Snatch Blocks Buying Guide

Snatch blocks are one of the most essential rigging tools for towing, recovery, and heavy lifting operations. Acting as a pulley system, a snatch block is designed to increase the pulling power of your winch while allowing you to change the direction of a pull. Whether you’re working roadside recovery, industrial rigging, or off-road winching, understanding how to use a snatch block properly can dramatically improve efficiency and safety.

What Are Snatch Blocks?

A snatch block is a type of pulley with side plates that open, allowing rope, cable, or wire rope to be placed inside without threading through the end. This makes it ideal for winching applications where quick setup and flexibility are important. Snatch blocks reduce strain on your winch, increase pulling power, and make angled recoveries safer and more effective.

Common uses include:

• Winching assistance for recovery vehicles and tow trucks
• Directional pulling where straight-line winching is not possible
• Load distribution to reduce wear on recovery gear
• Heavy-duty rigging for construction, marine, or forestry applications

Types of Snatch Blocks

Snatch blocks come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and capacities. Choosing the right one depends on your load requirements, cable or rope type, and end connection.

• Snatch blocks with chain and grab hook – Popular for towing and recovery, like the Zip's Snatch Block with Chain and Grab Hook, All-Grip Snatch Blocks w/ Chain and Grab Hook, and B/A Products Snatch Blocks w/ Chain and Grab Hook.
• Snatch blocks with swivel hook – Great for flexible rigging setups, such as the SafeAll Snatch Block with Swivel Hook.
• Shackle end snatch blocks – Provide added security for heavy-duty rigging.
• Self-releasing snatch blocks – Designed for efficiency, commonly used in logging and marine industries.
• Synthetic rope snatch blocks – Lighter-weight pulleys that work best with modern winch rope systems.

Choosing the Right Snatch Block

When selecting a snatch block, consider:

• Working Load Limit (WLL): Snatch blocks range from small 2-ton options to heavy-duty 20-ton recovery snatch blocks. Always match WLL with your winch and rigging system.
• Cable or Rope Type: Some snatch blocks are designed specifically for synthetic rope, while others are made for steel wire rope or cable.
• End Connection: Options include swivel hooks, shackles, and chains with grab hooks depending on your rigging needs.
• Application: Light-duty recovery, off-road winching, industrial lifting, or professional towing each require different designs and capacities.

Trusted Brands for Recovery Snatch Blocks

At Zip’s, you’ll find high-performance snatch block pulleys from leading manufacturers including Zip’s, SafeAll, All-Grip, B/A Products, McKissick, and Crosby. These brands are known for their durability, safety-tested designs, and long-standing reputation in the towing and rigging industry.

Learn More About Snatch Blocks

For more insights and tips, check out our blog resources:

• Snatch Block Selection Guide: Tips & Considerations for Choosing the Correct Fit

• Get to Know Snatch Blocks: Their Uses, Parts and Care

• Snatch Blocks: A Better Way to Winch

FAQ: Snatch Blocks

What is a snatch block used for?
A snatch block is used to increase pulling power, reduce winch strain, and change the direction of a pull in recovery or rigging operations.

What size snatch block do I need?
Choose a snatch block with a working load limit that meets or exceeds the capacity of your winch system. For example, a 10-ton snatch block pairs well with medium-duty winches, while 20-ton models are reserved for heavy recovery.

Can snatch blocks be used with synthetic rope?
Yes, but only if the snatch block is designed for synthetic rope. Many modern models are optimized for synthetic lines, reducing friction and wear.

What’s the difference between a snatch block and a pulley?
A snatch block is a type of pulley that opens at the side for quick rope or cable insertion. This makes it more versatile and practical for towing and recovery applications.