Frequently Asked Questions
Cardno Ltd know that sometimes you might not know what's exactly the right tool for the job and that terminology can often be confusing, so the Cardno team has put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you.
If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd only be too happy to help.
Lifting Slings and Chains
Q: Is it possible to reduce wear and tear on round slings?
A: Yes, by purchasing protective sleeving to slide into position onto the sling.
Q: Is there a difference between lifting and lashing hardware?
A: Yes, there certainly is! Essentially, lifting hardware can be used for both lifting and lashing, whereas, lashing hardware can ONLY be used for lashing. Read more HERE
Q: Can lifting chains be used for applications other than lifting?
A: Yes, they can! In applications such as, pulling, dragging, winching and rollovers. BUT, beware, the 'Working Load Limit' certification only applies to lifting. Read more HERE
Q: What is the hook type called that fits directly on the end of lifting chain?
A: It is called a clevis type hook.
Q: How do you work out the size of lifting chain?
A: It can been calculated by measuring the diameter of the metal that forms the chain link.
Q: Why do lifting slings come in different colours?
A: The colour denotes the tonnage of the sling e.g. purple = 1Tonne. Read more about Lifting Slings
Q: What does EWL mean for a polyester round sling?
A: Estimated Working Length – for a round sling it equals the straight line pull.
Winching Operations
Q: Why should I use a snatch block when winching?
A: Snatch blocks are (a) kind to the winch rope (b) allow the user to change direction (c) increase line pull. Read more about Snatch Blocks
Q: What information do I need before I order a winch rope?
A: The diameter of the rope (normally found on the winch or in the winch manual). The length (refer to the winch manual) and the hook type. Read more about Winch Cables
Q: What length wire rope do I need for my winch?
A: This depends on day-to-day operations. Please refer to the winch manual.
Q: How is winch rope constructed?
A: There are 3 main types of wire rope in use today: 6x7, 6x19 & 6x36. This means that the rope is made up of 6 bundles of wires with 7, 19 or 36 wires in each bundle. The more wires there are in a rope the more flexible the rope is. Rope then either has a wire or fibre core that runs down the centre of the rope. Cardno only uses 6x36 wire steel core for maximum strength & flexibility. Read more about Winch Ropes
Q: Why does my winch rope have a stamped WLL that seems to be lower than it should be?
A: Wire rope has to be rated for lifting, which requires a minimum break strength to be divided by 5 eg: 10mm (6x36) 1960 N/MM2 has a min break load of 7113KG and a Working Load Limit of 1280KG (includes the 10% down rate)
Q: Can I use any wireless remote control handset?
A: The wireless remote control handset must be the same make as the system fitted on the vehicle. Cardno only supplies Lodar wireless remote equipment. Read more about Lodar Remote Control Systems
Q: Can I repair my chain & winch hooks?
A: Yes if your hook is an alloy or G8 sling hook which has a catch that has been damaged or lost, you can buy a new catch. Note: we can only supply catches for hooks that we stock.
Load Restraint and Lashing
Q: What is the difference between your oval link wheel choker and your supasoft wheel choker?
A: The Oval link wheel choker prolongs the life of the straps whereas the supasoft wheel choker is kind to alloy wheels.
Q. When securing the recovered vehicle on the recovery truck's bed, what is the optimum fitment position of the choker straps on its wheels?
A: The '10 to 2' position is deemed the best. See the Cardno wheel choker selection HERE
Q: Do ‘tie-down’ straps need a certificate?
A: No they do not, however, they do need to carry a rating label showing the Lashing Capacity & the STF (Standard Tension Force) of the ratchet. Read more about Tie-down ratchet straps
Q: Can webbing straps be used for lifting?
A: No they cannot be used for lifting. You need to use polyester lifting slings.
Q: Should you check webbing straps regularly for damage?
A: Yes you should, because even a small cut or tear can reduce the strength of the strap significantly.
Q: What do the lines of stitching mean in webbing straps?
A: The number of lines in webbing should equal the strength eg 5 lines = 5 tonnes minimum break load. This is not always the case. Read the manufacturer's label sewn into the webbing strap!
Q: Can you lash down a load with anything other than webbing straps?
A: Yes you can secure a load on a low loader, vehicle bed etc. with lashing chains, load binders and cables.
Vehicle Moving Aids
Q: Why use car wheel skates?
A: Using car wheel skates makes moving vehicles so much easier, either moving onto a slide bed truck or moving vehicles around a garage workshop or showroom.
Q: Why use car wheel skates with swivel castors?
A: Using car wheel skates with swivel castors allows 360° movement of vehicles ideal when moving vehicles around a garage workshop or showroom. Click HERE to see our Cardno vehicle skate with swivel castors.
Q: What are Slippery Jim’s?
A: There are 2 primary types on the market today. One is the Wreckmaster Skate which is interlocking so the skates can be joined together. The other is a smooth solid construction called the ITI Skate. Both types aid the recovery of vehicles when winching up onto a truck bed.
Q: What is a strap brother?
A: A strap brother sometimes called a ‘centre pull’ strap, ‘Y’ strap, 'winch brother' and ‘A’ strap, is essentially a winching aid which enables the operator to get a central line pull on a vehicle.
Q: What is the difference between a standard and short strap brother?
A: A short strap brother, is a winching aid which enables the operator with a short bed truck to move the vehicle higher up the truck bed.
Q: On a short bed truck, how is it possible to get the recovered vehicle close up to the winch?
A: By using a Cardno 'Winch Strap Brother for short bed'. Click HERE
Q: Do I need GoJaks or wheel skates?
A: If you are moving vehicles around on a flat smooth surface, such as a car showroom or workshop, use GoJaks. If you are moving vehicles up ramps or on a slightly rougher terrain use Cardno wheel skates.
Q: Can I use skate castors on my GoJaks?
A: No you cannot. You have to buy genuine replacement GoJak castors.
Hi-Vis Safety Clothing & PPE
Q: Why should I wear Class 3 Hi-Vis safety clothing?
A: Class 3 clothing is the highest class of safety clothing so you are covered to work in all locations including Motorways. Read more about Hi-Vis Clothing
Q: Why is Hi-Vis safety clothing so important?
A: Being seen during the day and night whilst working makes you safer.
Miscellaneous
Q: What voltage jump pack do I need?
A: The voltage of a jump pack must be compatible with the vehicle voltage. Eg. a 12 volt jump pack is used with a 12 volt truck.
Q: Can you buy a booster pack with both 12V and 24V capability?
A: Yes you can buy booster packs which are 12/24v. Cardno supplies PowerStart jump packs.
Q: What size is a road traffic cone to be legal?
A: A traffic road cone must be no less than 18 inches (450cm) tall.
Q: Why should I use road traffic cones?
A: Using traffic road cones makes you seen by road users and so makes you safer.
