Singletree Grab Hook

[ShireLover]

Let 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,
Eric

[Gabe Ayers]

Here’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

[Donn Hewes]

One 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.

[john plowden]

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
John

[jen judkins]

@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
John

That particular grab hook has been on my ‘wish list’ for some time now….:p

[john plowden]

I’m on it – Maybe a stocking stuffer 🙂

[Carl Russell]

A 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

[Gabe Ayers]

Carl, What do you think of the quality of you new swivel?

[john plowden]

Carl – 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 –

[dehutch]

I used a mooring swivel I got from a boatyard and attached a grab hook to that.

[mitchmaine]

carl, 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

[Scott G]

When 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”.

[ShireLover]

Thanks for all the replies.

A somewhat related question. What kind of chain do you use? Length, size, what’s on the ends?

Thanks,
Eric

[Scott G]

Eric,
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.

[Ed Thayer]

Here 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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