Snatch straps

Untrained users doing the wrong thing. ie attaching to wrong points, using wrong shackles or joining with shackles etc etc etc.

These straps in the hands of an untrained user are LETHAL.

I disagree with banning, but perhaps on the packet should be instructions and a warning.

There is a safer way to use the strap than the traditional "2 metre method" but it can be a bit slower. it is used by some mining comapnies in an effort to meet their duty of care.

That some people are Compleat Arr Humm’s.. And have no idea about a lot of things.

This is why the helmet was invented, to protect a brain that is functioning that poorly to begin with.

Snatch Straps are a public safety hazard; yeah that’s the biggest risk to the general public right now.

I am willing to bet that most of the people that you see doing the wrong thing with Snatch straps Know it, but just don’t give a stuff, it’s the old male; Yeah that will Hold attitude at play.

Australian 4WD monthly number 87 page 181 Quote( alternative ways to use what could potentially be the most dangerous piece of recovery eqipment ) un quote
check it out .
my thought's .............what ever happend to common sense

Snatch straps are a problem on several levels:

Firstly, they are marketed as a cheap recovery aid that will get any fool out of a bog. There are no warnings or instructions on the pack.

Secondly, it is promoted that the stronger the strap, the better it is. I'd suggest that the stronger straps are more lethal.

Thirdly, the technique.
The idea of attaching a strong elastic strap between two vehicles weighing 2-3 tonnes each is very much reliant on the strength of the recovery points. Trouble starts when the recovery points can shear off and become a lethal missile.

Recovery points on vehicles were never designed for snatch recovery. Many are tie downpoints for transport while the stronger ones are described by manufacturers as "tow points" - for towing, not snatching. Ask any manufacturer, and they will tell you their points are not rated for snatch recovery. So when you do a heavy snatch and the recovery point breaks, and recovery point and shackle go flying thru the air at a million kms per hour, they will be aimed directly at the other vehicle or any onlookers.

So how can snatching be made safer?
#1 Don't snatch if a simple tow will suffice.
#2 Clear sand or mud from around the wheels/chassis to make the recovery easier.
#3 Be certain of the strength of the points you are using. Aftermarket hooks are strong and are rated - but they are only as strong as the bolts holding them on, and the metal to which they are bolted to. They need to be chassis mounted for strength. We could have a huge discuss on recovery points and what is suitable.
#4 Don't use bow shackles unless absolutely necessary - it can be a big missile.
#5 Use a bridle for attaching the strap to the front of the vehicle. Its a simple strap that attaches to two recovery points on the front of the vehicle - it halves the load on the front recovery points, distributes the load, and if a recovery point were to break, it would be retained by the other side.
#6 Air brakes are often taught, but are totally useless.

Whenever I write this blurb, I always ask why do I bother. Its a hell of a lot simpler to suggest to people to tow or winch.......but I have to admit, the simplicity of a gentle snatch is often the simplest most effective way to recover - just a pity that it can also be the most dangerous.

Cheers
Phil
2002 HDJ79R

Sounds like our nanny again.

Next it will be powered winches,,,,, then hand winches. Mud tyres too.

Did you know you can get dermatitis from diesel? Be diesel banned too after that gets to nanny. Just tell her we can wear gloves.

It is a problem when you're confronted by (say) a sand bogged AWD and neither you nor the owner knows if it has satisfactory tow point.

Manufacturers market these vehicles to go where they will almost certainly become bogged, why can't they be required to fit and colour code tow points? Same should apply to 4WDs.

I will tow but not snatch, some vehicles. But then that is still subject to my being able to get traction and to their willingness to use my shovel as required.

I think there is always the prospect of being sued where you take the responsibility for snatching out another vehicle. Who wants to be the first to get clobbered by a lawsuit?

Where was this talk?

sounds like Mule Faeces to me.

Been quite a few references to "Common Sense".

While I'm a user and a fan of snatch straps, I know a lot of people with a heap of common sense who could easily kill themselves with a strap. Unfortunately common sense doesn't turn you into an engineer to tell you how much force you can or can't put in a recovery point.

Cheers
phil

What a croc,
Never had or have seen any acident or near miss with a snatch strap!
Its about time people started taking a bit of responsibility for their own actions, if you act like a moron you can hurt yourself with anything!

Well there has been some discussion here, good coments about common sense.
What about reducing the risk, like not speeding to reduce the risk of being caught by the police or reducing the risk of an accident. Or not driving over the 0.05 limit. What about in the 70's when the seat belts were introduced, to reduce the risk of serious injury in a vehicle accident.
What was the method of recovery before snatch straps were on the market ?
Cheers Tooley