Better price out there?
🧾 Overview
The Factor 55 FlatLink Expert (FlatLink E) Closed Winch Shackle Mount is a premium winch-line upgrade designed to replace a traditional winch hook with a low-profile, closed-system shackle interface. When not in use, the FlatLink E folds neatly into the fairlead, improving approach angle and eliminating hook rattle.
Machined from 6000-series billet aluminum and secured using a double-shear aerospace-grade titanium pin, the FlatLink E delivers exceptional strength while remaining compatible with steel or synthetic winch lines—with no rope splicing required. Integrated EPDM rubber guards protect alloy fairleads, cushion line stowage, and reduce noise.
The large pear-shaped shackle mounting hole allows attachment to either the pin or bow end of common screw-pin shackles, soft shackles, and OEM recovery points. This flexibility makes the FlatLink E ideal for Closed System Winching, where all recovery hardware uses closed-link connections for maximum safety and control.
✔ Replaces traditional winch hook with a closed-system shackle mount
✔ Folds flat into the fairlead for improved approach angle
✔ Compatible with steel or synthetic winch lines
✔ Designed for advanced closed-system recovery setups
🛠 Installation
- Attaches directly to winch rope eye — no splicing required
- Compatible with steel or synthetic winch lines up to 3/8"
- Simple snap-ring installation and removal
- Installs in minutes using basic hand tools
📌 Specs
- Precision machined from 6000-series billet aluminum
- Military-spec hard anodized finish (Mil-A-8625F Type III)
- Aerospace-grade 6Al-4V titanium double-shear pin
- Large pear-shaped shackle interface for versatile connections
- EPDM rubber guards protect alloy fairleads and eliminate rattle
- Less than 1.75" thick when folded flat
- Supports Closed System Winching techniques
- Works with common ¾" shackles and soft shackles
- 🧠 Technical Specifications
- Maximum Load Rating: 16,000 lbs
- Ultimate Failure Strength: >40,000 lbs
- Compatible Winch Line Diameter: Up to 3/8"
- Shackle Compatibility:
- ¾" screw-pin shackles (pin or bow end)
- Soft shackles up to ¾"
- Thickness (Folded): <1.75"
- Weight: 26 oz
- Finish: Hard-anodized gray with red accent
- Material: Billet aluminum & titanium
- 📦 What’s Included
- (1) Factor 55 FlatLink Expert Closed Winch Shackle Mount
- Aerospace-grade titanium double-shear pin & snap ring
- Integrated EPDM rubber fairlead guards
- Installation hardware
- 🛡 Warranty
- Limited Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
⚠️ Fitment Notes
- Works with most electric winches using steel or synthetic rope
- Compatible with roller fairleads and fairlead license-plate brackets
- Important Notes:
- Large shackle opening allows side-loading if shackles rotate under slack
- For recreational users, Factor 55 recommends the standard FlatLink for maximum safety
- Intended for users familiar with closed-system recovery practices