No need to know how to tie a knot . Can feed soft shackle through loop in your tow strap then thread it through tow point, and loop over button knot. I should set up an example and take a pic.

Yes, chafe is a concern. Tow point holes have chamfer, fairly soft lead.

Alistair

> On Jul 31, 2015, at 12:07 PM, sailingfc dslextreme.com <sailingfc@dslextreme.com> wrote:
> 
> I think that's a great idea, no hardware and infinitely adjustable.  You just need to remember how to tie knots. ( I can tie a bowline knot)
> 
> Just need to be careful at the contact points, I use to sail and anytime a line is rubbing or turning you need to protect is from chafing or getting cut on an edge. Putting a thimble in the eye is a way to help this.
> 
> Happy Friday!
> 
> -Dick-
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:27:54 -0400 (EDT)
> Subject: Soft shackles
> 
> It's ok Ben, safe for work.
> 
> A bit of a Friday topic. Yesterday a rigger friend dropped by work and we started talking about the tow points on my rear bumper. I told him I had some mighty shackles to fit them, he suggested soft shackles. He quickly spliced and tied one up using 1/4", 12 strand spectra ( not sure if it is actually spectra, might be amsteel).
> 
> Interesting idea, the soft shackles certainly are easier to store. 5/16" spectra would be better, 9,000 lb vs 6,000 lb breaking strength.
> 
> Pic here, tails have yet to be cut off. Do that after I give the shackle a serious pull ( compacts the stopper knot).
> 
> https://shufti.wordpress.com/2015/07/30/vanagon-soft-shackles-on-tow-points/
> 
> Alistair
> 
> 
>