Swivels help reduce line twisting and tension in mooring setups, ensuring smooth movement and extending the life of your mooring system. The primary purpose of a swivel is to allow two connected components to rotate independently of one another while under tension. The swivel manages the kinetic energy of a buoy constantly rotating in the wind and tide. As a buoy spins on the surface, it creates “torque” in the mooring line. Without a swivel, this twisting would cause the chain links to “kink.” Once a chain is severely twisted, its tensile strength drops significantly, leading to failure. By allowing the buoy to move freely, the swivel ensures that shackles and rings aren’t being ground down by constant friction against fixed metal parts.