Using a winch extension strap in place of a snatch strap

[freediver]

Hi Guys,

Thought I'd finally make my first post. I am fairly new to 4wding but have recently bought a 300TDI Disco which I am head over heels with.

I have purchased a winch extension strap from Tigerz11 and a lever block to get me out of trouble.

I have done several searches on here and google but I can't find a definitive answer.

My question is: Can you use a winch extension cable as a snatch strap even though it is likely to only stretch 8% vs up to 30% for a snatch.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[THE BOOGER]

I would not use it the same as a snatch strap but use it as a tow rope so pull up tight then pull car fee of what ever was the problem. If you used it as a snatch you may well find you pull even good recovery points off your truck or lose your bull bar

[Landover]

No you can't use your winch extension strap as a snatch strap. It is the elastic stretch of the snatch strap that build kinetic energy and pulls the car out with more force than towing alone. Also they is less shock loading as it stretches gradually before the energy is released.

You could use the extension strap as a tow strap and pull a car out that is not stuck hard and just needs a bit of a pull. But bring on the power gradually, not fast. You can also use an extension strap with a snatch strap if you need extra length.

[freediver]

thanks for the reply

you may well find you pull even good recovery points off your truck or lose your bull bar

Yeeeah, that'd only be funny for the first 30 seconds.

[sheerluck]

I guess you've answered your own question. Can you use a winch extension strap as a snatch strap? Yes. Should you? No.

Using a piece of recovery equipment for a purpose that it's not designed for will most likely end in tears.

[Judo]

To possibly add confusion to definitions, I have a "snatch strap" that has no stretch in it at all. The box is clearly labelled "snatch strap", but by most definitions I read (such as above in this thread) that makes it a tow strap only. I have used it before and there is definitely no stretch in it.

[uninformed]

To possibly add confusion to definitions, I have a "snatch strap" that has no stretch in it at all. The box is clearly labelled "snatch strap", but by most definitions I read (such as above in this thread) that makes it a tow strap only. I have used it before and there is definitely no stretch in it.

when you say no stretch at all, do you mean by feel in your hands or have you actually used it on the car and seen zero stretch in it???

[Loubrey]

when you say no stretch at all, do you mean by feel in your hands or have you actually used it on the car and seen zero stretch in it???

Following on uniformed's post, there is a lot of very dodgy straps out there being sold as "snatch' straps that are really not manufactured as such. They are and should be pretty expensive (check the price on a genuine ARB snatch for guidance and be very wary if its under $100) due to the need for specific manufacturing. If you pick up a bargain, its most probably just a slightly stretchy tow rope/ strap.

A true "kinetic" or "snatch" strap will also be pretty rigid after a good stretch. Try a second or third snatch and it will be difficult to roll and store. They take around 24 hours to "relax" back to their original pliancy. If it doesn't do that its most probably not a real "snatch".

Best policy is in any case to avoid snatching where at all possible. First choice should be the method described earlier in the thread, by gently tightening a normal tow strap (or even the winch extension if need be) and a smooth pull rather than a jerk.

Cheers,

Lou