Tow strap reminder

You just have to wonder why they even allow deathstraps to be sold.

Doug, note that the post referenced a rope - we tend to forget that it's not just a snatch strap problem but anything with any amount of stretch. I've seen chains and cables (especially cables) let go with amazing damage as well as fiber straps or ropes. For that matter, I watched one idiot tie a proper strap around a bumper and darned near get beaned when the whole bumper let go.

Most times, people get hurt because of the fool using the tool.

You really can't expect a news writer to properly explain what what used. It could have been anything.

Odd are it was one of those made-in-china recovery straps/ropes with the cast metal hooks.

In all fairness I probably would have used one of those myself if not for what I read in an offroad magazine.

Speaking of, this article covers the issue quite nicely.

Harbor Freight sells a slug of those things - cheap. I've bought a couple but the first thing I do is cut the hooks off. With most, that leaves a usable sewn loop and the strap itself is actually pretty good.

Like I wrote, the fool using the tool is the most dangerous part of the operation.

I use a strap with two sewn loops and D-rings. I don't undertand why the article admonishes against looping over the axle, sometimes it the only thing strong enough to hook to.

About 1968 old we were on our annual Easter campout to Estero Beach, Mexico. A whale had washed ashore and a lot of people were trying to push it back in the water. It was obvious that wasn't going to happen, so they decided to pull it out and eat it. Dad thought he would help and backed his 63 International Travelall up and then hooked his 7/16 logging chain around the beasts tail. He started to pull with me in the back watching the fun, and the whale didn't like that much. He flipped his tail and the chain parted. The chain fortunately went up and over, leaving an impressive set of dents from the back window to the front bumper, and not busting any glass. The mxican cops then shot the whale a few dozen times and really pissed it off. Later that day they got a dozer to pull it out of the tideline and butchered it. Quite an education for a boy.

In older vehicles, yes. Do that with one of the newer ZJ or WJ back axles and you'll bend it. Those darn things are so weak you can't even jack under them. :/

My ZJ isn't much better. Thankfully I have towpoints and a classIII rear hitch. So far so good.

Best suggestion someone gave me was to hand them the strap and say, "hook this to what you want to come out." :)

Suckers are "Trail Rated" too, aren't they?

Earle

The problem with that is that most people have no idea what is a strong point, and i don't like getting hit with metal

ON THAT NOTE:

Where exactly WOULD be the best place to get a good quality hook without paying a ransom for it? My winch didn't have a hook on it, I bought one, yea, chinky China.. but it holds the line for now, but if I had to use it it would really give me the puckers.

I'd like one with a keeper on it.

It's a Warn M8000 on an 06 Rubi. Yea yea yea.. I thought of Warn, but they kinda think their stuff is gold plated if you know what I mean.

K.

"DougW" wrote

Best suggestion someone gave me was to hand them the strap and say, "hook this to what you want to come out." :)

Try a good Farm Implement store, oil field supply, or truck supply shop. There is a reason you'll pay a bit more.

These don't look too bad:

I prefer a swivel hook,

I like the look of the Interlocking safety hook, thanks for the link :)

These don't look too bad:

Ohhhh.. I like that one!

heh heh... I think it looks like a winner. Thanks!

K.

I prefer a swivel hook,

That's just a thumb-pincher. The latches are something I remove.