Why Does a Recovery Strap Have a Marking Like 3 / 21 T?
A marking such as 3 / 21 T on a recovery strap usually means:
3 T – the WLL (Working Load Limit) or safe working load of the strap. This is the maximum load that can be safely applied during regular use.
21 T – the breaking strength (also called ultimate strength or minimum breaking strength), which is the load at which the strap will fail in a controlled test.
In this example, the strap is rated for safe use at 3 tons, but in a laboratory test, it can withstand up to 21 tons before breaking. The difference between the two numbers comes from the safety factor applied by the manufacturer – in this case, 7:1 (21 ÷ 3 = 7).
Key point:
You should always work within the lower number (WLL) to maintain safety and prolong the life of your recovery gear. The higher number is there to indicate its ultimate tested strength, not the load you should use in real-world recovery.