DAPNET Forums Archive › Forums › Equipment Category › Equipment › Singletree Grab Hook
- This topic has 24 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 11 months ago by
ShireLover.
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- December 1, 2011 at 4:21 am #43193
ShireLover
ParticipantLet me start by saying I’m new here and very new to driving horses. I am working on training up my 4yo Shire and we have been doing some ground driving.
The question I have is where to find the grab hook to go on the end of a single tree for skidding logs. I have found a couple of grab hooks but I have not been able to find a swivel. I have heard that they should have a swivel on them so if the log rolls it won’t roll the single tree and twist the traces. Can someone tell me what I need to add to my singletree?
Thanks,
EricDecember 1, 2011 at 11:26 am #70153Gabe Ayers
KeymasterHere’s a link Scott G. posted on FB that was great for what your looking for I think. Look for the swivel clevis, Kevin http://www.wesspur.com/carabiners/swivels.html
December 1, 2011 at 11:46 am #70164Donn Hewes
KeymasterOne set up that is easy to buy at a hardware store or farm store is: One very heavy duty bull snap (the largest, heaviest one they have). One grab hook with a pin for attaching it to a chain. Pin it to the swivel on the bull snap, and if you have a ring on your evener you can easily take the grab hook off and on. Make sure to get a grab hook that fits the chain you want to use. 5/16 is a versatile size.
December 1, 2011 at 12:21 pm #70160john plowden
ParticipantI’ll try to find some pics – but i make a complete swivel/grab that has a large ring on it to hold the hook without getting your fingers in harms way – if you are interested send me a pm
JohnDecember 1, 2011 at 1:16 pm #70166jen judkins
Participant@john plowden 30619 wrote:
I’ll try to find some pics – but i make a complete swivel/grab that has a large ring on it to hold the hook without getting your fingers in harms way – if you are interested send me a pm
JohnThat particular grab hook has been on my ‘wish list’ for some time now….:p
December 1, 2011 at 1:24 pm #70162ParticipantI’m on it – Maybe a stocking stuffer 🙂
December 1, 2011 at 2:02 pm #70157Carl Russell
ModeratorA Keyhole Grab, or Bitch-link with a swivel is by far my most favorite skidding hook. Far superior to open grabs, and the ring is built in. Beyond impossible to break, doesn’t hook on ANYTHING other than the choker that is placed into it. Here are two options for attaching a swivel, one is the swivel Kevin posted above, the other is a swivel I cut open and re-welded (Early attempt at torch welding:confused:).
Carl
December 1, 2011 at 2:26 pm #70154KeymasterCarl, What do you think of the quality of you new swivel?
December 1, 2011 at 3:02 pm #70161ParticipantCarl – Nice hook – wont snag on roots etc. – you have to feed entire chain through though and fingers are close to potential pinch point- with a ring on the back of the open hook you have a handle that allows you to use one hand to hitch – very handy when using winter gloves – I have another swivel slip hook that used with a flat keyhole gives the ability to choke three logs independently and gather them together – I’ve still got to figure out pic posting here –
December 1, 2011 at 3:25 pm #70170dehutch
ParticipantI used a mooring swivel I got from a boatyard and attached a grab hook to that.
December 1, 2011 at 3:32 pm #70171mitchmaine
Participantcarl, i use the same ring (left overs from skidder days) on my single tree. turned inside out, the bell makes a good handle, easy to stuff chain thru, and give it a flip and it grabs the chain and don’t let go.
i also have one hooked to the each front bunk iron on my scoot and they grab the ring chain to the evener. instantly adjustable and fairly indestructable.mitch
December 1, 2011 at 4:39 pm #70158Scott G
ParticipantWhen I get a chance the next day or so I’ll find/take the pic of the grab hook I bought from David Miller. Large bail grab with large hook & built in swivel. Great for grabbing ahold of and coming around without obligating your fingers/hand too much. I just used a closed hook on a clevis attached to the singletree for years. This is far superior. I do like the pear link set up that I saw some of you using last fall. I would miss the bail handle though. The new swivel clevis that is in Carl’s pic is what I am going to use to directly attach my ring tongs to the single tree. Should work really slick and is yet another opportunity to “shorten up”.
December 1, 2011 at 5:18 pm #70176ParticipantThanks for all the replies.
A somewhat related question. What kind of chain do you use? Length, size, what’s on the ends?
Thanks,
EricDecember 1, 2011 at 5:43 pm #70159ParticipantEric,
Optimal chain size/type/length for me is 5/16 high-test -7-8′ normally. Some folks on here use 1/4″. 3/8 is overkill for horse logging IMO. I am “hooked” on C-hooks since I started using them as opposed to simple slip hooks. The tag end of the chain I leave empty or put an ~ 1′ fid/probe on. If I need a longer choker/chain I just temporarily add a clevised grab hook I keep with me so I can join 2 chokers together. I also keep a 16′ length of 5/16 with a grab hook on each end for reaching deeper into a hole, slash/brush, etc. With the grab hook on each end, add two chokers and I can have 32′ of reach-out length if I need it.December 1, 2011 at 10:18 pm #70168Ed Thayer
ParticipantHere are some pics of what I use. Very simple design incorporating the handle John spoke of to keep your hands free of the hook.
https://picasaweb.google.com/107396364480794542661/LoggingGrabHook#
Ed
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