Snatch strap

A snatch strap is a piece of equipment used to help in the recovery of vehicles bogged in sand or mud. Snatch straps are manufactured from webbing that is capable of approximately 20% stretch under load. This stretching property allows the strap to store kinetic energy, which is used to pull vehicles from a bog. Snatch straps are typically between 6m (20') and 15m (50') in length, with 9m (30') being a common size. Snatch straps also have ratings of permissible working load - e.g. 8000kg.

A snatch strap is used by attaching one end to a rated recovery point on the bogged vehicle (e.g. a recovery hook or loop on the chassis). A second vehicle is required to do the recovery. The snatch strap is laid out on the ground in the direction the bogged vehicle is to be recovered (either forwards or backwards), with an "S" bend in the middle approximately 1m in length. The recovery vehicle is backed up so that the snatch strap can be attached to a second rated recovery point on the rear of the recovery vehicle. The recovery vehicle then drives off, and the strap begins to stretch, building up kinetic energy, until the force keeping the vehicle bogged is overcome, at which point the bogged vehicle is pulled forward (or "snatched", hence the name).

The snatch strap should be part of any basic recovery kit for a 4WD or SUV involved in offroad activity. It is essential that proper rated recovery points be used, as snatch straps store dangerous amounts of kinetic energy when under load, and numerous fatalities have resulted from improper use, such as attaching to towbars or towballs not designed to be used as recovery points. Care should also be taken when joining snatch straps, and snatch straps should never be joined using a shackle, as in the event of a failure, the shackle will be flung with great force towards the vehicle who's strap it is still attached to. This has also resulted in several fatalities.

If the snatch strap is to be attached to a loop instead of a hook on the vehicle, a bow shackle should be used (not a D-shackle). If the strap was to break, the bow shackle will remain attached to the recovery loop, and not be flung as a projectile.

A snatch strap should not be used for towing or winching purposes.

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