Chains for Recovery

[james21]

I know most people that Off-Road would say that recovery lines or emergency tow straps are the way to go, but I just want to have an heavy duty chain on standby. Now I have shopped around and found a good company with reasonable pricing and I am planning on getting a grade 70 carbon steel 1/2" x ? HD chain. I just don't know what length I should get . I originally thought of 25' but decided that it would be too much, now I am thinking of 15-20' and I would say that 15' is the best, but would like some opinions from real big off-roaders and/or people that have a chain(s).
Thanks A lot.

James R.

 

[pdxkevin]

I've been out running trails and unmaintained roads since the early 80s. ?More than a few times we have snapped the snatch strap.

Chains alone, as the main connection line, are too dangerous to use for recovery. There will always be a weak link (no pun intended). Since it is not possible for everything to have the same strength, one item must be the weakest ~ and that's where it will snap or break.

If the line between the vehicles is stronger than the attachment points (hitch, hooks, bolts for the hooks, etc) than they will snap first. Personally I would rather have a woven strap flying back at my AV and me, than a heavy cable/chain with a chunk of metal at the end.

This is why you should lay a heavy blanket or jacket over the strap. If the strap breaks, the weight of the blanket/jacket will pull it down to the ground. This should avoid causing more damage.

It is not uncommon for chains/cables to over power the downward pull of the blanket/jacket and sail clean through the radiator. Some unfortunate souls have had the flying chunk of metal bullet right through the windshield. The driver never having a chance to duck.

Tow ropes are dangerous but not as bad as chains. ?Neither one provides any give or stretch. The sudden jolt for both may cause damage, like shearing off support bolts! The straps will stretch and increase the force of the pull - focusing more of the force at extraction.

Here are more recovery tips and info:

• Quick Recovery Principles by 4x4 Connection
• Snatch recovery by Bushwacker
• Snap Strap Techniques by Wheels 24
• Recovery Kits by Rockstomper ~ check out the Step-By-Step below for the chain's use

Chains are used in conjunction with snap straps, tree savers, and snatch blocks. ?The chain is used to help establish a stong anchor point (not on a vehicle).

Here is a great Step-By-Step on using a chain during recovery by the Internet Land Rover Club

 

[flynhigh]

Don't use chains!!! Way to dangerous. Spend the money and get a 25' recovery strap.

other than that I think Kevin summed everything up really well and talk to AJ about flying metal objects.

 

[half-breed]

I heard that chains don't fly back like a strap. Becuse you can't stretch them they have no recoil and are actually safer than straps. I a link lets go they just drop to the ground. The bad side is if you get a running start on the chain it is one heck of a jolt on the vehicle. If you chain your Av to a tree and get a running start your attachment point or chain will either break or the vehicle will stop in about 1/10 of an inch. I only use a chain to extend the length of the tow strap, not by itself.

 

[james21]

Flyinhigh, first of all I have both a 25' recovery strap, and a 25' emergency towstrap. So I am all covered in that area. Second of all I plan to use it with either of them or as an anchor. I just would like to have a high-test steel chain with me for emergency purposes.
I am not going to use it to pull people, I know the laws of physics and know what kind of damage a flyin chain or steel hook will cause.

-James R.

 

[stckbrkr]

I've used chains in pulling down old buidings.

They can break, but fall to the ground. There is NO recoil whatsoever with a chain.

Ropes and straps are a different story. My dad had his eye put out when a strap broke.

Straps give you more power because of the stretch and rebound. But if it breaks, you don't want to be in its way!!!!