The nice thing about straps is that they are a little
stretchy, reducing shock. There are times where the
stretch is not desireable, this is where you would
want a chain.
If you ever use a chain, always use proof coil truckers
grade, never hardware store stuff, proof coil is the stuff
you see the lowboy haulers using to chain down those
big earthmovers and dozers with, yes it is strong, yes
it is heavy as %#$|removethispart|@, but that's an application you
don't want any stretch.
I had the opportunity to cut my own system 7 proof coil
chain, 5/16" size, went like this, used a pair of USA made
bolt cutters 48" long handles, one side equiped with a tripod
to hold them up laying one handle on the ground, the other
up in the air. Placed one side of the chain coil in the cutter jaw,
and I had to use all of my weight, with a controled full body
bounce two times to cut each side of this chain, (I'm 200 Lbs)
this is some tough stuff, and the type you should use if ever
you use a chain.
Also only use high strength hooks and clevis
as this is where the breakage is probably going to happen, and
for safety put somebodys heavy coat on the cable or chain, if it
snaps it won't do as much damage.
My 20' worth
Darrin