Kedah 4x4

Gloves

Gloves are a major asset to the off-roader and when a recovery operation begins, put on a pair of loose-fitting leather gloves. They help prevent possible injury when handling winch cable, can prevent serious injury when working at the winch and when sand ladders and jacks get hot under the desert sun they are a big help. They are also very useful in preventing blisters when digging and oily hands when jacking.

Anchor straps/Tree protection

When using a tree as an anchor, cable or chain will cut into the bark and this could kill the tree. To protect it use an anchor strap. They are best made from polyester and must have no stretch. Purpose-made anchor straps are available from 4x4 equipment outlets. This can be said to be an essential piece of equipment and is used in a multitude of ways in all kinds of recovery situations.

Chains

Carry a length of chain in your recovery kit. Chains are an excellent addition to the complete recovery kit and a length of two metres is sufficient for most jobs. They are particularily useful for attaching straps onto vehicles not well equipped for off-road recovery. An ideal chain is one with an 8000kg breaking strain, electroplated with grab hooks attached to both ends. The chain can be folded back on itself, and the grab hook hooked to any link, thereby shortening the chain to the desired length. Spanset make them. Makro sell them.

Use and care of chains:

· Do not shock-load a chain as this weakens the links. Normally a weak link goes undetected until it fails.

· Keep away from sharp edges when under load.

· Do not let a chain kink.

· A knot in a chain weakens it dramatically.

· To prevent rust, clean the chain in soapy water, allow to dry in the sun and then apply a light coat of Q-20 or similar before storing in a canvas bag.

· Galvanised chain should be selected in preference to untreated mild steel.

Safety lines

A safety line must be considered whenever a recovery operation is set up. The purpose of a safety cord is to prevent a missile being created by anything in the recovery tackle breaking. Laying a blanket or towel, or rolling a strap around the cable is quick and easy.

Tyre chains

Chains linked to form a ladder and wound around each tyre are particularly useful when driving in snow or very thick mud. The diamond style of chains are the best. Drive onto the chains attaching the inside chain first. Drive the vehicle five car lengths and then re-tension them if necessary. It is a good idea to practice fitting tyre chains before departing because fitting them in ice and snow conditions is messy and awkward without practice. You will need a pair of gloves to fit chains. Do not fit chains to the front tyres alone - driving like this can be very dangerous because the inferior traction on the rear wheels tends to make the vehicle spin at the slightest provocation.

Tow bars

Tow bars are designed and fitted for towing trailers and must not be used for vehicle recovery. Original vehicle manufacturer tow bars are generally stronger than those fitted by tow bar fitment centres, but as a tow bar should never be used for anything but light-weight towing and recovery operations a tow bar must not be considered as a primary recovery attachment.