SNATCH BLOCKS FOR TREE REMOVAL HOW TO

If you opt for a synthetic shackle, ensure you know its load limit. Metal shackles usually have their WLL inscribed on the side. Be sure to always use a rated shackle, with the manufacturer’s working load limit (WLL) clearly indicated. If you use a snatch block to boost the winch’s pulling force or redirect the winch cable, use a shackle to attach the snatch block to the tree saver.īefore you connect the winch line to the shackle, thread it around the sheave of your snatch block. We’ve already mentioned the importance of using a tree saver to attach your winch cable to a tree or boulder – it protects the tree, your anchor, and winch cable from damage.

SNATCH BLOCKS FOR TREE REMOVAL HOW TO

How to Connect a Snatch Block to a Tree Saver Strap It’s worth noting that there’s no mechanical advantage in this situation as the snatch block doesn’t reduce the power that the winch requires to pull the stuck vehicle. If you can’t find a strong tree, a secure boulder or any other large object could serve as an alternative. You will attach the snatch block to a tree saver trap using a shackle to avoid damaging the tree. You will need to use a tree as an anchor, allowing the recovery vehicle to exert its pulling force on the stuck vehicle at an angle of 90 degrees. If you find yourself in such a situation, you can use a snatch block to redirect the recovery vehicle’s pulling force so it can pull the stuck vehicle in the correct direction. At times, pulling a stuck vehicle directly using a recovery vehicle’s winch can be challenging. Using a Snatch Block to Redirect the Winch CableĪ snatch block is also effective in redirecting the winch cable. This technique will almost triple the winch’s pulling force, and it can come in handy when the vehicle’s weight is much more than the winch’s capacity or when you need additional force to pull an extremely stuck vehicle loose. You can achieve this by attaching a second snatch block to the recovery vehicle, passing the cable through it and back to your stuck vehicle. You can use multiple snatch blocks to boost the winch’s pulling power further. Then, the winch cable will run from the recovery vehicle through the stuck vehicle’s shackle and connect back to the recovery vehicle with the shackle at the recovery point. In this case, you will need to connect the snatch block to your vehicle with a shackle at a solid recovery point. Instead of using a tree as an anchor in recovering your stuck vehicle, you can also use another vehicle’s winch. While you have the option of anchoring directly to the tree saver with recovery shackles instead of a snatch block, using the snatch block helps to reduce the stress on your winch. Many off-road enthusiasts prefer this winch-and-snatch-block recovery technique. The snatch block will reduce the pulling force that the winch requires, and the tree serving as the anchor will bear the vehicle’s entire load. This technique involves the winch cable extending from the winch on your vehicle through a snatch block and back to the solid recovery point on the vehicle.

In this way, you can almost double the winch pulling force in a self-recovery situation when using a tree as an anchor. You achieve this by passing the winch cable around the snatch block’s pulley and back to the vehicle. Using a Snatch Block to Increase Winch Pulling ForceĪ snatch block provides a mechanical advantage to enhance the winch pulling force. Let’s explore a few common techniques of using a snatch block.

Snatch blocks can also relieve winches of some stress and heat buildup. It’s worth noting that snatch blocks derive their name because they literally snatch some of the force that is usually entirely handled by the winch.

Redirecting the winch cable’s force to pull the stuck vehicle from various angles.

Their two primary purposes in off-road recovery are: Snatch blocks are versatile tools, and you can use them in various situations and configurations in off-road recovery. Ready to buy a snatch block? Click here to see the best prices on Amazon. Always winch using a line dampener because a broken line or snatch block can not only cause injuries to you and damage to your rig, but it can also leave you stranded in the bush. People often make the mistake of not equipping their winch with a line rated above its pulling capacity.Īs a result, they double the force exerted on the winch line, and this can be potentially dangerous.

Before using a snatch block, make sure it can handle the weight you want it to pull. It is worth noting that snatch blocks have a maximum weight capacity.

Snatch blocks for tree removal