Recovery Gear
10-25-2007, 08:48 AM
#12
JK Super Freak
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Well I go 4wheeling almost every weekend and me getting myself stuck is inevitable. I know I need some tow straps, a snatch block, some d-rings, a trunk protector, and a metal chain. Any brand recommedations or anything else that you veterans have found that comes in handy in those sticky situations?
07-04-2008, 10:07 AM
#15
JK Newbie
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07-04-2008, 12:38 PM
#17
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I think you need a chain; but not just any chain. Get 3/8 Grade 70 Tansport chain. Get a 20 ft length with grab hooks. But be very careful to get good quality domestic chain - no Chinese crap. Look in the phone book under "wire rope". My local store that sells wire ripe and rigging sells 20 ft of the above with a grab hooks for 40.00. Most hardware stores or ranch stores sell Chinese and they want about 100-110 to duplicate the above setup. You can also get domestic stuf from Grainger but the cost will be 70-80.00 (you'll have to buy the chain and grab hook seperately and put them together.
Chain has it's place in your recovery aresenal along with your tow strap/rope, tree saver, winch line extention etc.
Don't forget good shakles. Again no Chinese, get Domestic Crosby's or Norwegian Van Beest. I don't care what people say about the Chinese stuff; I work in the energy industry and see Chinese and Asian stuff fail on a regular basis. They just don't have the metalurgy down to be trustworthy on important gear.
Chain has it's place in your recovery aresenal along with your tow strap/rope, tree saver, winch line extention etc.
Don't forget good shakles. Again no Chinese, get Domestic Crosby's or Norwegian Van Beest. I don't care what people say about the Chinese stuff; I work in the energy industry and see Chinese and Asian stuff fail on a regular basis. They just don't have the metalurgy down to be trustworthy on important gear.
07-05-2008, 10:32 PM
#18
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x2 on all of the above regarding chain. Yes, it does have it's uses....
...BUT, I've seen chain fail and I'd much rather be on the receiving end of a failed strap than a chain. Only use chain in limited circumstances.
...BUT, I've seen chain fail and I'd much rather be on the receiving end of a failed strap than a chain. Only use chain in limited circumstances.
07-06-2008, 08:16 AM
#19
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Generally, I agree, no chains.
One situation where a chain would be better is if your only anchor for winching were rocks with sharp, jagged edges that could possible cut/wear through a strap.
Sounds like you have a winch - make sure you have a heavy pair of gloves to handle the cable with...
One situation where a chain would be better is if your only anchor for winching were rocks with sharp, jagged edges that could possible cut/wear through a strap.
Sounds like you have a winch - make sure you have a heavy pair of gloves to handle the cable with...
07-06-2008, 08:34 AM
#20
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And we've seen bad things happen when cables break too. I'll bet that most times there are problems with chains it's due to one of two things: either using the wrong chain (too light, wrong specs or worn) or using it for something it is clearly wrong for (like in conjunction with a tow strap or rope where you needed more length). In a static situation where there will be no shock load a chain can work just fine. I'm not saying the chain should be the first thing you pull out of your bag of tricks; it should probably be the last. But it does have it's uses and if you're going to carry one buy quality chain.