Another snatch strap death

A 19mm bow shackle should have a breaking point of around 15000Kgs from memory SWL (WLL) of 4.7T BUT when will it start to cede and at what point will it be unsafe for a snatch? Certainly will above the 4.7T . It is always a calculated gamble, using that rare item called common sense. A shock load well that’s a lot different.
I was taught that for every inch of total free fall (please note TOTAL free fall) the shock load will roughly double, (rough rule of thumb) a snatch is not a lift but it’s not a direct shock as in free fall either it’s somewhere between. Now just how do you calculate that? I do not know.

As mentioned the bow shackle is reliably strong enough to not fail, FOS is at least 4, maybe 6, from memory.

The bow shackle is not subjected to shock loads per se as the snatch strap is stretchy. If you tried to snatch with a very meaty rated chain then you will be giving the shackle a workout, but if you are using anything other than a fully rated recovery point the part of the vehicle the shackle is connected to will fail before the shackle. If you are using a fully rated recovery point and that meaty rated chain then it may still be possible that even some recovery points may fail before the bow shackle does, but most should not.

Yes but that is with a shackle in perfect condition age use etc all will come into account in the condition and as a result the “unsafe point”

I challenge you to supply evidence of a 4wders 4.7t bow shackle that is damaged sufficiently that it may fail at a point below which a snatch strap will fail.

Sure, if someone has been snatching with a meaty chain, but its just not relevant, its outside the bounds of reasonable issues.

There is no need to be nasty.
If you want to play with your life fine go ahead

Nothing nasty there, just making a point.

A 4.7t shackle would be extremely damaged to be below the breaking point of an 8t snatch strap. It would be almost unusable.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gruntfuttock

One thing I have not seen mentioned is the “Black snake” straps, yes they are dear, but so is a life.
Has anyone ever used them? And good?

They are supposed to absorb the shock if they break and just fall on the ground.

---

I have used them. Excellent gear. Towed a 60 series cruiser towing a 21 foot dual axle road van off Flinders Beach straddle with one in my D2. Cheers

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tombie

A 4.7t shackle would be extremely damaged to be below the breaking point of an 8t snatch strap. It would be almost unusable.

---

Agreed. 110%
But having seen what those missels can do and just how quickly things can go pear shaped, in lifts etc, a certain amount of due caution must always be used.

Like I said before. Common sense must be used.

I’ve seen the pins used for towing in a tractor then be used in a shackle, and the thread was some what err uncertain how can you put a value on it? You cannot. I deemed it unsafe he didn’t
If all is used correctly and equipment is ok then fine you have a large safety factor, however if something goes wrong, then the legal eagles will one day say, now hang on ..................
They haven’t tumbled to it yet but if there is a way an insurance company can get out of paying then they will then things may go south quickly.

I’m not say you can’t do...... just be aware of the limitations and the condition of the equipment the situation etc and make your own common sense judgement.

Your vehicle your call.

It's all well and good for people to be dismayed at snatch recoveries as a lot are performed dangerously. For example one poster above mentioned letting the strap recover between snatch runs. I knew that because I asked people who should know and made a point to learn about snatching many years ago...but how many people know. It takes quite a long time for the strap to recover especially after 2-3 goes.

I agree completely that there are many times when extraction without a strap can occur. However there are times when a strap is essential. I have snatched several vehicles over the years out of incoming tide situations where airing down didn't do the trick (already on the sills by the time I was there) and no time for shovel, tracks and POSSIBLE recovery before the sea got the vehicle. A safe recovery with quality strap, shackles, tow points etc did the job first time. I won't snatch unless satisfied that the other vehicle has a safe point or preferably points (I carry a bridle). But yes it's a judgement call to assess that. Nothing is foolproof. Cheers