The snatch block is a heavy-duty single-line pulley. It is used to increase the pulling force of the winch or change the direction of pull.
Self-Recovery
During self recovery the snatch block is attached to the anchor. Run the cable from the bogged vehicle through the pulley and back to the vehicle where the cable is then attached. This is where dual towing eyes are very useful. Normal winching at half retrieval speed and double the pulling force is then performed.
Two-vehicle recovery
During two-vehicle recovery where the free vehicle’s winch is used, attach the snatch block to the bogged vehicle. Run the cable from the winching vehicle through the snatch block and back to the vehicle where the cable is then attached to a towing eye. If your winch is rated at or under 6000 lbs pulling power, then it is very likely that a snatch block will one day be necessary.
If you have a winch fitted you will be in a good position to help another vehicle that has bogged down. This is where a winch is really useful.
To prepare for winching, follow this procedure:
· If the area is slippery, anchor the winch-equipped vehicle by chaining it to a tree or by digging holes into which the front wheels will be driven. Alternatively, place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels.
· The line of the winch cable should follow the route that the bogged vehicle will move along when it is pulled out. If the winch is pulling from an angle, the winch cable will gather on the one side of the drum.
· Dig channels in front of the wheels of the bogged vehicle and remove any obstacles in its path.
· Once the stricken vehicle is attached to the winch cable and the cable is pulled taut, everyone should stand well clear.
· By opening the bonnet during the winching operation, the windscreen will be protected from damage should the cable break.
· The winching vehicle should have its engine running to keep the battery charged and the operator’s foot should be on the brake.
· The driver of the bogged vehicle should engage low-range second and gently release the clutch as the winch takes up tension, rotating the wheels very slowly to assist the winch. Avoid spinning the wheels.
· When the vehicle is free, drive clear of the obstacle. Avoid driving over the winch cable.
· Where an anchor point is not in front of the bogged vehicle, or in the case of lack of space in front of a bogged vehicle in which to allow the winch equipped vehicle access, the snatch block is invaluable. Here the snatch block is used to change the direction of pull.
Using a snatch block to pull a vehicle over an obstacle
If you wish to drive through very deep mud or climb a slippery slope and you suspect that your vehicle will not be able to do it without some assistance from the vehicle accompanying you, the use of a snatch block to change the direction of pull may be the solution. Attach the snatch block to an anchor on the other side of the obstacle. Run the winch cable from one vehicle, through the snatch block and back again to the second vehicle. As the second vehicle reverses on terra-firma it will pull the first up and over the obstacle. Now with one vehicle through, it can use the cable and pull the second vehicle directly towards it over the obstacle. No matter how easy the pull, always have a competent person at the wheel of the vehicle being pulled as in the event of equipment failure the driver must know how to stop the vehicle safely.
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