Tow hook

A tow hook is a special tool attached to a vehicle to pull it safely when stuck on the road, in rugged areas, or towing to recover vehicles. Car tow hooks are usually mounted on the front or rear, each with distinct characteristics to meet different towing applications and specifications.

Materials utilized in making tow hooks

Tow hooks come in various materials, but aluminum, steel, and titanium tow hitch hooks are common. Titanium tow hooks are the strongest and most durable, but also costly. Due to their solid nature, titanium tow hooks are perfect for off-road and heavy-duty vehicles. Steel tow hooks are also strong and durable but susceptible to corrosion. A forged steel tow hook is also ideal for heavy-duty towing applications and can function as a recovery hook due to its sturdiness. Forged steel hooks are common SUVs, trucks, and 4WD pickup accessories. On the other hand, aluminum tow hooks are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It is a good racing tow hook due to its low weight.

Distinct types of tow hooks

Tow chain hooks are of various types, each intended for distinct features and applications. There are two main categories: rear tow hooks and front pintle hitch. A back tow hook design secures a car from behind when being towed. It is easily hookable on the vehicle's bumper or frame due to its large diameter of 14mm. They are available in steel for heavy-duty towing of up to 2000 lbs or aluminum for lighter car towing of as low as 350 lbs. On the other hand, front tow hooks secure the car from the front when being towed. Front hooks feature two distinct shapes: J-hook tow chain design can be easily attached, removed, and used with any tow strap. And, D-ring tow hook shape is not easy to attach or remove. Front bumper tow hooks are easy to install, but the frame-mounted tow hooks are stronger. Usually, they are coated with dry powder, providing a thick, lasting coat that is resistant to corrosion and scratches. Or they can have plated finishes, which are affordable but susceptible to corrosion and less durable.

Usage scenarios of Tow hooks

Moving disabled vehicles: A tow hook is popularly used to move stuck or inoperable vehicles that cannot move. A tow hook is made using study materials such as steel or aluminum, thus handling different vehicle weights of up to 2000 lbs for the heaviest-duty vehicles. Off-Road vehicle recovery: A tow hook moves vehicles stuck in sand, mud, or other rugged terrains. For instance, a race car tow hook usually moves a race car stuck in mud. Transportation of vehicles: A tow hook securely holds vehicles in place during transport, preventing them from moving. Recovering vehicles by tow truck: Tow hooks for trucks are hooked on vehicles to lift them during towing.