Last week I snapped my Halfords tow rope, when jump starting a Freelander with a flat battery. I looked around the motorist shops and couldn't find any rope that was rated higher than 2 ton. I wanted a better quality rope that would tow another D3, so I purchased one on eBay from Euro Ropes (see http://stores.ebay.co.uk/EURO-ROPES).
I got a 5 metre 10.5 ton rope that came with two shackles, totalling £18.50 plus delivery. Wow, what a rope. It is a monster. Ideally I wanted something longer that could be used to recover a vehicle when off-road, but then 4.5m is the maximum you can use when towing on-road, so I though that I'd better settle for this length.
If anyone is looking for a tow rope, then check out this eBay shop. Prices seem pretty good.
I put my (large) mobile pda phone next to the rope so you can see the size.
Matt
14th Jul 2006 2:47 pm
mattlynch
Member Since: 22 May 2005
Location: Southport, UK
Posts: 92
Shackles look a litle small for 10.5 tons (or is it just that I have very big shackles )
MattDisco 3 TDV6 S (Everyday and laning!)
Series 3 Ex-military Lightweight (Toy!!!)
Smart Roadster (commuting only!)
That's what I thought, but the eBay auction says 10+, so I assume this means they are rated at 10 ton. However, I think they're not. But they will do for what I want for now.Matt
14th Jul 2006 3:09 pm
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50934
They should be weight rated with a stamp on them somewhere....if you do change, consider bow shackles as they distribute forces more evenly around the ring.21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
14th Jul 2006 3:12 pm
jkp
Member Since: 17 Sep 2005
Location: Living among Bawbags
Posts: 4528
Did you get a certificate of conformity with them? I think legaly they are meant to be supplied. I purchsed a 3t 8metre strop and 4.5t shackles and was supplied with the required documents from a local lifting equip supplier.
Although the shackles look light, if they are certified then they show take considerably more than the test weight before failure. I know there is a mutiplier factor on testing, but cannot remember what it is. 2.5 safe working limit jumps to mind, but that is probably wrong
14th Jul 2006 3:42 pm
simon
Member Since: 11 Jan 2005
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 18296
So does anyone have a good source for recovery / tow ropes with the correct shackles that we could purchase ?
Make the ropes for LRE they have a 12 tonne rating and you can have a hook or swivel shackle spliced into each end and they will make the rope any length you require.
I used one to pull you out up at the Broughrood track.
14th Jul 2006 7:52 pm
simon
Member Since: 11 Jan 2005
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 18296
Nice... and yes it did a good job... combined with the MTR's you made an awesome backwards traversing tow truck
Shame 10 was stuck much further back that day though eh ?
14th Jul 2006 10:42 pm
Lesleym
Member Since: 27 Mar 2006
Location: Perthshire
Posts: 30
My god you could tow a ship down the Clyde with that rope. Good price though.Just Bought one
Unlike other things in life, size does not necessarily matter.
You can get a really small shackle that is very strong or indeed a big one that is not strong.
The point is that unless they are stamped with a "rating" how do you know ho strong it is?
For a vehicle the size of a D3, I would suggest that you use a "4.7 tonne" tested shackle.
Shackles that are tested and stamped are used for lifting.
Straps & shackles tested & approved for lifting have a safety factor of a least 6:1.
Therefore a 4.7tonne shackle is plenty strong enough.
When using shackles make sure that the pin goes all the way through, so that you cannot see any unused threads.
If the pin in a shackle sticks or is difficult to turn, it may be bent, so consider repalcement.
"D" shackels are slightly stronger than "BOW" shackles but you can get more or larger attachment in to a "BOW".
As for rope? I prefer to use nylon. This has a slight stretch and will absorb any shock loads when towing.
Remember that a lot of these man amde fibre ropes are subject to damage when exposed to "UV" light, so you might want to keep then in a sack or bag till needed.
Keep ropes clean as well. Don't jet wash them, as this drives dirt into the fibres of the rope where it will gring away till failure occurs. Wash ropes in a bucket or water but.
You may want to conside a tow strap. This will normally be easier to use, clean & store & I think that it is easier to spot damage on a strap than a rope.
Regards
Non StickI am a hob nobber.
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(or is it just that I have very big shackles 
)
