[jwholden]

I installed some granite steps today (photos to come) and used straps I got at the granite supplier. They are basically 2" wide with a loop in both ends. I had a choice of 8, 10, or 12' long. I chose 2 8' straps.

I used two straps for each 4' long piece of granite to cradle them in a u shape. Both ends of each strap were wrapped around one pallet fork each. It made moving these 500 lb stones child's play. I used a 6' crow bar and 30" pry bar to fine tune the arrangement.

I know the vets here have been using these straps for years, but would like to pass along the info to anyone new to the trade. These 'little' tricks make a world of difference to me.

[Stonehenge]

Chains, 4 men and a whip is what I use.

Actually, just the chains and four men - but we only did that once. Didn't have any other option.

I've been planning on taking a 1-day strapping/lifting class at the local tech college. Maybe I'll get to that this year.

Did the straps fray at all where they met the edges of the stone?

[Will Pacala]

I like the straps because they don't scratch the stone and can be easier to work with. but yes I use them all the time. I love them. We also use them for trees and small equipment (compactors, bins, mixers, etc.)

[jwholden]

Jeff,

Like Will said, the straps don't scratch the stone and are easier to use than chain. The granite I moved was quarried and very regular shaped, but these straps were tuff enough that they could take some abuse. I did tell my helper to put them back in the truck as soon as we finish and not to let Madison chew on them.

If I can get some shots to share I will but the next time you see some straps at your supplier take a look. They are VERY cool!

[Paul]

Be very careful using straps lifting sharp edged stone, a haevy peice can cut completely thru a lifting strap before you know it. Once cut even slightly the strap is not safe! Look in to wire lifting cables, they last longer and are safer.

[scl]

I've been putting in Sienna Stone steps the last week and made a sling out of 2 lengths of 1/4" cable and a gambrel with a swivel. It works pretty well at least until I can get a clamp for this. Better than spending the couple grand though!

[Tim]

JW, are the straps you refer to flat, woven type material with sewn loops at each end? If so, that is what we have used alot here. We cal the "come alongs". We use them to pull up small trees, bushes, loading/unloading equipment, and to pull stuck vehicles out of the messes they are in. They seem to last longer if you can keep them from getting wet. Tim

[Will Pacala]

Yeah, those are the same reasons we use them. they tend to be cheaper and last longer.

[Will Pacala]

These are the kind we use to lift trees and sometimes stone. We also keep them both on the loaders and in the trucks in case either one (or both) get stuck somewhere.

[scl]

Will, do you guys make those or do you buy them like that? That's basically what I have made though I like the crimped ends more than my clamped ones.

[Will Pacala]

I make them it's easier and cheaper.

[Paul]

Be very careful when lifting with home made cables, you don't have the tools necessary to inspect and certify the quality of your crimps and you have no way to rate them. OSHA would love to get you on a workplace injury from a home made cable. Last I heard a cable fault like that ran one company over 1 million dollars in fines after a worker was injured in a accident. Insurance will not pay for those fines!

Your better off buying cables that are made for you that have a certification tag.

[Will Pacala]

I only make them if I can't find the place to buy them. Otherwise I buy them pre-made just for safety reasons.

[Tim]

The straps that I referred to, are not made from aircraft cable. I never have cared for that type. I prefer the woven Gortex types. Much safer, and they seem to get a tighter grip without damaging whatever we would try to move. My second choice would be coated logging chains. Tim

[Will Pacala]

I only really use the metal ones for pullong trucks and equipment out of "sticky situations". I always use the fabric though, because it won't scrape or damage anything it's wrapped around.