If you had doubts about pull ropes...

[ovrszd]

Well this was waay back, high school and after when we were kids, knew everything and also bulletproof.

Reality for me set in about the time I turned 55. I suddenly realized I was vulnerable.....

 

[crazyal]

Been using them since the 80s. The first thing to do is inspect them. If you see any cuts or strands unraveling toss them. Best place to hook them is the tow hook on the front of a truck. For the 2" wide ones or the style where the loops on the end are folded over and half the width of the strap you can slide them inside a 2" receiver hitch.

In fact what we often would do is put the strap in the hitch before even going into the mud. A strap can come off a ball pretty easily while the hitch pin has a clip on it keeping the strap from falling out. Once stuck you just had to climb out of the truck and into your bed. Toss the strap to dry ground and a friend would pull you out.

I have seen people do stupid things. Usually it was they would cut the strap because they wrapped it around metal that would cut it and then they would tie a knot holding the two pieces together. Weak chains were another thing to watch out for. Seen lots of dented tailgates when those chains let loose.

 

[DaveMueller]

Never attach two synthetic loops together. Under severe strain, one will cut the other. That's why mountain climbers always have a carabiner between ropes. I think some good steel between you and the tow rope/chain is the only safe solution.