what do you prefer on the end of your chains for towing/recovery? slip hooks, grab hooks, j hooks?

I have straps as well, but want to get my chains setup right too....grab hooks dont work too well for hookin up to the tow hooks on the truck, but if the other options are a bad idea, I will just stick with the grab hooks.

and just out of curiosity, when do most use chains over straps and vice versa?

 

I have grab hooks on all my chains. I dont use them for towing however.

 

I switched over to straps for recovery purposes after having a chain come apart and blow out the rear window on a buddy's pick up. Don't ask.

Chains are great because they distribute load and don't bind down on the hooks where tow straps can get into an impossibly tight knot if you don't use them right. I use chains for securing loads and straps for recovery now.

Just two cents.

Kurt

 

I would agree with Kurt.

Use chains for securing down heavy loads where movement is minimal.

Use straps for yanking/pulling where the load is subject to shock, straps are much better at absorbing shock that comes with pulling.

 

Chains, straps with metal anything are dangerous as all get up.

Use a ****** strap for recover.

Chains are for securing loads.

 

Use a strap for recovery, Get a couple of clevis' in different sizes to attach the straps with. I also have a short piece of chain with a slip hook on one end and a grab hook on the other just in case but don't typically use it for recovery.

 

Rule #1 don't hurt your truck or yourself towing somebody out.

I keep chains on board (whips optional) with hooks to hook up to what I'm going to pull out if there are sharpe edges to cut my strap. If say hooking to a ball on a truck that's stuck I'll go ball to ball.

I'll throw a jacket or something over the strap to slow it down if it gives up the ghost.

Just use some common sence and you'll be fine.

 

We use endless loop recovery slings. Different sizes for different needs. A 30' will work well for you guy's pulling out your friends trucks.







Tim

 

Standard hooks on the chains for securing loads. I never use my load chains for pulling anything. I have other chains for light pulling. If I really need to bear down on something, I'll go back and get the cables and ******-block. Always use the right tool for the job.

 

I like chains with grab hooks myself but I have chains strong enough for the job too. 90% of chains break because too small of a chain is being used or operator error. For heavy jobs I have a 25' long grade 80 5/8" chain that will stop a D6 dead in it's tracks so I'm not worried about breaking it.

 

I don't use chains for pulling on things that are stuck ... not very often anyways




Of course , a cable, and a big winch are handy sometimes too

 

Endless round Slings
Most versatile and widely used sling. The economical answer to most lifting problems, ideal for vertical, choker, and basket hitches. we used these for ALL HEAVY lifts 10-100k pd lifts @ nabors drilling... a 50' sling plus 2 cleveses = 4 lines @ 25'= safe recovery