- Joined
- Jun 1, 2001
- Messages
- 7,897
- Age
- 64
- Vehicle Year
- 1987... sorta
- Transmission
- Manual
Chains, Cable, straps, synthetic winch cable... all have their place.
Where things get dangerous is when you mix them the wrong way or substitute
one wrong component.
The typical series 20 "proof coil" chain is dangerous, series 40 "high test" is little better
And the problems with it are only aggrevatec by cheap "Home Depot" hooks and shackles.
I have a piece of chain that looks like it's too small to tie up a dog...
but it's series 80 and actually rated to overhead lift 7tons
I also have a chain recovery bridle made of 1/2" series 80 chain
that is intended to (literally) winch a tank out of the mud.
But it's only as strong as the shackles and bolts used to attach it
and whatever structure you attach it to.
But wha't really dangerous is when you use a strong strap or wire rope
to pull against a chain, the cable or strap adds stretch, stretch is energy.
If a strap or cable breaks it's dangerous but not as dangerous as having
it attached to a chain and having the chain, a hook or the attaching point
fail, now the cable or strap is used as a propulsion for that HEAVY length
of chain... chain may not fly as fast but given it's mass it can fly an amazing distance and still be lethal to anyone who has the poor fortue to get in it's way.
Personally I'll use chains, MY chains, Chains I know, on attaching points I trust.
Will I trust YOUR chain, hooks, shackles or attaching points?
OR for that matter your straps or wire rope?
Not a chance.
Know your recovery skills
KNOW your recovery equipment
Stay clear of anyone else's
the only way to observe someone else's incompetence in their equipment
or technique is from a safe distance.
That all being said chains are HEAVY and generally expensive.
a good strap is more than most people need.
but I prefer a good 4" strap.
AD
Where things get dangerous is when you mix them the wrong way or substitute
one wrong component.
The typical series 20 "proof coil" chain is dangerous, series 40 "high test" is little better
And the problems with it are only aggrevatec by cheap "Home Depot" hooks and shackles.
I have a piece of chain that looks like it's too small to tie up a dog...
but it's series 80 and actually rated to overhead lift 7tons
I also have a chain recovery bridle made of 1/2" series 80 chain
that is intended to (literally) winch a tank out of the mud.
But it's only as strong as the shackles and bolts used to attach it
and whatever structure you attach it to.
But wha't really dangerous is when you use a strong strap or wire rope
to pull against a chain, the cable or strap adds stretch, stretch is energy.
If a strap or cable breaks it's dangerous but not as dangerous as having
it attached to a chain and having the chain, a hook or the attaching point
fail, now the cable or strap is used as a propulsion for that HEAVY length
of chain... chain may not fly as fast but given it's mass it can fly an amazing distance and still be lethal to anyone who has the poor fortue to get in it's way.
Personally I'll use chains, MY chains, Chains I know, on attaching points I trust.
Will I trust YOUR chain, hooks, shackles or attaching points?
OR for that matter your straps or wire rope?
Not a chance.
Know your recovery skills
KNOW your recovery equipment
Stay clear of anyone else's
the only way to observe someone else's incompetence in their equipment
or technique is from a safe distance.
That all being said chains are HEAVY and generally expensive.
a good strap is more than most people need.
but I prefer a good 4" strap.
AD
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