Tow balls are not to be used as recovery points

[MudRunnerTD]

I think all recoveries carry an element of risk, that's why we take care to make sure nobody is in the firing line. We know a winch rope has just as much potential to do some serious damage.

I think you're probably right and if you have the option to winch out of mud it might be the better choice but a correctly used snatch would be just as viable and safe/carry similar risks.

I think the likelihood of this kind of damage to a windscreen would be very low. Using the strap as intended (straight pull) will see the bulk of its mass recoil directly towards its fixture points if it does break.

If anything I think that these pictures and experiences are a lesson teaching us to replace our snatch straps a bit more regularly?

I have seen more than a couple of Snatches break. it is fare average when they go. the first one i saw was back in the day and they were snatching a GQ out of a bog. The snatch broke and shattered the front grill of the bogged GQ and smashed a head light. I was very new to the scene and surprised at the damage.

I agree they have their place. the best lessons learned here though is to figure out where the line is. to determine when a Snatch simply should not be considered.. Respect the limit of the snatch. Dont just hit it harder.

i subscribe to this rule. "When in Doubt, Winch Out"