There are occasions when brute force is the best plan of action. Making a strap for a civil war era gun carriage seems to be just such an event.
However, as with any application of great force, planning and testing are all required to ensure the force is applied properly and without adverse effect. Preparations be hind us, go ahead, grab ahold, and pull with everything you have got. This is after all, brute force.
tim mcmurdo 