Thread: Warning on snatch straps and damage

I replaced my snatch strap after about 10 recoveries, recommended to do so after 20 so i halved this to be safer,

Cannot place $$$ above Health and welbeing of anyone in my book.

Cheers
Tim AKA Gadgets

Originally Posted by crash

I think people are getting lazy, and not assessing the situation fully before commencing the recovery. Alot of the strain can be removed by a bit of manual labour and moving some sand or rocks or what ever out of the way that may have been the original cause of the bogging, and also as mentioned before using too much of the loud peddle on the vehicle executing the recovery. It has been proven many times that a slow take off and using the snatch strap in built elasticity to do the work is very effective.
The worse part about common sense is that it is not that common.

I understand your thoughts. Good points.

Just to let you know, the previous 2 hours we were stuck, we did try a few other options.

Originally Posted by austastar

Hi,
No experience yet with snatch straps, but perhaps people are using too much power to 'pop' the bogged vehicle?
I think I would aim for a slow assisted recovery where the bogged vehicle was given only the 'pull' to get it moving under its own power.
cheers

Yup! Tried it!

Then, there is snatch time!

There is absolutelly no need to replace them if they are in good condition and kept in a suitable place (but it is entirely your choice and a damaged one should not be kept). It is the same as all rigging, rescue equipment wether used for vehicle rescue or other rescue or lifting.
If you are unsure then have them inspected by someone who is qualified.
I have been trained to inspect these items.
In general I would retire anything with more than 10% damage or stretching, though 20% is acceptable. The amount of use is fairly irrelevant, unless you suspect internal non visible damage. I would also log the manufacture date and date of first use and not use any gear older than 10 years old (which is industry standard).
If snatch straps are left wet for too long, visible damage, contaminated with oil or other chemicals or have been stored on concrete at all, damp areas for too long or left in direct sunlight for too long then they should be retired.
If they have gotten wet, make sure as a minimum they are rinsed well in fresh water and then hung out to dry. Clean with a non cleaner like wondersoap or lux pure soap flakes. They can also be washed with rope harness (available from rigging and emergeny response suppliers) wash or even dynamo or a lux type soap powder in a tub or washing machine, but must be rinsed and dried well. Do not dry in direct sunlight, but hang in a shaded area.
Inspect them prior and after every use.
And as most people use snatch straps inappropriatelly anyway, consider a damper sheet to hang over the snatch strap so if it happens to break it does not recoil any where as bad.
If you do choose to retire them put a knife through them so that they can not be used. If you do not and throw it out or pass it on to someone with knowledge or suspicions of damage and an incident occurs you can be held legally responsible in part or in whole.
Obvously before even attempting snatching or winching other avenues should be considered such as tyre pressures, tracks and digging debris or sand/mud away. It is also vitally important that when winching or snatching that the car being recovered is in gear with the wheels turning slowly to assist momentum and reduce strain on the strap or winch.
Cheers
Craig

Maybe time for this one again.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-ch...tml#post382781


Martyn

I had mine for about 6 months, and was run over during only its 3rd or 4th recovery. It was carefully examined after cleaning and was damaged (Slightly frayed/ torn) it then ended up cut up and placed in the bin.

As Tim said, what price do we put on safety?

JC

Originally Posted by CraigE

...If you are unsure then have them inspected by someone who is qualified'
Cheers
Craig

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.

Originally Posted by justinc

I had mine for about 6 months, and was run over during only its 3rd or 4th recovery. It was carefully examined after cleaning and was damaged (Slightly frayed/ torn) it then ended up cut up and placed in the bin.

As Tim said, what price do we put on safety?

JC

Bugger it!

I am replacing it!