Shank
A foundry-ladle for holding molten metal. It is distinguished from the hand and crane ladles by its mountings, which consist of an encircling wrought iron belt, to which is welded the single and double ends for carrying it away by hand. Shanks are made of both cast and wrought iron (the latter to be always preferred), and their capacity ranges from 100 to 400 pounds. Small shanks are managed by two men, the larger ones requiring from three to five men, according to the weight of metal carried away. They are sometimes made to hold a ton or more, but are then lifted in a bale by means of the crane, and these are neither as safe nor as handy as when suitable gearing is attached. See LADLE; HAND-LADLE; CRANE-LADLE.