Tow Straps

[bczygan]

I bought one at HF.

Only used it to pull out a small tree stump.........until today.

Neighbor got his full sized conversion van stuck in the mud in his back yard.

Used his Caddy to pull it out!

Do you have one?

How is it rated?

Do you carry it?

Have you used it?

Bill

 

[Rustypigeon]

I have 2 of them. They are 20' and rated at 10,000lbs. I keep one in my pickup and one in my daily driver. I have never used them, they are still in their shrink wrap.

Amazon has them for about $12. "Capri Tools CTW2-20 2" x 20' Heavy Duty 10,000 lb Tow Strap with Hooks"

 

[WhiffySpark]

I prefer no hooks

 

[Dr Stan]

I had Chinese made ratchet straps fail when I was bringing my Rockwell 14" wood and metal vertical bandsaw home. Caused around $2500 in damage to my PU. When I got home I tossed all the Chinese straps and ordered straps from here: https://www.ratchetstraps.com/recovery-straps--tow-straps

No more failures.

 

[nh_yota]

Don't use straps with hooks, use straps with loop ends and a pair of clevises if needed. If the hook comes loose under tension it can fly back and hit your or the vehicle. In addition, it's a good idea to throw something like a jacket or coat over the strap so if it breaks loose the rebound will be dampened by the jacket.

 

[Bobcat753]

I have a custom made 30FT Lift All sling. Rated for 20K. It is hookless but I use crosby shackles and hooks with it.
I also have a 20FT 3/8" chain and a 10FT 3/4" chain for the big stuff, IE using a wheel loader to pull out a stuck bulldozer.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Buy one from www.macscustomtiedowns.com and you wont need to worry about it. American made, reasonably priced, great people. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but when I deal with a company that is responsive to customers and makes a great product in the USA, I'm happy to recommend them. Tons of options. Yes they are a few dollars more than one from Uncle Mao's Dollar Store.

 

[Strouty]

I had Chinese made ratchet straps fail when I was bringing my Rockwell 14" wood and metal vertical bandsaw home. Caused around $2500 in damage to my PU. When I got home I tossed all the Chinese straps and ordered straps from here: https://www.ratchetstraps.com/recovery-straps--tow-straps

No more failures.

I don't read that those are made in the USA, I read that they can make custom ones at their USA facility.

In other words, I think you tossed your cheap Chinese straps and bought more expensive Chinese straps.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I prefer no hooks

Absolutely !! I even cut the hooks off of an old one.

The way to use a tow strap is loop it over a SOLID pull point and then run opposite end the strap back through the loop. The other end can be attached with with a shackle or looped around another SOLID pull point and attached with a shackle.

I"lost me mind" one time at HF and bought the 3" wide one and some "appropriate" sized shackles (different Chinese hardware store). I look like I am ready for off-roading, except for not having any off road vehicle ! !

 

[fatfillup]

Never thought about using a clevis with a strap,,,,,,thanks.

I have used some 20' lifting slings as tow straps several times. Fortunately, couple of my trucks have broke down with in a mile of the shop and we will drag them back. Beats a tow bill but truly it never was a hard pull and most any strap would have worked just fine.

 

[Strouty]

I have a custom made 30FT Lift All sling. Rated for 20K. It is hookless but I use crosby shackles and hooks with it.
I also have a 20FT 3/8" chain and a 10FT 3/4" chain for the big stuff, IE using a wheel loader to pull out a stuck bulldozer.

Just make sure you use a large enough shackle, those straps have minimum dimensions and diameters for connecting hardware. I think one that is good for 20k would need an 1 1/8" shackle, maybe larger. They actually make special hooks for the slings that give correct radius and enough width for the sling when it is under load.

 

[nine4gmc]

I have the $12 HF 2800# tow strap with hooks in my truck, I have pulled an F150 around the yard with it, pulled a blazer across town and pulled a civic a few bocks.

Be careful using tow straps as lifting and lifting straps for pulling. They are NOT rated the same for tasks they are not designed for.

 

[Strouty]

A true tow strap should be able to stretch and take a shock load, this helps "pull" the stuck vehicle loose. Lifting is supposed to be a static load, towing/unstucking is more of a dynamic load.

 

[yamaha0343]

Be careful using tow straps as lifting and lifting straps for pulling. They are NOT rated the same for tasks they are not designed for.

Excellent advice, failures can be catastrophic. Also, inspect often and toss it when you see signs of wear.

 

[nh_yota]

A true tow strap should be able to stretch and take a shock load, this helps "pull" the stuck vehicle loose. Lifting is supposed to be a static load, towing/unstucking is more of a dynamic load.

This is true - just because a tow strap says it has a 10,000 lb capacity DOES NOT mean it is rated to LIFT 10,000 lbs.

 

[WhiffySpark]

A true tow strap should be able to stretch and take a shock load, this helps "pull" the stuck vehicle loose. Lifting is supposed to be a static load, towing/unstucking is more of a dynamic load.

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...ap-24-000lbs?gclid=CNW9vLOn8tECFRWBswodXswM_w

****** strap

I personally won't ****** trucks out. I tell them to put it in neutral or drive with no throttle and I'll pull them out myself. Nice and easy use the torque.

Don't need you running into the back of me or a busted tailgate or window or worse from trying to yank someone out.

I usually wrap it around receiver frame and then put the end in the receiver with the pin through it. Or in the chain slot and then wrap around receiver tube

 

[Tonellin]

Using tow straps with hooks?? jesus christ people...

 

[Strouty]

I personally won't ****** trucks out. I tell them to put it in neutral or drive with no throttle and I'll pull them out myself. Nice and easy use the torque.

Don't need you running into the back of me or a busted tailgate or window or worse from trying to yank someone out.

I usually wrap it around receiver frame and then put the end in the receiver with the pin through it. Or in the chain slot and then wrap around receiver tube

This is not an option if you there is not enough traction, I prefer having traction, but if you have to do it, you have to do it.

 

[nine4gmc]

Using tow straps with hooks?? jesus christ people...

is that an issue?
http://www.harborfreight.com/2800-lb-capacity-2-in-x-20-ft-heavy-duty-tow-strap-61943.html

 

[MarlynOC]

Ever see a boat being loaded on a trailer with one of those straps? You do not want to get anywhere near it if it snaps. Cable and chain only for me

 

[theoldwizard1]

is that an issue?
http://www.harborfreight.com/2800-lb-capacity-2-in-x-20-ft-heavy-duty-tow-strap-61943.html

Hooks can easily gouge into metal and if what you are hoking is not the "right" size the safety latch will not help.

 

[WhiffySpark]

This is not an option if you there is not enough traction, I prefer having traction, but if you have to do it, you have to do it.

That's true. But someone else will be doing the snatching. Preferably a tow truck

 

[WhiffySpark]

Ever see a boat being loaded on a trailer with one of those straps? You do not want to get anywhere near it if it snaps. Cable and chain only for me

Have you ever seen a chain snap? I have. That'll kill you

 

[nine4gmc]

Ever see a boat being loaded on a trailer with one of those straps? You do not want to get anywhere near it if it snaps. Cable and chain only for me

Ever see a cable snap? :eyecray:

Hooks can easily gouge into metal and if what you are hoking is not the "right" size the safety latch will not help.

I wrap the strap around the ball, frame or bumper bracket and hook the hook on the strap.

ALSO WANT TO MENTION THIS IS NOT A RECOVERY STRAP, I'VE ONLY PULLED BROKEN DOWN VEHICLES THAT EASILY ROLL. I WOULD USE A ****** STRAP FOR A RECOVERY SITUATION.

 

[BD1]

I like slings and shackles , real made in USA stuff. I use a tire between the two vehicles. Sling around tire to the one pulling and another sling around tire to the stuck one. Tire has some spring to it and can help.

 

[brewchief]

I carry an ARB recovery strap, http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-******-Strap-17600lb-ARB705-P3619.aspx A couple of USA made shackles, a 3' length of chain with hooks and a receiver hitch shackle mount. The ARB strap is the nicest I've run across and is probably pretty conservatively rated as it's thicker then many higher rated straps I've seen.

 

[3TV]

I prefer a quality tow rope to a tow strap, although either are superior to a chain. Right now I am using a 7/8" diameter Bubba Rope that has a breaking strength of 28,600 lbs.

http://www.bubbarope.com/compact-professional-grade-******-rope

I have used it with my Ram 3500 CTD that is running 37" tires, and have pulled on the rope as hard as the truck will pull, with both diffs locked, in low range. It hasn't broke yet, it stretches a fair amount, but hasn't broken.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a tow strap with loops rather than hooks. Bought it at a local auto parts store, used a couple times. The tow strap lives in a small plastic tool box, in the back of the SUV.

I also have a heavy chain I use for pulling stumps with the old tractor.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I have a tow strap with hooks that is used only when both vehicles are on paved surface, I also have a recover strap (Bubba Rope brand) and that is what they are for. I had a fuel pump in a 05 Grand Caravan go out at Walmart 3/4 of a mile from the house. I used a strap with hooks. My stupid friend sunk his H2 in the peat moss bog at my parents house when he tore the grass loose, we used the recovery strap and a Nissan Xterra to get it out. One was a tow the other was a recovery.

 

[ADSR]

Have you ever seen a chain snap? I have. That'll kill you

So will the strap. I posted a video on here, which a mod deleted. 2 guys got hit in the head about 30 feet away and killed both on the spot.

 

[gnpenning]

I have several different kinds and leave them in the pick ups. As mentioned there is a difference between recovery, lifting and tow. I like a strap that stretches for recovery.

I may have missed it if someone else mentioned it but never let a strap or rope around sharp edges. The proper sized Shackles are in order.

Winch cables, straps, chains put a weighted cover on, by the side that will be coming back at you. A jacket with some weight in the pockets is better than nothing. And no you don't need much just a couple pounds to hold it.

For flat towing a vehicle a chain with proper tinsel strength run thru a length of Dom pipe works great and helps keeps the towed vehicle from over running the towing vehicle. It won't save stupid. It will also keep the chain from dragging. If you do this in the yard by yourself go slow. And remember the towed vehicle is the one that should be doing most of the braking to keep tension on the chain, strap, cable,etc.

 

[gte718p]

Off-road I carry to arb recovery straps, an Arb ****** block, 200 extra feet of spectra synthetic rope in addition two the 125 ft on the winch, and a ton of shackles I also carry three or four of the HF lifting slings. I use them as tree savers and for making attachment points where none exists. I've used them for years without a problem. I have done some incredibly technical rescues with HF straps and trust them to at least half there "rated" load. I inspect all my gear before using it, but I really pay attention to the HF straps. if they look questionable at all I spend another $15 and buy a new one.

All of this stuff is dangerous, but sometime people tend to overstate it. Yes people have been killed parting recovery straps, cables, and chains. People have also been killed by pencils, 9 volt batteries, and glasses of water.

 

[uppster]

Does anyone remember Snatchem Straps? That is what we all used around here in the late 70's. I just threw it away last year, it was nothing but threads.

 

[Tonellin]

is that an issue?
http://www.harborfreight.com/2800-lb-capacity-2-in-x-20-ft-heavy-duty-tow-strap-61943.html

Yes. Huge safety hazard - if something goes wrong that hook becomes a projectile and will kill. Any serious offroad club/group will absolutely not allow that type of recovery ******** a vehicle. Looped strap with clevis or 'D' ring and no chains

 

[Badger 13]

There is a HUGE difference between a "tow" strap or rope, and a "recovery" strap or rope. "Tow straps" should not be used for recoveries. Lots of information on the internet about the use of both of them. And I do remember the "snatchem" strap, and I still have one.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

"...no chains"

What do you put around sharp/jagged rocks?

I wheeled in the 2013 & 2014 Easter Jeep Safari and we (4 jeeps 2 people per jeep) carried and used 20' 3/8" grade 70 chains both years. I don't recall anyone from Red Rock 4-Wheelers checking our vehicle for any equipment, minimum requirements or unauthorized equipment. Check out Bill Burkes 4 Wheeling America his old videos recommend carrying a chain. He gets paid to teach people to wheel so I would consider him an expert on the subject.

Tow trucks use chain/winch combinations every day for recovery work.

If you are saying do not "******" with a chain I agree with you completely, it would be foolish and irresponsible for any of to tell someone go ahead and ****** with a chain or tow strap with metal hooks. It is just as foolish and irresponsible for us to tell anyone that its stupid, illegal, or wrong to use chains or tow straps to connect 2 vehicles that roll on a hard surface like a driveway.

Just to be clear I am saying it is not a good idea to "******" with a chain or strap with metal hooks the risk of someone being injured or property being damaged is is likely.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

OK so lets review. A chain breaking will kill you, a cable breaking will kill you, a tow strap with hooks will kill you and a strap that breaks will kill you. Hmm guess you take your chances or call a wrecker. I remember in my younger days a chain breaking and taking out the back window on a blazer and worked with a guy who's Dad did fishing charters. He was winching his boat onto the trailer and had the wire cable break and take out his eye. I think I will take my chances with a strap without hooks.

 

[Tonellin]

What do you put around sharp/jagged rocks?

I wheeled in the 2013 & 2014 Easter Jeep Safari and we (4 jeeps 2 people per jeep) carried and used 20' 3/8" grade 70 chains both years. I don't recall anyone from Red Rock 4-Wheelers checking our vehicle for any equipment, minimum requirements or unauthorized equipment. Check out Bill Burkes 4 Wheeling America his old videos recommend carrying a chain. He gets paid to teach people to wheel so I would consider him an expert on the subject.

Tow trucks use chain/winch combinations every day for recovery work.

If you are saying do not "******" with a chain I agree with you completely, it would be foolish and irresponsible for any of to tell someone go ahead and ****** with a chain or tow strap with metal hooks. It is just as foolish and irresponsible for us to tell anyone that its stupid, illegal, or wrong to use chains or tow straps to connect 2 vehicles that roll on a hard surface like a driveway.

Just to be clear I am saying it is not a good idea to "******" with a chain or strap with metal hooks the risk of someone being injured or property being damaged is is likely.

Sorry I didn't mean no chains at all - I meant no ****** recoveries with chains I should have been more specific. We ****** block around rocks if need be

 

[jo4gj]

He I work in the towing industry. I'm having a hard time understanding what is really being asked. I have chains 100+ feet, winch with 100+ ft steel beaded cable installed and a additional 75+ ft steel braded cable. Over 200 feet of tie down strapes and a military recovery/rigging loops that I tied together to form one long piece.

Towing with a chain rope or what ever is not allowed in my state as a vehicle can't be dragged on the roads meaning all the vehicles tires are on the road. Have to use a tow truck. Also serious death or injury can happen....

So what is your intended goal and application you desire to accomplish as I can make suggestion?

 

[Protofarmer]

Hooks send shrapnel everywhere. I've got a short 15k strap, and a few longer 40k straps. For the big stuff 1-1/2" aircraft cable with cast in loops....weighs a ton though.