Snatch strap repair

Couple of weeks back a window cleaner in the US survived after falling something like 45 stories. I guess he proved my theorey wrong.
Still, I don't feel the need to test it.

Not with my car you won't - testing it that is

Hi Boris

Keep in mind that the factory(s) which make these straps have a tested and repeatable production process which uses the same thread, the same needles and the same sewing pattern on each strap and (I assume) they have proven that process by testing their straps under controlled conditions and improving their process until they were satisfied the straps were strong enough. There is no Australian Standard for snatch straps.

You have (I assume) paid your local canvas supplier to sew a loop in the strap? Maybe it'll work... maybe it won't... the process you have used has no history and no traceability - for the $70 or so a snatch strap costs, and given the potential disaster if one fails, I'd have bought a new one.

However having said that; I volunteer Mad Frog to test it with you :)

Mike Harding

I ve never had to use a snatch strap being a "black topper!!" But would have thought that because it is used for helping to get a vehicle out of a difficult situation, rather than save the life of someone swinging off the end,then your logic would seem to be OK. Maybe ask a representative of work cover?

We had a broken tow bar a while back, could have been welded to get us out of trouble, but now one would do the job as it appantly is illegal, so we had to wait a few days for a new one.

Does the same repair criteria /legalities apply to snatch straps as tie down straps that truckies use etc?

You all must take into account that if the strap breaks that's all that will be flying through the air....No shackles, No tow balls, just strap, and the bogged vehicle will still be bogged.

.

Since Ive never snatched before its hard for me too imaging the scenario realistically but maybe- between one car and a giant gum tree, repaired end of strap (assuming its the weeker end-strap will fly in safe direction ) to the car. Safety dampeners in ideal positions on strap incase tree end lets go. Will my 90 series Prado be able to do it with a standard tow bar and my proper tow bar hook or maybe someone has a stronger heavier older car. The experienced person/s would have to be able to judge visually whether it was strong enough or does someone have an idea of a contraption to measure with. No one needs to get bogged. Don't you normally need to use dampeners anyway incase even a good strap lets go?

Borisk, It's quite common to have them repaired. It will give you good service if it was done properly.

The material used to be brought into the country in bulk by some importers and made up and packaged / branded locally. It's cheaper to get them made in asia these days.

Looks like we a could be heading into the realm of condom repairs and all the attendant arguements. If I need a snatch I'll take the unblemished option every time. Go buy a new one and stop all this BS. Cheers