Learning to use a winch, safely, suggestions?

[Lost1wing]

Having had a couple folks at "off-roading 101" workshops extoll the virtues of synthetic over steel, I made a point to get the winch with the synthetic line.

Right now, my "shopping list" of things to get before actually using the winch is:

• Line dampener
• Winch cover
• Gloves (although I've got a set of mechanics' gloves I'll use)
• Tree strap
• Another soft shackle (bought one to use in the event I had to break out the tow strap I bought)
• D-Rings for the bumper

Pretty sure I'm missing a few things, but at least from one of the videos I've watched this seems like a good start.

If you were winching for the company that I worked for, you would need:

Safety glasses
Knee pads
Elbow pads
Bump cap
Hearing protection
A spotter

All on top of your list.

Some say hood up to keep parts from flying back into your windshield. Even with a damper strange things happen. I don't open the hood, but I haven't had a real challenge. Parts get old and cables/lines wear and could be replaced or inspected every now and then.

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[Lost1wing]

Keep your synthetic rope out of the sun. I'm sure you read that already, but just in case I thought I would mention it.

I have both, I needlessly worry more using the synthetic over the steel.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Having had a couple folks at "off-roading 101" workshops extoll the virtues of synthetic over steel, I made a point to get the winch with the synthetic line.

Right now, my "shopping list" of things to get before actually using the winch is:

• Line dampener
• Winch cover
• Gloves (although I've got a set of mechanics' gloves I'll use)
• Tree strap
• Another soft shackle (bought one to use in the event I had to break out the tow strap I bought)
• D-Rings for the bumper

Pretty sure I'm missing a few things, but at least from one of the videos I've watched this seems like a good start.

The other thing I’d encourage you to do is not skimp on winch size. You only get the rated pull strength on the wraps closest to the spindle. These gladiators are heavy, and you want your winch to be bored when pulling, not at its max. I wouldn’t put anything on a gladiator that isn’t a 12k winch. In my opinion, saving a few bucks to go down to a 10k makes no sense.

 

[JAsh1967]

@Lost1wing why do you trust steel over synthetic? Or I guess, worry more over synthetic than steel? Is it just that synthetic and UV don't get along and with the winch usually being out in the sun all the time, eventually you need to replace the line?

@WILDHOBO that's why I went with the 12k Badlands Apex. When I was talking to the guy at the shop doing the install, before ordering anything, he was recommending a 12k winch as well.

 

[firemedic2714]

I just bought my first winch, too. I'm also a "Mr. Safety" and have been collecting accessories. So far, I have a damper, extra shackles (2 in my winch bag and the two that live on my front bumper), mechanics gloves, and a snatch strap. I just ordered a 10 ft. ARB tree strap and I'm shopping for snatch blocks and soft shackles. My wife bought me a Warn Epic Sidewinder for Christmas and I have the original winch hook in the winch bag for weight in the damper unless I need it for something else. I also carry a small basic tool bag in the Jeep. I always love to hear from those more experienced about what I should and shouldn't be doing.

 

[Lost1wing]

I shouldn't worry about the synthetic rope. I keep mine covered even the eye loop is buried in the bumper. But yes, UV is my only concern.

 

[Lost1wing]

I am still using a 1/2" steel cable from the 60's in an older winch. I certainly don't stand in the cable path when pulling, but it is still able to out perform the winch and battery on a straight pull.

 

[JAsh1967]

I am still using a 1/2" steel cable from the 60's in an older winch. I certainly don't stand in the cable path when pulling, but it is still able to out perform the winch and battery on a straight pull.

I wouldn't stand in the path of any cable under that kind of tension (OK, I guess I make exceptions for suspension bridges.)

I mean, sure, the whole "if it snaps it can decapitate you / take a limb off" isn't really true, but serious and possibly fatal injury? Absolutely. I'm cautious with my power tools, I'm cautious some of my other hobbies, so being cautious with a winch? Yep.

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