Chains vs. Straps

We keep a log chain on the floor to lower the center of gravity....but we're never in danger of tipping or going faster than our dog's trotting speed....safety first. Always.
 
zr2toxj said:
Strength for strength, give me a grade 8 alloy logging chain.
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Alot of bad info in this thread,chains are not even rated that way!!
 
I've never seen a strap just fall to the ground when it broke :dunno: seen quite a few people (and countless rigs) hurt by straps that break and snap back towards whichever vehicle is on the longer end of the break though.
 
joejeep92 said:
I have used logging chains for most of my pulling for a long time. Never had a GOOD chain break. Seen straps and chains come off the pull point and cause some damage though. I think all the people talking about never using a chain ever ever ever is just paranoia and lack of experience using them and or have never been stuck way back in the middle of nowhere with just a chain trying to get their jeep back up on its wheels...
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I drove a flat bed truck for many years and have plenty of experience with chains. I still wouldn't use them for a vehicle recovery. Even if you throw out all the safety concerns, the light weight, ease of use and ease of storage makes using chains kind of silly.
 
kastein said:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1031405

Nope, straps never cause damage.

I'd rather face a strap than a chain any day, but honestly I'd rather not face either. Put a weight (heavy coat or similar) over a strap and much of its destructive potential will be eliminated. Also, keep them clean and dry and they will last far longer and pack nowhere near the punch they do soaking wet.
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Yeah that sucks, that strap looks older than jesus though, gots to maintain your equipment.
 
I found out the hard way that a snatch strap is nearly useless when using a Hi-Lift as a winch for self-recovery. By the time you use up the travel of the Hi-Lift, you've stretched the strap three feet and moved the Jeep one foot. Boy was I wishing I had a chain that night.... Chains and straps each serve their purpose. It's all about a static vs. dynamic pull.
 
Maybe this is just a regional/generational thing!

While I prefer straps, I actually remember when towing straps weren't around, and everyone either used chains or cables, or stayed stuck. Who woulda thunk such a thing!

Personally, I like straps--lighter and cheaper.

I grew up in logging country in Northern CA, and here in Southern Oregon its logging country too. People tend to trust what they are familiar with, at least most older farts are that way.

Can we all agree that not everybody that has used a chain for recovery has died because of it?

My .02 worth.
 
i use chains to pull out dump trucks with a load of salt in the winter and the best thing you can do is put a spare chain on it in the middle so if or when it snaps it falls down. you can do the same with a strap as well. i have also laid the on my tire to get out when i was stuck in the snow. i think having both can is the way to go. don't buy some cheap chain and think it is as good as any other spend the money and get one that is over rated to what you need just like anything else they all will get weak as you use them.
 
bert01xj said:
i use chains to pull out dump trucks with a load of salt in the winter and the best thing you can do is put a spare chain on it in the middle so if or when it snaps it falls down. you can do the same with a strap as well. i have also laid the on my tire to get out when i was stuck in the snow. i think having both can is the way to go. don't buy some cheap chain and think it is as good as any other spend the money and get one that is over rated to what you need just like anything else they all will get weak as you use them.
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Can anyone translate? Maybe it's too early in the morning, but I'm having a tough time with this one.

I think the third line suggests mixing chains and straps. That is a definite no-no.

Ron
 
2 things. He's suggesting using another chain as a line weight. Probably a good idea. The second thing was to use a chain as a traction mat which might work on a hard surface (think tire chains.)

I don't know that he's suggesting mixing them, but knowing what both do, having them on hand, and using them appropriately.
 
bert01xj said:
i use chains to pull out dump trucks with a load of salt in the winter and the best thing you can do is put a spare chain on it in the middle so if or when it snaps it falls down. you can do the same with a strap as well. i have also laid the on my tire to get out when i was stuck in the snow. i think having both can is the way to go. don't buy some cheap chain and think it is as good as any other spend the money and get one that is over rated to what you need just like anything else they all will get weak as you use them.
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A chain is an excellent means of pulling a vehicle. To me the problem comes in for most off-road stucks/recoveries, you won't be using a static pull. There's going to be a shock load since most scenarios won't allow for enough traction to use a steady pull. They each have their place, but for off-road recovery, I'm going to stick with straps.
 
GrimmJeeper said:
Snatch straps are made for... snatching? who knew?

:D
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Yeah, I was young and (more) inexperienced way back then. I bought myself a strap, tree saver, and a Hi-Lift from ORGS's brick and mortar shop. Figured I was good to go. Didn't realize back then that there were different types of straps. I have a real winch now...
 
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