Dawnerz Safety Center

Using heavy-duty tow straps and synthetic shackles correctly starts with understanding how they are rated, how loads are applied, and how the equipment should be inspected and used.

The resources below cover product-specific safety information, load considerations, inspection, care and technical terminology for Dawnerz tow straps and shackles.

Select the product type below to access the relevant safety information and technical guides.

Dawnerz Safety Center

Polyester Tow Strap Standards & Guidelines

Safety Bulletin
TOW STRAP SAFETY WARNING: Improper use of tow straps can result in equipment failure, serious injury, or death.

Before Recovery

  • Confirm the tow strap is suitable for the intended recovery application.
  • Confirm the manufacturer's specified WLL is appropriate for the expected load.
  • Use approved recovery points designed for the vehicle or equipment.
  • Ensure the strap is correctly positioned and securely connected before applying load.

During Recovery

  • Keep all people clear of the line of pull and recovery area.
  • Apply load in a controlled manner.
  • Avoid sudden slack take-up, jerking or shock loading.
  • Stop the recovery if the strap, connection points or equipment move unexpectedly.

Load Considerations

  • Mud, sand, slopes and other conditions can significantly increase recovery resistance.
  • The force applied to the recovery system can be higher than the weight of the vehicle or equipment.
  • The recovery vehicle may be capable of generating substantially more pulling force than the estimated recovery resistance.
  • Vehicle weight alone does not determine the force that may be applied to the recovery system.

Important

  • Never exceed the manufacturer's specified WLL.
  • Never use a tow strap for lifting or overhead loads.
  • Do not use the strap outside its intended application.

If the application or loading conditions are uncertain, do not proceed with the recovery.

Inspection Procedures

Inspection Before Use

Inspect the entire strap before every use. Lay the strap out so the full length, both eye loops and stitching can be examined.

Webbing

  • Check for cuts, tears, nicks or excessive fraying.
  • Look for melted, glazed, hardened or unusually stiff areas.
  • Check for significant abrasion or worn sections.
  • Look for discoloration that may indicate heat, chemical or UV exposure.
  • Check for embedded dirt, debris or foreign material that could damage the fibers.

Eye Loops & Stitching

  • Inspect both eye loops for cuts, abrasion, distortion or other damage.
  • Check stitching for broken, loose or pulled threads.
  • Look for separation or damage around the stitched connection points.

Material Condition

  • The webbing should remain flexible and consistent along its length.
  • Check for sections that feel unusually hard, brittle, soft or different from the surrounding material.
  • Unusual odor, melting or other signs of heat or chemical exposure require further assessment.

Identification

  • Confirm the manufacturer's identification tag is present.
  • Ensure the information on the tag remains legible.
  • Do not use a strap if its identification or rating cannot be verified.

Remove From Service

Remove the strap from service immediately if significant damage, material degradation, damaged stitching, unauthorized modification or any other condition is found that could affect its performance.

If you cannot confidently determine that the strap is in suitable condition for use, do not use it.

Storage & Cleaning

Cleaning

  • Remove dirt, sand and debris after use.
  • Wash with lukewarm water and a mild detergent when necessary.
  • Do not use bleach, solvents or harsh chemical cleaners.
  • Do not use cleaning methods that could damage or weaken the polyester fibers.

Drying

  • Allow the strap to air dry completely before storage.
  • Keep away from direct heat while drying.
  • Do not use dryers, radiators, open flames or other artificial heat sources.

Storage

  • Store the strap clean and completely dry.
  • Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep away from chemicals, solvents and other substances that could damage the fibers.
  • Protect from sharp objects and abrasive surfaces.
  • Store without tension, excessive compression or unnecessary bending.

After Cleaning

Allow the strap to dry completely before returning it to storage or service.

Additional Resources

WSTDA Standards & Guidelines

Industry standards and technical guidelines relating to synthetic webbing products, tie-downs, slings and towing and recovery applications.

Visit WSTDA

Shop Tow Straps

Synthetic Shackle Standards & Guidelines

Safety Bulletin
SOFT SHACKLE SAFETY WARNING: Incorrect use of a soft shackle can result in sudden load release, equipment failure, serious injury, or death.

Before Recovery

  • Inspect the entire soft shackle before every use.
  • Confirm the soft shackle is suitable for the intended recovery application.
  • Confirm the manufacturer's specified WLL is appropriate for the expected load.
  • Use only with rated recovery points that are smooth, rounded and free from sharp edges.

During Recovery

  • Keep all people clear of the line of pull and recovery area.
  • Apply load in a controlled manner.
  • Do not allow the soft shackle to twist or become side loaded while under tension.
  • Avoid sudden slack take-up, jerking or shock loading.
  • Stop the recovery if the soft shackle, rope, connection point or equipment moves unexpectedly.

Connection & Load Considerations

  • Do not use a soft shackle against sharp, square or abrasive edges that could cut or damage the fiber.
  • Keep the rope and load-bearing sections away from metal debris, grit, rust and other contaminants.
  • Do not apply load through the knot, splice or other areas that are not intended to carry the load.
  • Ensure the load is applied through the rated body section of the soft shackle.

Important

  • Never exceed the manufacturer's specified WLL.
  • Do not use a soft shackle for lifting or overhead loads.
  • Do not use the soft shackle outside its intended application.
  • Do not use above 60°C / 140°F or below -40°C / -40°F.

If the connection, loading conditions or condition of the soft shackle are uncertain, do not proceed with the recovery.

Inspection Procedures

Inspection Before Use

Inspect the entire soft shackle before every use. Examine the full length of the rope or fiber body, the protective sleeve, knot or splice areas and identification tag.

Rope & Fiber

  • Check for cuts, abrasion, fraying or other fiber damage.
  • Look for sections that are unusually stiff, soft or deformed.
  • Check for discoloration or other signs of UV or heat degradation.
  • Look for contamination from oil, grit, metal particles or other foreign material.

Sleeve & Connection Areas

  • Check the protective sleeve for cuts, abrasion, melting or other damage.
  • Ensure the sleeve remains correctly positioned over the intended contact areas.
  • Inspect the knot or splice for deformation, damage or other changes in condition.
  • Check that the load-bearing rope or fiber is not exposed to damaging contact surfaces.

Material Condition

  • The rope or fiber should remain flexible and consistent along its length.
  • Check for hard, brittle, softened or otherwise abnormal sections.
  • Look for signs of melting, heat damage or chemical exposure.

Identification

  • Confirm the manufacturer's identification tag is present.
  • Ensure the information on the tag remains legible.
  • Do not use a soft shackle if its identification or rating cannot be verified.

Remove From Service

Remove the soft shackle from service immediately if cuts, significant abrasion, fiber damage, sleeve damage, deformation, contamination, material degradation or other conditions are found that could affect its performance.

If you cannot confidently determine that the soft shackle is in suitable condition for use, do not use it.

Storage & Cleaning

Cleaning

  • Rinse the soft shackle with clean water after use.
  • Use a mild detergent only when necessary.
  • Do not use solvents, bleach or harsh chemical cleaners.
  • Remove dirt, grit and other contamination from the rope or fiber and protective sleeve.

Drying

  • Allow the soft shackle to air dry completely.
  • Keep away from direct heat while drying.
  • Do not use dryers, radiators, open flames or other artificial heat sources.

Storage

  • Store the soft shackle clean and completely dry.
  • Store away from direct sunlight and prolonged UV exposure.
  • Keep away from chemicals, solvents and substances that could damage the rope or fiber.
  • Protect from sharp edges, abrasive surfaces and metal contamination.
  • Store without load or tension.

After Cleaning

Allow the soft shackle to dry completely before returning it to storage or service. Proper cleaning and storage help maintain the condition and service life of the rope or fiber.

Additional Resources

Cordage Institute

Industry resources and technical information relating to rope, cordage and synthetic fiber products and their safe use.

Visit the Cordage Institute

Shop Soft Shackles

Web Tie Down Standards & Guidelines

Safety Bulletin
TIE-DOWN SAFETY WARNING: Incorrect selection, use or inspection of tie-downs can result in cargo movement, equipment failure, serious injury, or death.

Before Securing Cargo

  • Use a tie-down system suitable for the type, weight and configuration of the cargo.
  • Confirm the tie-down's rated Working Load Limit (WLL) is appropriate for the intended application.
  • Inspect the entire tie-down before use, including the webbing, stitching, identification tag and hardware.
  • Ensure vehicle anchor points and tie-down fittings are suitable and compatible.
  • Position the tie-down so that the cargo is properly restrained against movement.

Protection From Damage

  • Protect tie-downs from sharp edges, corners, protrusions and abrasive surfaces.
  • Use suitable protection where contact with damaging surfaces cannot be avoided.
  • Do not drag tie-downs across abrasive surfaces or pull them from beneath loaded cargo.
  • Do not twist, kink or knot the webbing.
  • Do not drive over tie-downs with vehicles or equipment.

Environmental Conditions

  • Protect tie-downs from excessive heat, chemicals, UV exposure and other environmental damage.
  • Do not use tie-downs that show signs of chemical, heat or UV degradation.
  • Keep tie-downs away from weld spatter, grinding debris and other sources of mechanical damage.

During Transport

  • Apply tension in a controlled manner and do not exceed the tie-down's rated WLL.
  • Consider the effect of tie-down angle and configuration on the effective restraining force.
  • Check that cargo remains secure and that tie-downs have not loosened or shifted.
  • Keep personnel clear of areas where cargo could shift, fall or move unexpectedly.

Do Not Misuse Tie-Downs

  • Do not use tie-downs for towing or vehicle recovery.
  • Do not use tie-downs for lifting, lowering or suspending loads.
  • Do not exceed the manufacturer's specified WLL.
  • Do not use damaged, modified or improperly repaired tie-downs.

Important

  • Any damaged tie-down must be removed from service immediately.
  • Do not attempt field repairs to damaged webbing, stitching, fittings or buckles.
  • Users must be trained and knowledgeable in tie-down selection, application, inspection and the requirements applicable to the cargo being secured.

If the tie-down, application or loading conditions are uncertain, do not proceed until the situation has been properly assessed.

Tie Down Best Practices

Product Selection

  • Choose a tie-down suitable for the cargo, vehicle, anchor points and operating environment.
  • Confirm the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the tie-down before use.
  • Check that the vehicle anchor points and fittings are suitable for the intended application.
  • The effective capacity of the system is limited by the lowest-rated component.
  • Determine the number of tie-downs required based on the cargo, weight, configuration and applicable regulations.

Identification

  • Confirm the manufacturer's identification is present and legible.
  • Verify the WLL before applying tension.
  • Ensure the tie-down is being used in accordance with its intended application.

Application

  • Position tie-downs to prevent the cargo from shifting during transport.
  • Consider the effect of tie-down angle and configuration on the effective restraining force.
  • Attach fittings correctly to the vehicle's designated anchor points.
  • Apply tension evenly and avoid unnecessary shock loading.
  • Maintain secure footing when installing or releasing tie-downs.

Protection

  • Protect webbing from sharp edges, corners, protrusions and abrasive surfaces.
  • Use suitable edge or abrasion protection where required.
  • Do not pull tie-downs from underneath cargo.
  • Do not drop, drag or drive over tie-downs.

During Transport

  • Check tie-downs regularly during transport and adjust tension when required.
  • Monitor the cargo for movement or shifting.
  • Reassess the tie-down arrangement if the cargo position or loading conditions change.
  • Follow all applicable cargo-securement regulations for the type of load being transported.

Use Limitations

  • Never exceed the manufacturer's specified WLL.
  • Do not shorten, join or lengthen tie-downs using knots or unauthorized methods.
  • Do not modify or repair tie-down webbing, stitching, fittings or hardware.
  • Do not use cargo tie-downs for lifting, towing or other unintended applications.

Environmental Conditions

  • Protect tie-downs from prolonged UV exposure, excessive heat and chemical contamination.
  • Do not use nylon or polyester webbing tie-downs above 194°F (90°C) or below -40°F (-40°C).
  • Consult the manufacturer when tie-downs will be exposed to chemicals or other unusual environmental conditions.
  • Inspect more frequently when tie-downs are exposed to severe environmental or operating conditions.

Cleaning & Storage

  • Remove dirt, grit and other contamination after use.
  • Rinse with clean water when necessary.
  • Store tie-downs clean, dry and protected from direct sunlight.
  • Keep away from chemicals, heat sources, sharp objects and abrasive materials.
  • Allow tie-downs to dry completely before storage.
Storage & Cleaning

Cleaning

  • Remove dirt, sand, grit and other debris after use.
  • Rinse with clean water when necessary.
  • Use a mild detergent if additional cleaning is required.
  • Do not use solvents, bleach or harsh chemical cleaners.
  • Avoid cleaning methods that could damage the webbing, stitching or hardware.

Drying

  • Allow the tie-down to air dry completely before storage.
  • Keep away from direct heat while drying.
  • Do not use dryers, radiators, open flames or other artificial heat sources.

Storage

  • Store tie-downs clean and completely dry.
  • Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and prolonged UV exposure.
  • Keep away from chemicals, solvents, heat sources and other contaminants.
  • Protect from sharp objects, abrasive surfaces and mechanical damage.
  • Store without unnecessary tension, compression, twisting or kinking.

Before Reuse

Inspect the entire tie-down before returning it to service. Any tie-down showing damage, contamination, degradation or other conditions that could affect its performance must be removed from service.

Additional Resources

WSTDA

The Web Sling & Tie Down Association develops industry standards and recommended practices for web tie-downs, guidance on selection, inspection, use and care.

Visit WSTDA

FMCSA / U.S. DOT

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides federal cargo-securement regulations covering the proper securement of cargo during transportation.

View FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules