pipeliner wrote:
I keep seeing references to "tow strap" and "recovery strap" and wonder whether the terminology in the USA is different from Downunder.
A Recovery strap (usually called a Snatch strap in Australia) is a strap about 30' long which will stretch under load by up to 30-50%. It is used to impart a large force to the stuck vehicle to assist it to drive out of a bogged situation. These straps have a breaking stress of at least 8 ton, some up to 15 ton. The recovering vehicle builds up force in the strap by driving away from the stuck vehicle, thus stretching the strap until the stored energy in the strap is sufficient to enable the stuck vehicle to drive itself out of trouble.
A Tow strap is used for pulling a vehicle which is incapable of powering itself. It has no elasticity (chains can be used), is relatively short (~10') and is only used on surfaces which enable the wheels to roll reasonably smoothly. Towing can be performed with straps with breaking stresses as low as 1-2 ton, since the only load is the rolling resistance of the towed vehicle.
So when you guys refer to "tow straps" above, which ones are you referring to? Neither should be used for the purpose the other is designed for - a snatch can be used for towing at a pinch, but a tow strap should NEVER be used for snatching.
Most quality straps here are "snatch straps",the cheap one's some buy at wally world/advance auto/auto zone are mearly tow straps.
I carry one 20'x2" snatch strap(primary)rated for 15,000lbs and also have a 30'x3" snatch strap rated at 30,000lbs as backup.The if all else fails I got that 100'x3/8" synthetic recovery rope on my 9500XP.