Abstract: A shackle with a closure cross member having a concave cross section is disclosed. The closure cross member is inserted into the lugs at the end of a bail of a shackle such that the concave cross section is disposed between the inner faces of the lugs on the bail. The concave cross section of the closure cross member works to center a wire or rope connected to the shackle closure cross member and ensure that the wire or rope is perpendicular to the centerline of the closure cross member. The concave cross section disposed between the inner faces of the lugs on the bail ensures that the wire or rope connecting a load to the shackle remains normal to the centerline of the closure cross member regardless of the movement or orientation of the load attached to the shackle.