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2. Hardware
Shackle, D-ring, Screw Pin Anchor Clevis - These go by many names but are mostly one in the same. The big things about these are size, quality and proper use. Get the largest ones you can fit on your recovery points. It would be wise to have your hardware rated to at least twice of winch capacity as it will be used to rig a snatch block if needed, as mentioned above. Quality is of most importance. Spend the money on top quality, rated, and tested rigging. Avoid anything that is made in China. Stick with Crosby or Campbell rigging. Don't use any rigging that is not rated with the SWL (Safe Working Load) or WLL (Working Load Limit). Avoid side loading these as much as possible.
The sizing of these is done in standard fractional inches and their WLL or SWL. Typically for our uses you will find 3/4" and 7/8". Anything smaller than 3/4" should not be used. The size markings are the diameter of main body, NOT the pin. The screw pin is going to be 1/8" larger than the size listed. i.e. a 7/8" D-ring will have a 1" pin.
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Cluster Hooks - These are the lesser known best friend of the chain. They typically have 3 styles of working hooks, and one chain grab hook to connect to the chain that you also have. Some bridles have these permantly attached, others are separate so that you can use them in conjuction with any length of chain that you have.
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Recovery Points - This should be the first item installed on any vehicle that is going to be on the trail. Proper recovery points are a must. They should be frame mounted or part of a properly attached bumper. For you guys with out frames, XJ, MJ, etc, there are solutions to safely attach points. If an improper point is used, and a recovery is attempted, it could cause damage at least, and death at most.
Wrangler recovery points
Front
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Rear
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Example of reinforcements for recovery hooks on an XJ
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What to carry
This topic comes up quite often. At a minimum you want to have proper recovery points, 2snatch/recovery straps of varying length, 2 D-Rings, 15ft length of chain, gloves and another vehicle. If you have a winch, more should be carried in addition to the previous list so as to get the full use out of the winch. Tree saver, anchor straps of varying length, 4 D-rings, snatch block (or two) and of course, the winch controller.
It's a good idea to carry this stuff securely. In the event of a rollover, these items could become lethal. A clevis to the temple will at the very least cause one hell of a headache.
Just a few tips and tricks to help make recovery a little easier, quicker and of course safer.
-If you need to attach two snatch straps together, don't use a clevis. It could become lethal if one end of the strap releases from either vehicle under load. Use a stick, dowel, rolled up magazine, or newspaper to go between the loops of the two straps. This will make separating them possible, saving you lots of time trying to get them apart.
-Don't use frayed, cut or otherwise damaged straps. Many anchor/lifting/tree savers have a colored thread sewn into them. When the thread is visible the strap should be retired and discarded.
-When retiring or discarding a strap, cut the loops on both ends before throwing it away. This makes it unusable to anyone that may find it and be unaware of the dangers or signs of a strap that has been damaged.
-Keep straps and synthetic lines away from sharp objects, high heat, and abrasion.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is to be used at your own risk. I take no responsibility for any damages of any kind.
Shackle, D-ring, Screw Pin Anchor Clevis - These go by many names but are mostly one in the same. The big things about these are size, quality and proper use. Get the largest ones you can fit on your recovery points. It would be wise to have your hardware rated to at least twice of winch capacity as it will be used to rig a snatch block if needed, as mentioned above. Quality is of most importance. Spend the money on top quality, rated, and tested rigging. Avoid anything that is made in China. Stick with Crosby or Campbell rigging. Don't use any rigging that is not rated with the SWL (Safe Working Load) or WLL (Working Load Limit). Avoid side loading these as much as possible.
The sizing of these is done in standard fractional inches and their WLL or SWL. Typically for our uses you will find 3/4" and 7/8". Anything smaller than 3/4" should not be used. The size markings are the diameter of main body, NOT the pin. The screw pin is going to be 1/8" larger than the size listed. i.e. a 7/8" D-ring will have a 1" pin.
Cluster Hooks - These are the lesser known best friend of the chain. They typically have 3 styles of working hooks, and one chain grab hook to connect to the chain that you also have. Some bridles have these permantly attached, others are separate so that you can use them in conjuction with any length of chain that you have.
Recovery Points - This should be the first item installed on any vehicle that is going to be on the trail. Proper recovery points are a must. They should be frame mounted or part of a properly attached bumper. For you guys with out frames, XJ, MJ, etc, there are solutions to safely attach points. If an improper point is used, and a recovery is attempted, it could cause damage at least, and death at most.
Wrangler recovery points
Front
Rear
Example of reinforcements for recovery hooks on an XJ
What to carry
This topic comes up quite often. At a minimum you want to have proper recovery points, 2snatch/recovery straps of varying length, 2 D-Rings, 15ft length of chain, gloves and another vehicle. If you have a winch, more should be carried in addition to the previous list so as to get the full use out of the winch. Tree saver, anchor straps of varying length, 4 D-rings, snatch block (or two) and of course, the winch controller.
It's a good idea to carry this stuff securely. In the event of a rollover, these items could become lethal. A clevis to the temple will at the very least cause one hell of a headache.
Tips and Tricks
Just a few tips and tricks to help make recovery a little easier, quicker and of course safer.
-If you need to attach two snatch straps together, don't use a clevis. It could become lethal if one end of the strap releases from either vehicle under load. Use a stick, dowel, rolled up magazine, or newspaper to go between the loops of the two straps. This will make separating them possible, saving you lots of time trying to get them apart.
Words of Caution
More than anything, understand that the forces used in recovery are immense. Even in a "simple" recovery they are lethal. It is hard to see the amount of force used in recovery, so by nature many of us don't consider the forces we are using, or simply do not respect them. One simple mistake could easily end a life. -Don't use frayed, cut or otherwise damaged straps. Many anchor/lifting/tree savers have a colored thread sewn into them. When the thread is visible the strap should be retired and discarded.
-When retiring or discarding a strap, cut the loops on both ends before throwing it away. This makes it unusable to anyone that may find it and be unaware of the dangers or signs of a strap that has been damaged.
-Keep straps and synthetic lines away from sharp objects, high heat, and abrasion.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is to be used at your own risk. I take no responsibility for any damages of any kind.
