Snatch-um Straps
Recovery Strap Comparison
In the September 2003 issue of the Australian 4WD Monthly, 16 snatch – um – straps were tested at the NATA – registered testing lab for industrial webbing owned and operated by Beaver Sales who also manufacture recovery, tow, tie down, and lifting straps. All the straps were tested to their manufactures claimed load and stretch ratings, in dry and wet condition. The tests followed the guidelines of the Australian Standards AS 1353.1, which applies to lifting slings.
Overall the tests showed that only half of the straps tested meant the manufactures claimed load ratings. The 6 main straps that failed the tests were the Supa Cheap Auto 9000kg, Repco Motogard 7500kg, Megastores Megastraps 9500kg, and the Don Kyatt Tamer 8000kg. The ARB 8000 and 11000 kg also failed because of faulty stiching around the eyes. The best preforming strap was the Kaymar 8000kg, followed by the Bushranger 8000kg. Other high performers were the Opposite Lock Mean Green 8000kg, and the Supa Cheap 8000kg. All the rest passed the tests and were recommended, including the Black Rat 8000kg made by Beaver Sales, which the Club sells for $59 and its listed retail price is $90
Care of Shackles and Snatch Straps
After using snatch straps in sand or mud it is best to give them a thorough cleaning. If you can’t wait till you get home, rinse the strap off in a bucket of the cleanest water you can spare, if you can wait stick it in the washing machine or a bucket and rinse off.
Sand and mud trapped in the fibres of your expensive snatch strap will cause strands to fray and weaken the strap. Do not use solvents to clean straps, at best use a mild soap. Make sure that straps are stored dry as mould will also damage the fibres in your straps and cause a nasty smell in the back of the car.
Shackles that have been dropped in the mud or water should be cleaned and dried straight away, and given a LIGHT spray of CRC or the like to help prevent rust and seizing. Don’t apply too much CRC or any grease to the threads of the shackle because if you drop it into sand, the sand will stick to the greasy threads and bind them up so as to be nearly impossible to undo.
A little maintenance will keep things ready for the next use and reduce wasted trip time and expense.