Are snatch straps themselves dangerous to people inside of vehicles?

[Plez]

Hey all, just signed away my life in a new (to me) Pajero. Over the last few weeks I’ve been reading a lot here so I’m confident with what I’m getting into re the car itself but I’m a little apprehensive about some things re: off-roading.

Since I was young I’ve been 4wding with my mates family, and driven some of their vehicles but when I was driving I’ve not been stuck.

So my question is as in the title, is the strap itself with no missile dangerous for people inside the car? I really don’t want to get killed by a flying shackle, let alone a flying bit of nylon.

Oh and sub question, do dampeners do anything when it comes to a recovery point failure? I can’t see them stopping a missile.

[mrbitchi]

Hey all, just signed away my life in a new (to me) Pajero. Over the last few weeks I’ve been reading a lot here so I’m confident with what I’m getting into re the car itself but I’m a little apprehensive about some things re: off-roading.

Since I was young I’ve been 4wding with my mates family, and driven some of their vehicles but when I was driving I’ve not been stuck.

So my question is as in the title, is the strap itself with no missile dangerous for people inside the car? I really don’t want to get killed by a flying shackle, let alone a flying bit of nylon.

Oh and sub question, do dampeners do anything when it comes to a recovery point failure? I can’t see them stopping a missile.

Yes the strap can still hurt but it's normally not the strap that lets go, it's the attachment points.

1. ALWAYS use RATED recovery points.
2. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use a towball.
3. Use a bridle.
4. Use soft shackles.
5. Use a dampener or 2.
6. Recover at the LOWEST possible speed. If you think a recovery with a snatch strap requires a balls and all approach then DON"T DO IT! Break out the shovel or winch instead.
7. 4WD Queensland now recommends that a snatch strap only be used as a LAST RESORT.

Recoveries are bloody dangerous so take care. If you don't know how to do them safely, join a 4WD club and get some instruction.

[old Jack]

Snatch recoveries are best used for sand or mud and not rocks.

General safety rule is no bystanders within 1.5x the total length of the strap and no passengers inside both vehicles. For light duty recoveries which involve basic a tow with a little tug then the use of a single recovery point and no dampener is ok but if it is a medium to heavy snatch recovery then use a bridle across the 2 recovery points where there is not a heavy duty towbar hitch receiver to attach to. DO NOT use a towball.

Most straps need a rest for an hour or so if not overnight because after 3 medium to hard pulls as they lose their elasticity with every pull. A twisted and/or wet strap has a lower breaking point. Always pull as straight as possible, pulling at an angle can result is suspension and steering damage and even vehicle roll over.

Dampeners do work if they are heavy and firmly attached to the centre of the strap, however most dampeners you buy are not heavy enough or secure enough to work correctly but they do look the goods.

You have to assess the level of force likely to be required, remove some sand/mud from the front of the tyres, inserting recovery tracks in the front of the wheels of the bogged vehicle will also lessens the force required to extract the bogged vehicle.

Use a strap that is rated to about 2.5x the weight of the bogged vehicle. It is off road etiquette to use your strap if you are bogged however if you are the person doing the pulling and you are not happy with the quality of the other persons recovery gear and you still want to assist then use your own. There are plenty of Cowboys around that when they see a stuck 4wd want to give a enormous snatch when most times these are not required.

OJ.

[Plez]

Thanks for the input guys, puts my mind at ease a bit. It’s one of those things you don’t really think about normally. In hindsight I’ve been around plenty of unsafe snatch’s. Not in the vehicles but a snatch gone wrong would mess up a kid that’s for sure.

I’ve basically decided I’ll always do the bridle and put the snatch in the center of it when recovering from the front and I’ll get a shackle hitch for my towbar.

Is winching basically the same precautions? Appropriate gear, good anchors, etc etc? My mates have winches on their cars but I don’t think I’ve ever seen them used.

In my experience so far the order of recovery is usually, try to get out, MAXX tracks, then snatch, then winch. Winch should probably be before snatch?
Out snatching was more like towing than snatching though, take up the slack and then just give it a little bit of power to help.

[mrbitchi]

Yes you need to use all the same precautions when winching.

The problem when snatching is the ENORMOUS forces that come into play. Winching (especially when using Dyneema rope) is much safer as the forces are much more gradual and therefore controllable. If a Dyneema rope snaps it will simply drop to the ground as it does not stretch and store energy like a snatch strap. Wire winch rope will stretch and recoil just like a snatch strap.

Most people go for the snatch strap first as it's usually much quicker to set up than a winch operation and everybody has one, whereas not everyone has a winch, or the know how to use one safely.

[nj swb]

In my experience so far the order of recovery is usually, try to get out, MAXX tracks, then snatch, then winch. Winch should probably be before snatch?
Out snatching was more like towing than snatching though, take up the slack and then just give it a little bit of power to help.

I think there has been a massive over-reaction to the dangers of snatching. Like any tool or technique, it is incredibly useful, and quite safe when done properly. It's only dangerous when used improperly. The "enormous forces" only come with excess momentum - improper technique, trying too hard. Done properly, snatch forces aren't huge - certainly lower than the forces that can be generated by a 9000lb winch.

Usually, the best bet is stop. Trying too hard to drive out can only make things worse, by burying the vehicle deeper. The sooner you stop and evaluate, the easier it is likely to be.

Whatever has happened, think "dig". Whether you ultimately snatch, winch or use Maxtrax to extricate the vehicle, it's almost certain that digging will help. Don't be lazy - be prepared to dig.

Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, a little bit of digging may be all that's required before the vehicle can drive out - remembering that back up and try again may be the best way forward.

If you haven't buried yourself too deep, snatch may be the simplest and easiest solution, and doesn't need to be dangerous. Depending on circumstances, such as how badly stuck, and how easily another vehicle can be appropriately positioned to snatch. Have a look at what's around the wheels, thinking "dig". A little bit of digging can sometimes make a significant difference to a snatch recovery. As a few have stated, start gently, think tow rather than tug.

Maxtrax are undoubtedly incredibly versatile, and can be used to conquer obstacles where snatching isn't an option, and winching would be more time-consuming. As a traction aid, they're not relying on application of external force, like snatching or winching. Slow & controlled. And digging will almost certainly be involved.

Winching also has it's place, and can be used for recoveries for which no other solution is possible. But, unless you're competing in a winch challenge, winching should be a slow, careful and considered operation - and, like snatching, is fraught with dangers for the untrained, or foolish. Ultimately, to move the vehicle, the tyres should roll. Think about where the tyres will roll, and think "dig", to make it easier on the winch.

[Allan2]

Try the simple things first if in sand lower your tyre pressures I have gone down as far as 8 PSI and driven out just don't turn your vehicle tightly or the tyres can separate from the rim and quickly deflate. Also be aware of heat generation with deflated tyres keep your speed down. I always use a damper (old blanket) either winching or using a snatch strap. Carry a compressor and reinflate the tyres when back on a hard surface.
Regards Allan.

[Pajshomoneroguntero]

I think there has been a massive over-reaction to the dangers of snatching. Like any tool or technique, it is incredibly useful, and quite safe when done properly. It's only dangerous when used improperly. The "enormous forces" only come with excess momentum - improper technique, trying too hard. Done properly, snatch forces aren't huge - certainly lower than the forces that can be generated by a 9000lb winch.

Usually, the best bet is stop. Trying too hard to drive out can only make things worse, by burying the vehicle deeper. The sooner you stop and evaluate, the easier it is likely to be.

Whatever has happened, think "dig". Whether you ultimately snatch, winch or use Maxtrax to extricate the vehicle, it's almost certain that digging will help. Don't be lazy - be prepared to dig.

Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, a little bit of digging may be all that's required before the vehicle can drive out - remembering that back up and try again may be the best way forward.

If you haven't buried yourself too deep, snatch may be the simplest and easiest solution, and doesn't need to be dangerous. Depending on circumstances, such as how badly stuck, and how easily another vehicle can be appropriately positioned to snatch. Have a look at what's around the wheels, thinking "dig". A little bit of digging can sometimes make a significant difference to a snatch recovery. As a few have stated, start gently, think tow rather than tug.

Maxtrax are undoubtedly incredibly versatile, and can be used to conquer obstacles where snatching isn't an option, and winching would be more time-consuming. As a traction aid, they're not relying on application of external force, like snatching or winching. Slow & controlled. And digging will almost certainly be involved.

Winching also has it's place, and can be used for recoveries for which no other solution is possible. But, unless you're competing in a winch challenge, winching should be a slow, careful and considered operation - and, like snatching, is fraught with dangers for the untrained, or foolish. Ultimately, to move the vehicle, the tyres should roll. Think about where the tyres will roll, and think "dig", to make it easier on the winch.

Good advice nj swb
If I could add anything if I may it would be to prepare to dig

[sharkcaver]

I think there has been a massive over-reaction to the dangers of snatching.

I think there has been a massive reaction to the numpties we now see regularly performing a dodgy snatch. The few reported deaths of late shouldn't be an over reaction, but an eye opener for the less informed. Disregard these instances at your own peril.

Digging, maxtrax and gentle snatching was all required here:

https://youtu.be/iHmswSez9a8

[Keithyv]

I think there has been a massive reaction to the numpties we now see regularly performing a dodgy snatch. The few reported deaths of late shouldn't be an over reaction, but an eye opener for the less informed. Disregard these instances at your own peril.

Digging, maxtrax and gentle snatching was all required here:

https://youtu.be/iHmswSez9a8

I can see why they wanted to snatch it out though - that water was pretty close!

I wonder what tyre pressure the Paj was running?
Either way, they got too damn close to the water for my liking...
Paj driver a bit too happy on the throttle too, pretty much dig themselves back in at 00:45

[Pajshomoneroguntero]

I can see why they wanted to snatch it out though - that water was pretty close!

I wonder what tyre pressure the Paj was running?
Either way, they got too damn close to the water for my liking...
Paj driver a bit too happy on the throttle too, pretty much dig themselves back in at 00:45

Sharkcaver can answer all your queries

[sharkcaver]

Sharkcaver can answer all your queries

Lol.

Yes Keith, that was me and my paj. I had to snatch it out. I couldn't get a vehicle or anchor in front so I could winch out and buried to the bash plates I couldn't self extract with max trax. That deadman anchor would have been invaluable there and I reckon it will become part of my kit.

The water was close yes, but we don't have big tides here with luck. The beach dictated my path. I was happily motoring along at 20-30Km'h for ages when all of a sudden it just sank. No warning, no time to react.

It took a few goes to get out. It had nothing to do with throttle. When it started to sink again, we stopped, pulled some more sand out, maxtrax under the wheels which had run out of travel and snatched again. For the record, my tyres were down to 6PSI when the crap went down. Super low in anyone's language.

The whole point of the post was to show I was well stuck, with water being a bit to close for my liking and the pressure was on. My mate who did the snatching reckoned it was a hard snatch. I put it up to show it was a pretty gentle snatch. When it failed, we didn't just go harder, we reassessed, did some more digging and had another go. Out I popped eventually. And not a tow ball to be seen anywhere. Proper equipment, under pressure and conducted safely.

Funny thing is, we drove it again (Twice in fact. Thwarted on further progress further down the beach so we had to turn back). This time a meter higher and missed the soft patch completely. The cruiser and zuk were not part of my party. You can probably tell that when you see them hit this patch after I got out.

https://youtu.be/uUq-Y-wwDC0