1. Rescue 42

2. Objectives To provide an understanding of the following Specifications
Use
Maintenance
Safety

3. Specifications Composite Struts Steel Struts Length 1 Pin 2 Pins 3’
10,000
18,000 4’
15,000 5’
11,000 6’
8,000 7’
5,000 8’
4,000
Steel Struts
Struts
1 Pin
2 Pins
Shorts
5,000
7,000
Longs
6,000
Full extension, all in pounds

4. Specifications Steel Struts Ratchet Straps Steel construction Length
3,335 Lb working Load
10,000 Lb. test load
27’ in length
Composite Struts
Kevlar construction
Length
Shorts 26”-67”
Longs 38”-103”
Minimum 2:1 safety factor
Steel Struts
Steel construction
Length
Shorts 18”-47”
Longs 36”-101”
Minimum 2:1 safety factor

5. Specifications Accessories
All accessories have a minimum 2:1 safety factor
Hook Cluster: 5,000 lbs.
Cinch Ring: 5,000 lbs.
Combi-Head
Piercing Point (1” from tip): 4,000 lbs.
Chain Slot: 6,600 lbs.
A-Frame Head: 5,000 lbs.

6. Specifications Accessories
Screw Jack Head: 5,000 lbs.
Tripod Head: 10,000 lbs.
20’ 3/8” Chain: 6,600 lbs.
Strut Jack: lbs.

7. Strut Components
Combi-Head
Strut Pins
Strut Tubes
Base Pin
Base Plate

8. Basic Strut Operation To extend a strut Remove both strut pins
If you need to extend the top extension
portion you need to pull bottom strut pin as well
If only extending the bottom extension you
only need to pull bottom strut pin
Extend to desired length and pin
Extend top portion if only using one section
Struts have an interlock to prevent over extension
If extended too hard or fast the interlock will release
Indicated by orange line
Never pin a strut with orange line showing
If this happens reinsert tube until interlock clicks
Metal struts do not have a orange line

9. Strap Operation Tensioning
Hook fixed length to strut
Hook long length to vehicle or other strut
Pull slack out of long length of strap
Operate handle to roll strap around drum
Must have 3 raps min. around drum
Tighten to desired tension
Lock handle

10. Strap Operation Releasing
Drum free Method
Sudden full release of load
Rotate handle back 180 degrees until
lock tabs drops into drum free slot
Controlled Method
Pull handle trigger to unlock and move
into 45 degree position
Insert strut pin or screw driver in small hole
on the bottom of the strap until tool engages
detent on drum lock slider
Rotate handle back slightly to take weight off
of drum lock slider
Push drum lock slider back with tool
Lower handle and release tool
Repeat one click at a time until load is released

11. Strut Basics Struts should be used at a 45 to 70 degree angle
Struts shall always be used with a base and tip
Struts maybe tightened in place with: straps, pulling tool, strut jack or screw jack head
When placing struts plan ahead for patient extrication
Tighten straps when all struts are in place
Do not over tighten straps, you may lift the load
May double pin struts to increase load ratings
At base plate and struts

12. Use Vehicle on Its Side 4 strut 3 strut 2 struts on bottom of vehicle
1 at hood and 1 at trunk
2 struts on top side opposing other struts
Attach straps from base plate to base plate
Or base plate to vehicle
3 strut
1 strut on bottom
Strap attached at trunk
Passed through base plate
Attach at hood
1 strut on top at trunk
1 strut on top at hood
Both have straps attached to vehicle

13. Use Vehicle on it’s Roof
2 struts
Under the trunk or against the “C” pillar
Attach bases with strap
4 struts
2 under trunk
2 under hood or as pictured
Attach straps base to base or base to vehicle

14. Use Vehicle on it’s roof
1 strut
1 strut under trunk
Attach chain as shown
Attach strap from “C” post to “C” post with strap woven through base plate
Chain saddle
Place 2 straps at the rear near the “C” post
Saddle chain under hood and attach to chain grabs on strut tips
Attach strap between base plates
Attach strap on each side of chain around the wheel well

15. Use A-Frame Head
Used to lift or support odd shaped loads you are unable to get directly below and for stabilizing loads from above

16. Use Tripod Head
Used as a high point for a rope system for such rescues as a bellow grade confined space rescue

17. Use Screw Jack Head
Used when pining struts don’t allow enough fine tuning to stabilize a load or a strap can not be used
Utilize pickets at base and screw jack as head

18. Use Combi-Head Standard head on struts with versatile options
Chain grab/slot
Stabilize 3/8” Rescue 42 chain
Point allows penetration into sheet metal
Slot will fit 2x lumber
Slots to enable toe nailing lumber in place

19. Use Clinch Ring/Hook Cluster
To attach a strap around anchor/load
Hook cluster
Used to attach strap where standard hook won’t work

20. Use Strut Jack
Used to lift loads by extending jack

21. Use Spike Foot
Attaches to bottom of a strut in place of a standard base
Not used with a strap so the screw jack may be needed
Use base pin only
Can be used in conjunction with a O-Plate

22. Maintenance Visually inspect for damage
Store in dry area and dry off if struts or accessories become wet
Straps maybe cleaned with mild soap and water
Lightly oil ratchet straps
Paint scratches on powder coated parts with a rust prohibiting paint
Clean off burrs with a file
If struts become dirty or don’t slide smoothly
Slide the inner tubes out of the bottom after removing base
Clean with a mild soap and water solution
Lightly coat inner tubes with WD-40 or with auto wax if needed
Replace inner tubes from the top make sure the pin holes are aligned
Insure interlock spring stays in its channel to prevent it from bending

23. Safety Never exceed working load Never side load a strut
Never use a damaged strut, strap or accessory
Never use without a base or tip
Do not use for lifting overhead
Never use a pin or strap that is not designed for a Rescue 42
Do not put fingers in strut holes
Do not allow strut to slide in or out uncontrolled

24. Safety Never over extend a strut (orange line composite only)
Never carry or lift a unpinned strut
Never operate a strut without all pins or pins unlocked
Avoid sliding straps across glass or sharp objects
Tuck loose ends of straps out of paths of travel
Never attach a strap back onto itself without using a clinch ring
Never use a normal pin in the primary base pin hole

25. Reference Electronic Reference
Rescue 42: Innovative tools and struts for extrication and heavy rescue. ( )
Retrieved , from