Lifting straps or chains

[horse7]

Chains rated for lifting are supposed to show deformation of the links prior to failure. This may not happen with chains not rated for lifting-- the chain weld may fail without significant link deformation.

Chains rated for lifting should be inspected periodically for deformation indicating the chain rating has been exceeded. The chain should be discarded if damaged by exceeding the chain's rating.

[N80]

Originally Posted by workinallthetime

i dont like the way straps "unload" when they break, only dent i ever had in my old truck was from where i was pulling a post and when the post came free it unloaded the energy (the post) into my tail gate.

Well, I've seen some chains unload before and I'd rather be hit by a strap than a chain. Granted, the incident I'm referring to involved 4x4 trucks, a big mud hole.....and alcohol.....but when that chain broke and recoiled it destroyed the hood, windshield and a-pillar of idiot #1's Blazer. (Idiot #2 was driving the pickup that was attempting to 'snatch' him out). It was amusing to watch....from a distance....and no one was killed.

But, its that stretch and unloading that makes a true 'snatch strap' so much more useful than a chain in an offroading situation where you have two vehicles and no winch. The towing vehicle builds up a gentle head of steam and pulls the strap taught, gently but firmly. You can see the strap stretch a tiny bit and as it recoils and the towing vehicle moves forward, the stuck vehicle literally 'pops' out. The key, of course is proper strap selection. Mine is a hefty 3" job.

[mboulais]

Either will work, If you use straps you can pad corners with wood, cardboard , gloves, etc...

Your tractor will probably lift about 1900 lbs. Even non load rated 3/8 chain could be used for a lifetime without problems for lifting 1900 lbs. 2 lifetimes if rigging off two or more points.

[frigman]

Well---here is what I did--kept cutting the straps---so I took a peice of garage door rail--cut it to fit the bucket--the rail curved end fits over the bucket edge---then bungee the rail to the bucket and bring it under the bottom edge and hook to anything handy----when you curl the bungee just stretches----no more cut straps and you unbungee when your done .

[schmism]

Id rather use a strap overhead than a chain. One of the most common injuries encouted when dealing with overhead lifting is being hit in the head with swiging hook/chain/cable. Straps are light and reduce the posiblity of these kind of injuries.

Many people harp on the worn factor of straps, but this is a good thing, they visablly show there ware and therefore easy to identify when they need to be replaced before they break. Chain doesnt give such warnings.

[frigman]

well---here is what I did. used a section of garage door side rail cut to fit the bucket, slip the curved end over the blabe and hooked it with a bungee under the bucket and to the grossbar behind the bucket. no more cut straps.