well after 4 times pulling people outa snow this weekend bout an hr ago they all broke trying to help out sum dumb kids in their moms explorer.. all 3 straps jus broke...been though alot with those straps.. so question is: where can i git some tow straps? i prefer straps to chains... what is ideal weight to git? i had 8k but those broke... snow is melting so no need for right now but i will snow again by season end... also price of straps thanx..

 

If you're using them to pull stuck vehicles out, then you need not a tow strap, but a "****** strap"--they have some give/recoil to them that allow you to take a running start with slack in the strap, and "pop" the stuck vehicle out.

I have one of each--a tow strap for pulling disabled vehicles that are not stuck, and a ****** strap for pulling people out of mud or a ditch.

Never, ever, never, never never use chains for pulling. Chains are for static loads, such as binding a load to a trailer. Pulling on a chain is a quick way to end up with excessive cranial iron content.

Here's an example:

Tow Straps | Recovery Straps | ****** Straps

Jason

 

chains are o.k. if you stay within their load limit and dont yank them, problem is, say youre pulling out a 5,000 pound S-blazer, not only do you have the 5,000 pound of vehicle, but the resistance of snow or mud to overcome to get it out. and its impossible to know waht that is exactly. i have 1 chain and 2 straps in the truck, i usually go with the straps. i did have a strap break last winter, was towing a minivan down a snow covered road and snow kept building up under the van, it finally created enough resistance that the load was too much for the strap and it broke, right after the loop where it was stiched.

 

Chains are NOT okay. It's a disaster when they break. They are for static loads only, not dynamic ones like pulling a vehicle. People have been killed when their chains broke and came through the back window. Part of the problem is that they drag on the pavement, wearing down, and even a little less diameter on one link greatly weakens the chain. At that point there's no way to know the load limit of the chain.

Don't use them for pulling. Period. You're not just endangering yourself, but everyone around you.

Jason

 

much appreciate the link n info jason. with the ****** strap, its just a loop end.. what if the vehical im trying to git out doesnt have a hook? is it safe to loop it around something n through itself? if vehicals dont have hooks where is it safe to tie it off on?

 

also jason there arnt any prices on that site... how much does that strap go for?

 

Yes, you can loop it around something solid on the stuck vehicle and then back through itself like a cinch.

I just did a Google search for a "****** strap" and that was one of the first things to come up. You should be able to get something for $50 or so.

Jason

 

solid....so rear axel wouldnt work...

 

No chains please, the wrecker will be able to find you by homing in on the lights from the EMS vehicle thats about to transport you to the trauma center.

 

Jason has you on the correct track. I've seen chains break before. Not a pretty picture. Luckily didn't get hurt or killed.

 

Lots of loggers use chains and cables to PULL with succesfully. Although I am a firm believer in recovery/****** straps, I also have chains. And unlike the straps I have yet to break a high quality logging style chain. Problem arises when ppl jerk on a chain and exceed its ratings. I had a 30,000# recovery strap break pulling a obs f-350 out of a mudhole, the chain took care of that! I also have a chain with a small cable (think of a garage door spring catcher) run through all the links so if the chain should snap, the cable catches it, when the very small cable breaks the weight of the chain suppresses it! (could prob get away with a decent piece of nylon rope)

I am an ol (Well 30's) country boy, and use chains for all kinds of stuff on the farm and in evryday outdoor life.

 

****** Rope : Recovery Rope : Up to 52,300 lb. Breaking Strength : Bubba Rope

Next time I need to buy another ****** strap, this will be it.

 

Same here, we use chains exclusively for pulling and yanking, only one I have ever seen broke was from yanking on it, and contrary to the horror stories it did not whip around. I'd love to see Mythbusters do a story on chains. I see more dangerous crap done with straps holding things to a trailer where chains should have been used.

 

I have a 20' length of very heavy duty chain that has pulled stumps, cars, trucks and all kinds of crap and it's never been an issue. I believe my truck would break before this chain broke.

 

I am not saying in anyway a chain is safer. But if I had to choose a Strap or A good chain, I will take the chain! A strap is easier on the truck, wont take your head off, and when used right, work excellent! I carry recovery strap in my truck 100% of the time (and clevices/d rings, my strap has looped ends), but There is a chain right under it, that wont let me down! Think about a Skidder pullin 5-6 good sized oaks over stumps and rocks and dirt and mud!

On another note you can throw a couple coats or a heavy blanket over a chain to slow it down some.