I've been pulling people of the the snow here the last few days. When I was pulling a lady off of a curb she ran my rope over and nearly broke it. It is a 25K rope with a loop on one end and a hook on the other. I need to buy another rope and cant find one like the one I have. I was wondering where to find/buy a good rope. I was also wondering if I should buy some recovery chains like the towing companies use. Like the ones that hook right into your frame. Then if the chains were 6' or so long they would be away from the tires and the bumbers of the stuck vehicle. Would the chains have a 25k rating like the rope? I would hook the two together with a clevis. Is this safe? I just dont want to ruin another good rope. Thanks.

 

When I drove a tow truck several years ago the short chains with the J-hook were not used for pulling but rather as a binding chain when we dollied up a car to keep it and the dollies together. One of the drivers used one of those J-hooks to pull a car out one time and it snapped about half way thru the winch job. When we pulled someone out we used a short chain wrapped on the axle then hooked to the winch hook to ease them out. The J-hook is the weakest link, the chain can handle alot but the hooks weren't meant for pulling so be care in what you buy.

 

I will be careful. It wouldn't be a good thing if the chain came back and hit my truck.

 

I'd be interested in the type of strap vs. chain. We broke a 2" strap trying to pull a mega-cab out of the mud last weekend. We then used a chain but I'd really rather use the strap as the damage a chain can cause can cost you $ or possibly injury.

 

If you use chains I would highly recommend using chains that are used on frame machines They are meant to handle pulling at great forces. Also use the hooks too .

 

I'd get a jerk strap rated for the weight you think you may need. Chains are good for stedy pulling but the straps have some flex and help "pop" a stuck vehicle loose.

A word to the wise, consider your liability when doing this in this day and age. Your good intentions couold cost you dearly...

Kurt

 

That why I was talking about using a clevis. I want to hook the rope to the chain. I think it should work okay. I just dont want the chain to let loose or break.

 

might want to check your local laws and your insurance company....some places if you hook to another vehicle you become liable for that vehicle, that’s why we have insured tow companies...also is it illegal to hook to another with out the permit to do so?..

 

I've had my eye on a developing company for awhile and follow them now on FB...They are now carrying a new line of winches and acc....Vision X

 

Don't get a chain if you ahve a choice. Know anyone in heavy construction? Get them to hook you up with a 2" or 3" (preferred) 20' long nylon sling. Much easier on your vehicle when pulling and won't come thru your back window and kill you if it snaps.
We "throw away" many perfectly good, but illegal to use for rigging straps. I keep a collection of them and pass them out as Xmas gifts to my buddies!
(If OSHA asks, they were cut in half and thrown away!)

 

these straps are the best - you could probably even find 1 on the side of the road....they seem to come lose all the time.

 

It isnt cheap but it came by reccomendation from a memeber on here to me. http://www.masterpull.com/item.cfm?itemid=39018

The last rope you will ever own.

 

a truly awesome looking rope indeed. if its a kinetic rope though, you are technically supposed to only use it once, then let it rest for 8-24 hours before using again. I think thats the basic rule of thumb on those. I agree with whats posted above, chains are good for steady pulling in a pinch (i prefer tow straps instead), but if you have to yank somone out, a kinetic strap like the above link is way better for both vehicles.

But definitely be careful, like they say above, all it takes is one wrong move before you owe someone lots of money.

 

Check here for some recovery straps,
http://www.awdirect.com/recovery-str...d-accessories/

They have all kinds of recovery equipment.
www.awdirect.com

Jim

 

As far as the liablility goes.... What if I have them hook up their own vehicle. I usually do that. I just tell them to do it because I dont want to be responsible for their vehicle. I guess it would also depend if I was getting paid to pull them out.(I think) That would suck if I was doing a "good deed" and they make me pay for their damages. Maybe I will just offer them my phone to call the tow company.