Having a great, reliable towing strap is one thing, but if you connect it incorrectly then it becomes almost useless!
Proper selection and connection techniques are vital to operating a successful towing operation. Less than a decade ago, 99.9% of people were using steel shackles, identical to those used in lifting and rigging, due to their strength, resilience, and ease of use.
However, if a shackle does fail, which can happen, you have a solid piece of metal flying through the air! So you've invested in synthetic straps due to safety concerns, then maybe it also makes sense to move onto synthetic shackles too?
Soft Shackles vs. Steel Shackles
Soft Shackles: The Modern Choice
Soft shackles, also known as synthetic shackles, are becoming the go-to choice for towing and recovery specialists. Made from high-strength synthetic fibers, they offer several key advantages over their steel counterparts:
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Lightweight & Strong: Despite their soft design, modern soft shackles have impressive strength-to-weight ratios, making them suitable for heavy-duty towing.
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Safer Under Load: Unlike steel shackles, soft shackles do not become dangerous projectiles if they fail under tension.
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Vehicle-Friendly: Their soft material reduces the risk of damaging towing points, making them ideal for both on-road and off-road recovery.
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Water & Corrosion Resistant: Unlike metal shackles, synthetic materials do not rust or corrode, making them perfect for wet and harsh environments.
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Easy to Use & Store: Soft shackles are flexible, easy to handle, and take up minimal space when stored.
Steel Shackles: The Traditional Choice
Steel shackles remain a durable and widely used option in towing. They are especially useful in situations where:
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A rigid, heavy-duty connection is necessary.
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They are available in a huge variety of WLLs and easily rated to exceed the breaking strength of the tow strap.
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Users need a secure, bolted connection that won’t loosen under tension.
While steel shackles are robust, they are significantly heavier and can be hazardous in the event of failure. This is why many towing professionals are switching to soft shackles for safer, more versatile towing applications.
Safety Through Connection
Another key point is to understand the load ratings of the fittings with your chosen towing strap.
The Working Load Limit (WLL) is crucial, requiring fittings with Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) exceeding the straps. This prevents damage due to breakage. The safety factor, often referred to as the Design Factor, determines the ratio between the working load limit and minimum break strength.
The working load limit's rating should never be exceeded when using a towing strap.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you're on-road or off-road, engaged in industrial operations or recreational pursuits, the synergy between the fittings and towing straps remains a fundamental pillar of secure and effective towing.
Armed with this newfound understanding, you hold the ability to make educated decisions that enhance both the caliber and safety of your towing experiences.
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