This historic surface or underground worker manually linked the heavy iron chains and pins between coal tubs to form a continuous train. They worked directly on the haulage roads or at the pit bottom, ensuring the load was securely fastened before the winding engine or locomotive pulled it away. The role required speed and physical strength, carrying a high risk of crushed hands between the heavy steel buffers.
Hold the trip a second, the shackler is still pinning the last two tubs together at the back.
Because they worked constantly with heavy, moving steel links in dim light, veteran shacklers were often identified by missing fingers.
Related terms
Tub
An open-topped container or small rail car used to hoist mined material up a shaft.
Wagoner
A traditional worker who pushed or drove loaded mine cars from the face to the shaft.
Mine car
A rail vehicle used to transport broken rock or supplies underground.
Haulier
A worker responsible for transporting extracted coal or ore from the working face to the main hoisting shaft.