Winching with hood open

[76zimmer]

Saw a pic of a rig winching with the hood open, and a editors remark of "safe practice in case the cable breaks" Sounds good, as I've seen people climb over a taught cable, and just cringed when they did. Also an individual got killed near here last year when a cable came through the w/s.
So what do you use for killing the cable energy if it should snap.
I was thinking about 5 pound sand bags (in a HD container) with a rope holding them together, thrown over the cable.

 

[55Willy]

I just don't get stuck,LOL

actually I use to have a nice warn set up that had a weighted bag in it that laid over the line.

 

[Russell]

Yep, you can buy winch cable weights, you just want something that'll drop the cable down when it snaps, so it takes out people's legs instead of their heads :P

And yes, opening the hood is a good idea, it may just save your life if you are inside the vehicle when the cable snaps

 

[mr.smartass]

Synthetic winch rope...

 

[runamok151]

winch saver. works great at keeping the winch cable snug when not in use and just slide it down the cable when winching. and because its already on the cable, you always have it with you ready to use.

 

[MNorby]

winch saver. works great at keeping the winch cable snug when not in use and just slide it down the cable when winching. and because its already on the cable, you always have it with you ready to use.

x2

 

[sled_dog]

Synthetic rope and a coat I'd say, haha. I always throw my coat and anything else at hand over the cable when winching, but the Winch Saver seems like a great idea.

 

[76zimmer]

winch saver. works great at keeping the winch cable snug when not in use and just slide it down the cable when winching. and because its already on the cable, you always have it with you ready to use.

Have you seen one in use when a cable or something let loose?

 

[broncoman6524]

Have you seen one in use when a cable or something let loose?

x2

 

[MuddinManny]

x2

x3!

 

[Elevator Man]

I've broke my cable before I had a carhart coat throwed over it and it took my about 10 miniutes to get it untangled. so I saY coat is just fine!

 

[runamok151]

Have you seen one in use when a cable or something let loose?

nope, haven't parted a cable yet. has there been an instance where a cable snapped and the winchsaver didn't work as well as any other type of weight?

 

[76zimmer]

I've only seen one snap at a frayed spot by the hook. The vehicle he was trying to pull out was in mud, and the winch was stalled, and he was backing up with his truck. The cable (I think 5/16") flew back into the grill and bumper, luckily no one was in front of it. There was nothing on the cable to absorb energy. Otherwise I've only seen a tow strap break a few times.
I was just wondering if anyone has seen any devices in action.

 

[txfiremank5]

I think as long as you use something, or are thinking to use something, then you have won half the battle. Most accidents happen when people get sloppy, lazy... just plain tired, or in a hurry. No matter what, there is always time to spend making sure that any and all safety aspects are covered.

I'm sure someone, somewhere, was injured even though they had plenty of items to use, but they just didn't bother to take the time.

 

[mr.smartass]

Floormats are always handy, and usually are fairly heavy in our trucks. I always throw a couple of those over the cable.