** PICS ADDED** How can you tell the difference between...

[opie]

Nope. Nothing.

Great info on the first strap. I guess it would not hurt to use it as a "Tow Strap". I guess if it breaks, then oh well. No one would get hurt if it snaps as it would just fall on the ground... right?

Or I could use the first strap to hook on my winch to.... lets say... a tree, as an anchor. Right?

Eventhough came through on breaking down the first strap. If you want to use one as your tree strap, the first one would be it. Since its rated for overhead lifting, it has a built in safety margin of probably, and Im guessing, 5:1. Youd have to call Lift All, give them the serial number of the strap to find out what the safety margin is. I would guess its single line strength would be close to 20,000 pounds, maybe a little less. This would be tensile, meaning thats when it will fail. But call Lift All to find out for sure.

The second one doesnt look like nylon, but it may be. I would not put it in my recovery box and expect it to work when needed. Unknown history, UV degradation, environmental degradation just make it not worth it. Given the cost of recovery straps or even kinetic ropes.... TO high of a gamble for me. For instance, I can make a 7/8x30 recovery rope rated to 29,000 pounds for $96 shipped.

 

[ExpoMike]

Actually that first pic with the tag shows you all the data you need to know. It gives you 3 different ratings based on it's usage. Even at the max cap. (used in "basket" mode) it's only rated at 12,800 lbs. Much less rating on the other 2 uses.

I would definitely not use this as a recovery strap and would not recommend anyone with less than a 20,000 lbs. capacity. Those are typically for auto pulling use.

My .02 worth

 

[opie]

Actually that first pic with the tag shows you all the data you need to know. It gives you 3 different ratings based on it's usage. Even at the max cap. (used in "basket" mode) it's only rated at 12,800 lbs. Much less rating on the other 2 uses.

I would definitely not use this as a recovery strap and would not recommend anyone with less than a 20,000 lbs. capacity. Those are typically for auto pulling use.

My .02 worth

Im not sure if it's an OSHA requirement or just an industry standard, but overhead lifting apparatus have a built in safety margin. Those values are not tensile, they are WLL. Take an arborists climbing line, it may have a tensile value of 6000 pounds but it's WLL will be 600.

They are required by OSHA to have those labels affixed to the apparatus and the tag/label is supposed to outlast the apparatus. Once or if the tag/label are gone it doesn't matter the condition of the apparatus, it's no longer suitable for overhead lifting unless it gets re-proofed, load tested or certified.

 

[opie]

Another example of WLL and tensile....

Seems one of the hooks of choice for winch lines is the Gunnebo SKN hook. the SKN-10-8 has a WLL of 7100 with a 4:1 safety margin. 7100 x 4 equals 28,400 which is where everyone I have seen that sells the hooks for winch lines markets them at.

 

[frumpy]

Straps with hooks in and of themselves are not totally a bad thing if used properly and in the right situation - it is when they are used improperly and/or they break - which is why most (including me) recommend not to use them. Most people that I've run across doing recoveries don't know what they are doing and are not safe. A hook is open and if a breakage occurs than extra bad things happen such as the hook end comes loose and instead of just having a strap whipping towards you, you now have a metal projectile. If a strap breaks with a D-shackle (closed) on the end you should only have the strap recoiling and not the metal shackle on the end also.

I will save money (read: be cheap) some places, but with recovery gear I will not cheap out.

I've attempted to help with recoveries and correct very unsafe recovery techniques before when others would not listen. Then I get away fast - it is amazing what I've seen before...

well said. The tow strap that I carry in my rig with hooks is rated for 8500lbs (breaking strength). However once it gets above the weight it is designed for the splice to the hook comes undone. I got mine at princess auto and was explained that by someone that seemed quite knowledgable. I was going to just buy a new one but they replaced mine for free.

http://www.princessauto.com/trailer...strap-assemblies/8020429-7/8-x-14-ft-tow-rope