Warning on snatch straps and damage

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Originally Posted by discomuzz

Looks like I have a new tree protector strap then !

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Murray, NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE A SNATCH STRAP AS A TREE TRUNK PROTECTOR OR ANYWHERE IN YOUR WINCHING SETUP.
Many people have been killed by ropes/straps that have elasticity built in when using them in a winching/lifting situation, they are totally banned from any and all rigging jobs.
What happens is when winching or lifting with a crane or winch using a snatch strap or Nylon rope is that before the load moves the stretch is taken up by the crane/winch till the end of the rope/strap elastic point is reached, then the load will take off, literally, without warning. I have seen a crane tip over backwards when an idiot used a nylon rope to lift a load, which flew off the ground into the air causing the crane to tip.
So never ever user an elastic strap or rope in your winching setup, it may kill you or someone you care about, Regards Frank.

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Originally Posted by discomuzz

Thanks Craig.

Not real sure so I am taking back to the TJM guys for a check-up!

Sounds like all should be ok as mine has only a few scuff marks.

Good info. though. Thanks.

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Murray,
A few scuff marks should not make it un-useable. Have a look at it for tears or fraying. Over the length of the strap you can allow up to 20% visible damage as this also compensates for any invisible or internal damage. At best the assessment is an estimate and these type of items allow for this type of damage. Because straps are woven there is not a huge risk of them tearing across, but I would be keeping an eye on it over the next few recoveries to check if damage is getting any worse. As said only use a snatch strap for snatching Not winching or lifting. I had a couple of old ones I used to use for additional securing of a vehicle on a car trailer (wrapped around diffs etc and then to a tie down point, but only as additional and were marked clearly not to be used for lifting or recovery. It is the only other use I could find for them, apart from that I would destroy them.
The other thing to consider is a damper sheet to put over the snatch strap. The same as used on a winch cable, to dampen the recoil if it does break.
Most breakages can be avoided by a quick inspection after every attempt to recover and before the next and subsequent attempts. However it is still possible for one to fail that appears brand new and generally depends on the brand and safety margin that is incorporated.
At the end of the day the decision to replace is yours.

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Originally Posted by Tank

So never ever user an elastic strap or rope in your winching setup, it may kill you or someone you care about, Regards Frank.

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Thanks Frank. I hear you.

Actually, thanks all.

Here am I thinking the snatch strap was the bees' knees' and a cheaper alternative to a winch for my limited explorations.

It all makes sense and I will go for a winch setup before long.

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Originally Posted by CraigE

A few scuff marks should not make it un-useable...
At the end of the day the decision to replace is yours.

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I hear you. And when it's my wife, kids and associates standing nearby I think I'll opt for the safer options.

If you dont think you will need it to often then a good hand winch starts about $350 and up or $299 at supercheap good if you happen to get stuck by your self.Much cheaper than an power winch:D

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Originally Posted by THE BOOGER

If you dont think you will need it to often then a good hand winch starts about $350 and up or $299 at supercheap good if you happen to get stuck by your self.Much cheaper than an power winch:D

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Great idea.

Would have saved a huge amount of time. And, by all accounts, been much safer.