Do Snatch Straps Degrade Over Time???

Submitted: Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 06:30
ThreadID: 24823 Views:4309 Replies:4 FollowUps:9
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Posted on another forum....but not getting any info so posted here as well.....

Just wondering if anyone knows whether a snatch strap will degrade over the years??? Was thinking that they probably would if stored due to the nylon / elastic (whatever is in them) becoming brittle with age. If they do, would tree trunk / equaliser / winch extension straps also degrade?

I pulled a Just Straps Snatch Strap out of the recovery bag yesterday only to find that the end of a shackle had worn a hole almost through the strap - my own fault - too much stuff rammed into a small canvas bag - will have to get a new strap and probably a better recovery bag - have seen the ARB ripstop vinyl ones and they look good.

Anyway, does anyone know if there is a right time to replace a snatch strap, whether used or not??
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Reply By: Well 55 - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 07:40

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 07:40
G'day Moggs, as long as straps are stored clean and dry, I don't see any reason for them to degrade.
I have straps that are over 10 years old and still appear to be in good condition.

I think the main thing to do is inspect them after use to determin if there are any abrasions etc, and if so replace. As for TTP and Extension straps, mine are the same age as above and are still in good order, same inspection after use applies.
AnswerID: 120874

Reply By: Rosco - Bris. - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 07:53

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 07:53
Moggs

As I understand it they loose their elasticity after prolonged use. However, if stored correctly they don't loose their strength.

Hence they start off as a snatch strap and end up as a winch extension strap.

...... As I understand it ... may be wrong.

Cheers
AnswerID: 120876

Reply By: Moggs - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 08:28

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 08:28
hmmm...seems maybe the only real way to know is to use it - and if it fails then it needs replacing LOL.

Just on storing straps - I found out the expensive way that you need to have them stored separate from and shackles / metal or hard objects. Hopefully someone else will avoid making the same mistake.
AnswerID: 120883

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 09:43

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 09:43
The ARB ones have a stich pattern sewn in as an indicator.... once you see the stiching there wear, dont use again.
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Follow Up By: Moggs - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 09:47

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 09:47
Yeah, the Just Straps ones do as well now. Agreed that it is a good indicator for after use to see if the strap needs replacing. However it won't help to tell the viability of a strap that hasn't been used if they do in fact degrade over the years.
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Follow Up By: Time - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 10:03

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 10:03
See my post 24750

You need to start we a good "base" first!

Cheers

Time
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 10:17

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 10:17
IMHO,
if it hasnt been used, is dry, kept out of sunlight, I dont see why it wouldnt last several years.

quick call to ARB, TJM and maybe Brawn would help you out here dude.
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Reply By: Member - Sam (NSW) - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 08:54

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 08:54
whilst on the topic

whats the best method for cleaning the straps? obviously if they get mud in them etc, the fine grains will wear away at the webbing over time causing it to frey.

Obviously taking all possible steps to avoid the mud and dirt in the first place is the best option (prevention is better than cure), but there is always going to be that time when it can't be avoided.

Any reasonable way to clean them? High pressure washer (or would that damage the webbing too?)
AnswerID: 120889

Follow Up By: Time - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 09:22

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 09:22
It is simple, when SWMBO is away from the house you throw it in the washing machine, turn on the machine using a small amount of soap powder and it will come up nice and clean and bright.

Seriously, this is the method I and fellow Club mates use for heavily soiled strap. Lets face it, the time you usually need to use it is when you are stuck in the mud, so it is prety hard not to get dirty.

Cheers

Time
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Follow Up By: Moggs - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 09:25

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 09:25
I have heard this also - only difference being that a liquid soap should be used otherwise the powder remains caught in the weave and can be abrasive - not sure whether this is true or not - but is what I have heard....
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Follow Up By: MikeyS - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 10:54

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 10:54
Yep, the washing machine is my favoured method, with a little mild soap. Plus the strap comes up smelling nice and fresh!! A bit like the ad with the rocker cover in the dishwasher- just don't get caught.
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Follow Up By: D-Jack - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 15:43

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 15:43
I wonder if they can be dry cleaned, to get any stains out?
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 17:48

Monday, Jul 18, 2005 at 17:48
Geez D-Jack, I guess as long as you know the drycleaner really well and the stains are explainable, although some arent......

And yes the washing machines the go
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