Snatch block...

[Hypoid]

I'm still not too sure about this one, but, damn!

http://www.harborfreight.com/snatch-block-61673.html#.UyXxMahdXER

I even used a 25% off coupon to buy it.

[Tom]

Claims 20k lbs, but yah at that price on wonders

[Cr33p3r]

The spring clip is what scares me about it.

[Robert B]

why does the spring clip scare you ??? the only real difference from my old school WARN snatch block id the center pin/tube ....warn runs a pin and even a brand new one runs the pins and spring clip though the pin does have a grease port in it and holes for that

[glacierpaul]

maybe not the clip, but the manufacturer of the metal? A good deal would be to compare both the Warn to the Badlands is there a thickness difference in the plates and pins?

[zukrider]

id run it, but to be honest, its a little light rated for use with an XJ. perfect for a sami.

[glacierpaul]

or an atv/utv.

[The StRanger]

Good thing arent cheap & cheap things arent good !!!!
If Im stuck out in the sticks, Will I trust it ???????

[Robert B]

you guys do realize its the same rating my warn and the new warns have right??? 20K lbs and if anyone gets one i can measure mine to the thousandth of an inch if you want to compare the size ...the part i cant measure is the strength of the metal

[Hypoid]

That would be cool, Robert. I had planned on taking this one (Yes, I bought one! :)) apart for inspection, and doing the "file test."

First things first: This equipment is not "rated" for 20,000 lbs. The box, and web site say "Load tested to 20,000 lb." and "Capacity 20,000 lb." Harbor Freight is pretty good at not saying much.

I'll get some measurements, see how hard it is for a file to make a cut, and see if there is a bushing in the sheave.

[Cr33p3r]

Robert I mention it being scary is because I have had spring clips that were made in China break before, I just don't trust there metals that they sell us a whole lot especially on something like that where there will be a good deal of weight on it.

[Patrolman]

Here is a Smittybuilt for $10. Doesn't say in the ad what capacity though.
http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/4382960882.html

[Java]

looks like you could put a bolt / washers through the center of the HF one so if the clip let go it wouldn't come completely apart. I'm impressed that they seem to have figured out how to make it with the absolute least amount of metal possible!

[Hypoid]

I did search images and found a Superwinch product that used a large diameter axle, just like this.

The file test did well. The file did not hog into the steel like it was soft. I did the "ring test" to observe any resonance, sounds good. Anybody have a Rockwell hardness tester?

After taking the thing apart, I found the aluminum sheave had a steel bushing. The aluminum was machined, had a nice finish. It had a nice ring to it as well.

Now to see if these pictures will load...

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee120/Hypoid/FRONT%20RANGE/045.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee120/Hypoid/FRONT%20RANGE/046.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee120/Hypoid/FRONT%20RANGE/048.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee120/Hypoid/FRONT%20RANGE/049.jpg

[Patrolman]

Nice work getting some info on it.

[Robert B]

what kind of file ?? did you run a hardened one or just a regular one ??

[Hypoid]

A Mill ******* file.

Does your snatch block have an aluminum sheave?