Off Roading SNAP goes the tow strap... (video)

[DZink24]

MySpaceTV Videos: Mud Strap Close Call by Bethanie



hopefully this video will show. . just something to keep in mind, be safe out there

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

AH, another "Darwin award" candidate - any guy thinking the BEST way to pull a stuck vehicle outta the mud is to take a BIG run and jump at it should be back riding a bike, where he belongs! :-laf

 

[Alphacowboy]

AH, another "Darwin award" candidate - any guy thinking the BEST way to pull a stuck vehicle outta the mud is to take a BIG run and jump at it should be back riding a bike, where he belongs! :-laf

Actually Gary, if they were using the correct strap, a snatch-strap, not a tow strap, that is the correct way. Here is why, a tow strap has no give and is not to be used in this manner. A snatch-strap on the other hand is like a bungie. When you gun it and take up the slack you end up making a huge sling shot, the strap then recoils and jerks the vehicle loose and also helps pull it out.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Actually Gary, if they were using the correct strap, a snatch-strap, not a tow strap, that is the correct way. Here is why, a tow strap has no give and is not to be used in this manner. A snatch-strap on the other hand is like a bungie. When you gun it and take up the slack you end up making a huge sling shot, the strap then recoils and jerks the vehicle loose and also helps pull it out.

I fully understand what you are saying, AND the principle involved - but the usual practice is to take up the slack to the point that the strap is off the ground, then start the pull at a firm and steady pace. In this case, the guy in the tow vehicle applied force and MOTION at too great a speed - and the strap didn't heve the strength at that rate of application to overcome the resting mass of the load - the strength of the strap was likely adequate, but not at that rate of applied load.



Here's an experiment in physics for those wanting to see this in action:



Take a length of common string, and tie it around a 10 lb. or so rock - and then tie another length of the SAME type string around that same rock to dangle below the rock as you suspend that rock from a secure achcor point by the upper length of string.



NOW, gently and steadily pull down on the dangling lower string - and the TOP string will eventually break as you increase downward pull - THAT demonstration shows what you WANT to happen in the truck towing bit up above. The breaking of the TOP string represents the pull on the LOWER string (tow strap) overcoming the mass of the LOAD (stuck truck), and breaking it free.



NOW, restore the top string, and again repeat the pull on the lower dangling string - but THIS time just give a quick and sudden YANK on it - and the BOTTOM string (tow strap!) will SNAP because it's strength cannot overcome the resting mass of the load (stuck truck) when too rapid motion is applied!



All the same string and load - just a different application of force.



Plain and pure basic physics based upon Newton's law of motion - and it works the same EVERY TIME! :-laf

 

[seemore]

I fully understand what you are saying, AND the principle involved - but the usual practice is to take up the slack to the point that the strap is off the ground, then start the pull at a firm and steady pace. In this case, the guy in the tow vehicle applied force and MOTION at too great a speed - and the strap didn't heve the strength at that rate of application to overcome the resting mass of the load - the strength of the strap was likely adequate, but not at that rate of applied load.



Here's an experiment in physics for those wanting to see this in action:



Take a length of common string, and tie it around a 10 lb. or so rock - and then tie another length of the SAME type string around that same rock to dangle below the rock as you suspend that rock from a secure achcor point by the upper length of string.



NOW, gently and steadily pull down on the dangling lower string - and the TOP string will eventually break as you increase downward pull - THAT demonstration shows what you WANT to happen in the truck towing bit up above. The breaking of the TOP string represents the pull on the LOWER string (tow strap) overcoming the mass of the LOAD (stuck truck), and breaking it free.



NOW, restore the top string, and again repeat the pull on the lower dangling string - but THIS time just give a quick and sudden YANK on it - and the BOTTOM string (tow strap!) will SNAP because it's strength cannot overcome the resting mass of the load (stuck truck) when too rapid motion is applied!



All the same string and load - just a different application of force.



Plain and pure basic physics based upon Newton's law of motion - and it works the same EVERY TIME! :-laf

I hear what you are saying! But the principle they used was "Hey y'all hold my beer and watch this"