Straps or Chains???

[LHMissions]

So I have a bunch of chains - but they are so heavy to carry around - even in the Husky bag that I carry all my recovery chains in.

They are good chains - pulled many a stump, truck, tree out with them - even a 10 wheel flatbed loaded delivery truck stuck in mud down a muddy slope with a D6 (D6 pulling - before the time of my truck)

I've got this great 8' grade 6 chain - strong and never worry about it snapping - but I know it could.

Straps are so much lighter though - longer, take up more space - but so much lighter!

What is everyone's take? Still carry your chains or straps only?

[symbols]

I have both. I figure it's better to have more than not enough....

[zippy557]

I carry straps only, there was a good article in the Feb diesel power mag about towing and they also recommend straps over chains. If you go with 3" thick straps they can take some weight.

[LHMissions]

I saw that article. Kind of what got me thinking about this thread.

Plus today - with all the stuck cars and trucks around the area - I considered stopping for a few of them - but honestly - I didnt feel like "dealing" with the chain thing - heavy, dirty, messy, cold, wet - was busy and on a time schedule anyhow - but I thought about it at least.

I probably would have tugged a few of them if I had a strap. Less mess - less weight.

[symbols]

Straps are good for tugging on cars and such but when you need to pull a stump or something like that you need chains so you don't ruin your strap. That's why I like to carry both

[szyd]

I like straps but they still get messy and they freez making them hard to work with if you dont keep them in the cab. I worked for Davey tree and we used straps for all our heavy crane work including lifting diesel chipers.

[wingnut]

both...but not full chains.

i carry 2 each 3" straps and 2 each 3 foot chains with hooks at both ends.

you can come up with almost any combo to pull anything with that setup.

and the short chains work good when you pull a vehicle out that has no tow hitch etc. wrap one around the axle while slipping the loop of the strap thru it and you wont risk cutting the strap on a bumper or some other such sillyness

[2000 7.3 6speed]

i always keep both in my truck
You never know
but i would trust a chain more than i would one of those straps

[wingnut]

hmmm...well, i like the "rebound" that the straps provide more than the stoic-ness (is that even a word?) of a chain.

hell the usarmy slingloads bulldozers, hummers and even boats with...



...you got it, a strap (or four)!!!

...but they both have their place, no argument there

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Last edited by wingnut : 01-27-2009 at 04:53 PM. Reason: found the boat pic :)

[blowinsmoke7.3]

I carry both as well
All just depends on what the job is for what i decide to go with