My soft shackle failure experience 🤕 -- The Off-Road Recovery That Almost Killed Me

[Scott R Nelson]

Please watch the WHOLE story and do not skip

It's more than 53 minutes!

Surely with some decent editing the important stuff could have been conveyed in five minutes. I'm not watching a video that long.

I know from watching the various off road rescue YouTube channels what the dangers can be. I think I have a pretty good idea how to keep out of danger. But I ain't watching for 53 minutes.

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[Sunday Money]

I did a soft shackle recovery with ASR equipment. Anything I could have done better? Always looking for improvement when it comes to safety. Thinking back I don’t think the passengers in back should have been in back seat incase rope or something broke.

7/8 rope 28,000 MTS lb, 9000 lb WLL
3/8 Soft Shackle 43,500 lb MTS

I would have told them to get out of the back (and maybe use a damper), but at least you did not take a 20-foot running start on a 30-foot line at full throttle!

 

[telenerd]

I would have told them to get out of the back (and maybe use a damper), but at least you did not take a 20-foot running start on a 30-foot line at full throttle!

Yeah the ASR tags clearly state nothing over 5mph. I barely tugged and that Jeep came off the rock going off trail.

 

[Meraki Hammocks]

"In this video, I take a deep dive into the incident from a personal, story perspective. Then we zoom out and look back using hind sight 20/20 and a birds eye view. I include various clips, pics and physical evidence. Please watch the WHOLE story and do not skip, you will get a false idea based on partial facts if you do. Use this as a tool to educate and encourage safety when recovering. Share to your hearts content!"



Oof that looked like it hurt.
Since the incident I’ve been talking directly with some of the recovery industry greats such as Factor 55, Madmatts4wd and local recovery group leaders. I’ve learned a TON of stuff from them that admittedly just isn’t talked about much in the kinetic rope world and they as well as I now want to bring up more and help spread conversation on.

The common consensus from all of them so far is that the soft shackle failed at the Clevis. In fact it was at the loop around its own knot and not the Clevis. The other takeaway is that the soft shackle quality was poor (I have found 3 different ratings now for its strength). It was probably degraded more from the first forward pull.
Another item was the strength of the pull being too hard for the conditions I was in.
Me rushing was also huge as I didn’t get out and assess and see that my passenger side was now buried vs how it had been before. In that situation a winch line and digging would have been better.
Another thought was a winch blanket, they all agreed that the blanket would have just been tossed off and was not heavy enough to make a difference.
Another big point was that the kinetic rope I had was “rated” for use on any vehicle up to 11,000 lbs. Looking-back though, they said a 1” rope is too thick and a 7/8th would actually be better and allow for more stretch. From now on I am only using, high end, quality gear regardless of rating from cheaper companies. I am also going to slow myself down despite any rush I may be in.
I’m also going to rethink how often I use my winch and break that out more.
I still believe soft shackles are safer and will continue to use them. I am also going to make more use of a bridle now as well to distribute the load better.
I interviewed with Madmatt4WD from Australia and he brought up a TON of good advice. I’ll link that interview here when it posts.

One last point that Matt brought up was the mindset. In the US we see recoveries typically as the driving not having the skill to get through something and now we have to recover them. It’s an obstacle and a chore for us that we try to get out of the way ASAP so we can get back to wheeling. This mindset is dangerous. In Australia they see recoveries as part of the process and it’s not looked down on or rushed. It’s a methodical, slow and mostly safe process every time. For them it’s part of the process.

Thanks for making the video Caleb.

 

[PEGB]

Thanks for the video Caleb. I’m glad you came out ok in the end. I feel for your wife also. An unenviable position to be in for that time not knowing. Especially with young children in the equation. No matter how much I read, watch, or wheel, I’ll never know if all. Your video had a lot to learn from. I am interested in learning more about the kinetic rope and soft shackle issue.

I’ll also add I carry two ARB dampeners. They’re very clever. They can be used as high vis vests if needed, have pockets to add weight, and have Velcro to help a fix them to the line. Not saying they would or wouldn’t have worked in your scenario, just that they are well thought out and durable.

I have the older model of this: https://store.arbusa.com/recovery-damper-arb220/

 

[SuperDave150]

My dad who worked in the oilfield taught me a valuable general bit of advice:
Do NOT ever suppose that a high energy situation is “safe” - whether that energy is kinetic, electrical, hydraulic, etc.
ALWAYS suppose that there WILL be a sudden and catastrophic release of energy. Therefore, it Is your job to anticipate the largest potential area of of energy release and STAY THE HECK OUT OF THE WAY!

For example, in off road winching I once stepped over a partially loaded winch line. I believe his exact words were “Do you want to loose your jewels?!? Don’t EVER get in the path of a winch line. Assume it WILL BREAK at the moment you least expect it. Stay out of the path of destruction!”

Another example was around a backhoe. He said to imagine a failure of the hydraulic system and the bucket would make a wild & fast swing in any direction. Envision the circle of destruction and stay outside of the circle.

How does this apply here?
1. Change attachment points so that potential energy isn’t pointing at humans.
2. Expect a failure and implement mitigation measures (blanket or coat over the tow line).

 

[C6ZZGT]

It's really important to see the damage that can occur with ROPE! I'm very new to the sport, but assumed that kinetic rope is safer than chain. Maybe it is, but rope is a serious threat too!

I would like to get some proper training of how to set up my vehicle and how to safely use the equipment!!!!

rope,chain,strap --- It`s all about properly using the proper tool for the job !

Depending on where you live, there are likely groups around you that offer free off-road recovery courses and education classes.
Here in Utah, there's 3-4 groups that regularly run trainings and courses.

Same here in WA and BC

 

[SeptuagenarianSasquatch]

Thanks for the video and the tips, also for your Christian testimony.

 

[geargeek]

Below is based on advice from Madmatt4WD and others.

Recovery Hierarchy Checklist

1. Minimal risk: Shovel, track building, vehicle prep (tire pressure lower, 4x4 low engaged, lockers on)
2. Reduced risk: Recovery boards
3. Low risk: Tow (zero kinetic) can still use a kinetic rope/strap, but just a pull. Energy limited by puller's traction.
4. Moderate risk: Winching
5. High risk: Snatch/Kinetic recovery = highest energy. Limit pulling driver to ~5 mph max. Use only 1-2 yards of slack. If it doesn’t work, find ways to reduce the load before pulling again.

For tows, winching or kinetic - for vehicles with two recovery points on the side being pulled, it makes sense to use a tree strap or short tow strap to make a bridle to split the forces between the two recovery points. This lowers the chance of failure of the recovery point.

 

[popo_patty]

Below is based on advice from Madmatt4WD and others.

Recovery Hierarchy Checklist

1. Minimal risk: Shovel, track building, vehicle prep (tire pressure lower, 4x4 low engaged, lockers on)
2. Reduced risk: Recovery boards
3. Low risk: Tow (zero kinetic) can still use a kinetic rope/strap, but just a pull. Energy limited by puller's traction.
4. Moderate risk: Winching
5. High risk: Snatch/Kinetic recovery = highest energy. Limit pulling driver to ~5 mph max. Use only 1-2 yards of slack. If it doesn’t work, find ways to reduce the load before pulling again.

For tows, winching or kinetic - for vehicles with two recovery points on the side being pulled, it makes sense to use a tree strap or short tow strap to make a bridle to split the forces between the two recovery points. This lowers the chance of failure of the recovery point.

I had the honor of being interviewed by him yesterday (video coming to his channel). That man is a true expert and very humble. It was great talking to him!

 

[Pseudoko]

@popo_patty just glad you’re okay. As many have mentioned, a lot can be learned from this especially considering how many new people there are to off roading. Again just happy to hear you’re okay.

 

[Tdub0527]

"In this video, I take a deep dive into the incident from a personal, story perspective. Then we zoom out and look back using hind sight 20/20 and a birds eye view. I include various clips, pics and physical evidence. Please watch the WHOLE story and do not skip, you will get a false idea based on partial facts if you do. Use this as a tool to educate and encourage safety when recovering. Share to your hearts content!"



Oof that looked like it hurt.
Since the incident I’ve been talking directly with some of the recovery industry greats such as Factor 55, Madmatts4wd and local recovery group leaders. I’ve learned a TON of stuff from them that admittedly just isn’t talked about much in the kinetic rope world and they as well as I now want to bring up more and help spread conversation on.

The common consensus from all of them so far is that the soft shackle failed at the Clevis. In fact it was at the loop around its own knot and not the Clevis. The other takeaway is that the soft shackle quality was poor (I have found 3 different ratings now for its strength). It was probably degraded more from the first forward pull.
Another item was the strength of the pull being too hard for the conditions I was in.
Me rushing was also huge as I didn’t get out and assess and see that my passenger side was now buried vs how it had been before. In that situation a winch line and digging would have been better.
Another thought was a winch blanket, they all agreed that the blanket would have just been tossed off and was not heavy enough to make a difference.
Another big point was that the kinetic rope I had was “rated” for use on any vehicle up to 11,000 lbs. Looking-back though, they said a 1” rope is too thick and a 7/8th would actually be better and allow for more stretch. From now on I am only using, high end, quality gear regardless of rating from cheaper companies. I am also going to slow myself down despite any rush I may be in.
I’m also going to rethink how often I use my winch and break that out more.
I still believe soft shackles are safer and will continue to use them. I am also going to make more use of a bridle now as well to distribute the load better.
I interviewed with Madmatt4WD from Australia and he brought up a TON of good advice. I’ll link that interview here when it posts.

One last point that Matt brought up was the mindset. In the US we see recoveries typically as the driving not having the skill to get through something and now we have to recover them. It’s an obstacle and a chore for us that we try to get out of the way ASAP so we can get back to wheeling. This mindset is dangerous. In Australia they see recoveries as part of the process and it’s not looked down on or rushed. It’s a methodical, slow and mostly safe process every time. For them it’s part of the process.

I appreciate you being vulnerable and sharing your stories which you took full accountability for your mistakes. Rest assured your story helped others avoid similar mistakes.

A couple questions for you:
- Any concern the jeep received Damage? Have you been in contact with that driver?
- I was unclear if you think stuff from Amazon was good or bad. The shackle you said you’d never buy that again but you also promoted the first aid kit both purchased at Amazon. I’ve found Amazon to be far more junk than it ever used to be. Convenient but often times you don’t even realize you are buying the Chinese junk version.
- Looking back with how long it took for a helicopter to come, would have it been faster to have driven?

Again, thanks for sharing I learned a lot.

 

[popo_patty]

I appreciate you being vulnerable and sharing your stories which you took full accountability for your mistakes. Rest assured your story helped others avoid similar mistakes.

A couple questions for you:
- Any concern the jeep received Damage? Have you been in contact with that driver?
- I was unclear if you think stuff from Amazon was good or bad. The shackle you said you’d never buy that again but you also promoted the first aid kit both purchased at Amazon. I’ve found Amazon to be far more junk than it ever used to be. Convenient but often times you don’t even realize you are buying the Chinese junk version.
- Looking back with how long it took for a helicopter to come, would have it been faster to have driven?

Again, thanks for sharing I learned a lot.

Very good questions!

Jeep has no damage. I’ve had brief contact with the driver.

I don’t think everything from Amazon is bad. But knock off recovery equipment is probably not good. Especially since I can’t verify the ratings or origin like USA made stuff. USA stuff is serialized and can be tracked to date of manufacture as well as work bench and allotment of rope. Likewise only 2 factories in the US test their material to failure and offer reliable load limits. Amazon brands may not offer that and it can be a gamble. I found 3 different ratings for my same shackle on different Amazon stores, they are just making up a number Yankum told me that they’ve seen some companies mixing in lower quality rope with their soft shackles to cut costs as well. They want me to test my shackle to see if that’s the case for mine.
My Amazon med kit comes from a real company that I’ve researched. They also sell their kits elsewhere and have a website. I perform in field, basic trauma care to victims on a regular basis from gunshots and stabbings at my job. This kit has very good quality to perform that task. There are better, but I’m comfortable with this one.

So at the time of the event I was about 45 min off-road to pavement. Nearest trauma center was 1.5 hours in an ambulance from there. Helicopter ride was maybe 15-20 min?
Based on the intense pain I was feeling at the time, seeing the blood patches in the snow around me, having both a cop and a retired EMT on scene telling me I had a large cut in my neck. I elected to take helicopter. I did initially ask to drive out right away, but I was told by the EMT that a helicopter was much wiser and had already been called.

 

[HighVelocity]

Thanks for sharing your story. This is a good learning lesson for all - I am certainly going to be upgrading my soft shackles. I've been on the fence for a long time, but this has pushed me off and will be placing an order this week. I don't have a kinetic rope and have been looking, but will be spending for a good one as well.

I've always kept a few IFAKs with me. There's one that lives in every vehicle, plus one I keep in my EDC bag. Keeping it visible and quickly accessible is sound advice. I've seen too many people stuff it under a seat or in a trunk behind a bunch of crap.

Those who haven't had training due to their profession should take at least a basic first-aid class. Red Cross does them for free throughout the country.

 

[geargeek]

I had the honor of being interviewed by him yesterday (video coming to his channel). That man is a true expert and very humble. It was great talking to him!

Yeah Mad Matt is a good role model.
Thanks for sharing your story and glad you’re ok. Hope to see you on the trails!

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