Cable or Chain??

[RedRocker]

Like it's been said already, cables have a lot of kinetic energy stored under a load and can kill you. I use a strap when Jeepin, if we need a winch we'll throw a tarp or blanket over the cable to dampen the recoil if it snaps.

 

[Typhoon]

As for the recovery strap, I don't recommend that either unless you are doing light work. I actually tried them before I went to chain, and I broke 3 of them in 2 weeks. Cost me quite a bit of money. They were the big ones too, but when you run one over a stump or something sharp at all, it eats them up quick. They are very strong but vulnerable to being cut or worn out quick.
Just my opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
-Brad

 

[Slamfire]

I prefer chain, I've two 20' lengths with chain hooks on the ends. While you can't get the exact hook up like a choker cable they do get tight enough to drag a log. Most of all I like the fact that I can throw two of them in a 20mm ammo can attached to the front bumper. Try puttin a couple of cables in that can. The worst thing about them is they are well camoflauged after a couple of years use. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Laminarman]

I use the bright orange chain, and while I konw the coating will come off in time, they have saved me more than once from searching the diry forest floor for a chain that blends in.

 

[Ole_Hickory]

I have stretched log chains before on stumps/dirtballs.I had 2 4wd drive tractors and a 4wd truck hooked up and slowly moving the stump downhill on a black top surface and stretched the chain. The weight of the dirtball/stump was very deceiving.

 

[dummy]

I add a slip hook on one end of my chain just for that purpose. Leave the grab hook on the end and place the slip wherever. IMO makes the chain more useful for odd shaped items.

 

[JimR]

I have no preferrence to either. I almost lost the back of my head in 1973 when I was clearing my land for my house. I was pulling a 3' diameter log that was 12' long with my 1960 Ford F250 woods truck using a chain. The link where the hook was attached failed near the log end. The chain came thru the back window of the truck. I saw it coming and was able to duck in time. The chain landed on the dashboard and my back. I have never had the 3/8 or 5/16 cables that I use break. Should you use cables. The main thing is to check it for frays and use the best clamps you can find for the ends so that the cable cannot come undone.

 

[GerardC]

What is the most common size; (i.e. 5/16, 3/8 etc.), chain that is used for overall use /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif? What about cable /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif? Thanks. G

 

[SPIKER]

well I have used both and have both, chain and cable, the straps are nice too IF you can keep them clean but they store just as much energy as the others but have farr less mass when they come at you.


I have a40+ foot lenght of 3/8" cable that is probably 50+ years old. galvanixeds aircraft grade stuff with slip hook on one end and grab hook on the other, in the middle is a couple short lenghts of garden hose! the hose does a few things protects towed item or the operator if the cable breaks, it is held in place with some electrical tape. it also protects the hands form wear if there was to be a frey.. I personally watch what I do as much as possable though.

I also have 4 or 5 chains of varrious lenghts and sizes, form a 5' 1/4" to a 40' 3/8" several 14' x 3/8" too. I CHAIN things to drag them any distance, but to pull out a log from the creek or down I use the cable as it is much lighter. belive me lugging the 40' by 3/8" is not something I like to do! but I do use it if I htink I'm going to apply over 2000 lbs of pressure on something... (drug up a 20' long water soaked log that was 24" ave size using the 40 chain and a 14' one which barely got around the log from over the top of the hill. hooked to the back of my box blade. had to run in LL3 to pull that one with my 4K lb tractor...) the bank was hard and dry with gravel so it wouldn't dig in Something like that I would not even think of using a cable for even with the hose and blankets coviering it...!

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BigEddy]

Here's a great link to chain grades.

Note that "Working Limits" for straps are typically 1/3 of breaking, chain 50% of breaking strength.

Chain Grades