synthetic rope or cable ???
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
Winch
- Thread starter Chevk587
- Start date
rope usually.
Cable on the trailer.
Cable on the trailer.
Sit in the sun all the time or not?
Yup good thinking!
Is it better though ? Like worth buying a cover ?
I've been thinking about switching to synthetic, I hate how every time I free spool my cable it gets all tangled to hell.
I'm only hesitant because I saw 3 synthetic lines snap in the snow over the winter.
Also cause the stuff is expensive!
I'm only hesitant because I saw 3 synthetic lines snap in the snow over the winter.
Also cause the stuff is expensive!
I keep mine covered when it's parked, it does however have a shelf life and will break down over time.
I run steel cable cause I pull cable in shitty situations and I would ruin rope in no time. It also sees 100% sun exposure. Big rope is very expensive just for me to ruin it.
you need a tentioner plate to give a little drag . this will keep the line from doing that .
rampage
3/4 ton status
If you’re going to use it in mud, the dirt from it will be abrasive and tear/weaken the fibers. And as mentioned the UV rays will deteriorate it. Positives though are that it’s lighter and in case it snaps it won’t decapitate anyone.
I bought one a couple weeks ago made by bullydog I believe. It wouldn't fit with my winch. I have a smittybilt x20, the tie rod bars are rectangular. I snapped one of the springs trying to make it work. I've seen the warn one but at its price I didn't want to take the gamble being it says it will only fit their stuff. Any tensioners you would recommend?
just make one from a piece of flat metal and a few springs pushing down . the 1 tow truck at work had a plate but no springs . i added 2 dana 60 king pin springs pushing down and works like a charm . dosnt pull hard but dont free wheel easy to birds nest the cable .
Ned Kelly
1/2 ton status
Any chance you can post a pic of that? Sounds like a good idea.
be atleast monday . not my tow truck its another workers .
If you do decide to go to synthetic, keep your old metal cable for a back up. Coil it up and tie it together so it can't unwind. Win Win.
Moody Bricker
1/2 ton status
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2016
- Posts
- 174
- Reaction score
- 105
1st thing that rope is not made. To go on a wire-rope winch,if you see ships,sail boats that use ropes the winch that they have is convex then the rope,wraps 3 times then gos into a bucket ,the rope will pull down pass the other rope and burn the rope,the rope can be stronger, but it cuts faster,by sharp edges and by dirt,rocks,how long did the wire-rope last on your winch,how did it break,some people don't take care wire-rope,rewind,lube,and rotate it,then they get rope and then they are mad that it don't last as long wire-rope.wreckers driver are the worse ,the just grab and pull,I've sene some have wire-rope last for 2 year and some last 6 months,, it's just the user ,,,that's my quarter Wirth
The price of synthetic replacement has dropped big time recently. You can get a 3/8 x 100' for $100 or less now. Definitely safer if you break one but durability is a concern as others have said.
red EOD
1/2 ton status
With proper care synthetic will last longer.
Steel: less likely to get cut from improper winching techniques, cheaper up front cost. Needs to be oiled regularly (not grease, manufacturers been calling for oil for over a decade), more dangerous to people from wear with random broken wires and lethal when it snaps. Can have issues with the core rusting out while the outer layers look ok (happened to the 3/4" cable on the back of my military wrecker).
Synthetic: minor injury if it snaps, stronger, lighter (floats on water). Needs to be covered from the sunlight, much easier to cut, and wash it in soapy water from time to time.
As my steel cables wear out they are being replaced by synthetic. Both types of cable will benefit from being sheltered but don't wrap a cover on steel cable, traps moisture and will rust it out in a heartbeat.
Steel: less likely to get cut from improper winching techniques, cheaper up front cost. Needs to be oiled regularly (not grease, manufacturers been calling for oil for over a decade), more dangerous to people from wear with random broken wires and lethal when it snaps. Can have issues with the core rusting out while the outer layers look ok (happened to the 3/4" cable on the back of my military wrecker).
Synthetic: minor injury if it snaps, stronger, lighter (floats on water). Needs to be covered from the sunlight, much easier to cut, and wash it in soapy water from time to time.
As my steel cables wear out they are being replaced by synthetic. Both types of cable will benefit from being sheltered but don't wrap a cover on steel cable, traps moisture and will rust it out in a heartbeat.
@530BLAZER sorry for delay on pics .
first pic is of a almost new unit with stock springs .
second pic is older unit that the springs went bad and we swapped on some old dana 60 king pin springs i had .
simple piece of angle bolted across the back of the winch in the extra holes . then a simple plate on top with 2 pinch bolts and springs .
first pic is of a almost new unit with stock springs .
second pic is older unit that the springs went bad and we swapped on some old dana 60 king pin springs i had .
simple piece of angle bolted across the back of the winch in the extra holes . then a simple plate on top with 2 pinch bolts and springs .
