What is the Difference Between a Recovery Strap and a Tow Strap?

Tow Straps and Recovery Straps are often confused as being the same thing. After all, they look similar and do similar things, so to clarify the definition of each, we answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between a Recovery Strap and a Tow Strap? 

A recovery strap is made with nylon fabrication so that it stretches similar to a rubber band. It provides some give to “recover” a stuck vehicle while a tow strap can tow a disabled vehicle to another location yet has no “give”. In addition, most tow straps come with hooks at the end. Recovery straps do not and should not be used with hooks because it will reduce the capacity of the strap.

How do I attach the recovery strap to another vehicle? 

You should pass one end of the strap through the loop at the other end to secure it. NEVER use a knot or additional hardware to attach it. DO NOT attach it another vehicle in a way that it may be cut or damaged.

Is it possible to pull a vehicle so hard with my strap that it will hit my vehicle? 

Nylon straps are safer and easier to use than chains. DRIVE VERY SLOWLY when pulling the vehicle out. Sudden tugs may lead to damage to either vehicle or the strap. A tarp may also be used ON TOP of the recovery strap as a safeguard. If by chance the strap should break, the tarp will slow the recovery strap down before it can cause damage.

How do I know how large a recovery strap to buy? 

A general rule of thumb is that each inch of width will allow you to pull out about 10,000 lbs. and the larger the width of the strap, the less “give” it has. That is why we sell 1” through 6” wide straps on our website. For most people’s use, these widths are the most common. For special applications, please call our office at 800-242-3477. Custom straps are available at no extra charge. Following are recovery strap ratings for single and two-ply:

SINGLE PLY RECOVERY STRAPS – 1 thickness of webbing between end loops 

2 inches = approximately 19,600 lbs. material breaking strength
3 inches = approximately 29,400 lbs. material breaking strength
4 inches = approximately 39,200 lbs. material breaking strength
6 inches = approximately 58,800 lbs. material breaking strength

TWO PLY RECOVERY STRAPS – 2 thicknesses of webbing between end loops 

2 inches = approximately 39,200 lbs. material breaking strength
3 inches = approximately 58,800 lbs. material breaking strength 
4 inches = approximately 78,400 lbs. material breaking strength
6 inches = approximately 117,600 lbs. material breaking strength

For HEAVY DUTY RECOVERY STRAPS, our division Wrecker Supply USA, offers FOUR PLY recovery straps with and without steel oblongs. Custom lengths are available by calling us at
877-670-3130.

FOUR PLY RECOVERY STRAPS - 4 thicknesses of webbing between end loops

4 inches = approximately 133,000 lbs. material breaking strength
6 inches = approximately 188,000 lbs. material breaking strength

If you would like additional information such as care and use of recovery straps, please email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

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WiscoLift, Inc. has been in the industrial material handling business since 1974 and specializes in lifting products and services including: cranes, hoists, lifting magnets, industrial lifting beams, lift tables, plate clamps, vacuum lifts, and web slings. Services include #crane installation, maintenance, and inspections in #Wisconsin, #Illinois, #Michigan, and #Minnesota.