice. If you know what you're doing and need the versatility of bow-or-pin shackle attachment, this kit delivers it at 26 ounces and made in the USA.