cable tangle
- Thread starter Mutton98
- Start date
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GV40U
Bronze Member
What kind of winch do you have? As you suggest, maintaining cable tension while pulling toward the winch is the key. Unwind it completely then slowly rewind it with significant tension by pulling something that weighs several hundred pounds. I do this occasionally when mine starts to tangle. I've noticed that I have had less problems recently but I don't know if I'm being more careful or if the cable is being more cooperative as it gets used. I've had mine jam to the point of having to pull against something to pull the cable loose. As the cable gets used it is almost impossible to avoid a few kinks or rough spots which can also lead to this problem. Sorry I don't have a cure for this, I hope someone else will have a better response.
bota7800
Gold Member
If your winch is large enough you may find a level winder for it (assume you already have a fairlead). I haven't found one for the 2500 pound winch on my ATV but AW Direct Towing Recovery Service Vehicle and Wrecker Accessories - 1-800-243-3194 has them for larger Ramsey winches. Warn probably has them too.
MrJimi
Elite Member, Rest in Peace
I have a Warn with 80 feet of really stiff cable and if I don't have lots of tension on It all the time It will "birdsnest" and I have to feed It all out and start over again with tension on It, I use real heavy gloves for this
It's tricky but It can be done safely, be careful
Jim
It's tricky but It can be done safely, be careful
Jim
pat32rf
Veteran Member
Assuming you are talking about a 8000lb winch, it will get better. You can speed up the process by letting your cable out to the first layer and then dragging your vehicle (brakes on, in neutral not park) across a parking lot with the winch (heavy load on the cable) this tends to help break it in.
When you are using your winch always try to keep the cable straight out in front so it can wind on smoothly. You may have to guide it a bit from side to side with a gloved hand or boot. BE carefull while doing this and keep at least 3' in front of the winch. If it is a real heavy load, then stand clear !!!!
If you must pull from the side, then be prepared to stop when the cable piles up, unwind some and wind it onto the far (MT) side, then let the cable tighten up where it will while you pull a bit more. If the cable does pile up too much on one side it can get jammed to the point where you will have to pull it out with another vehicle (if yours is stuck)
When powering out your cable never let the winch spool out faster than you are removing cable. Hitting the "out" button without watching the spool kills cables quick...So does hitting the wrong button.
There are many tricks to getting the most out of your winch. The Laws of Physics are involved with most of them.
Some of the handiest items to have are a snatch block (pulley), short nylon sling to use when winching from a tree or anchoring your pulley, a 2" screw clevis (used to hook the cable to the sling loops) and a short piece of good chain with a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other for those times when the stuck vehicle doen't have tow hooks and you must hook to the axle/leaf springs/ bumper brackets. Have fun.....
When you are using your winch always try to keep the cable straight out in front so it can wind on smoothly. You may have to guide it a bit from side to side with a gloved hand or boot. BE carefull while doing this and keep at least 3' in front of the winch. If it is a real heavy load, then stand clear !!!!
If you must pull from the side, then be prepared to stop when the cable piles up, unwind some and wind it onto the far (MT) side, then let the cable tighten up where it will while you pull a bit more. If the cable does pile up too much on one side it can get jammed to the point where you will have to pull it out with another vehicle (if yours is stuck)
When powering out your cable never let the winch spool out faster than you are removing cable. Hitting the "out" button without watching the spool kills cables quick...So does hitting the wrong button.
There are many tricks to getting the most out of your winch. The Laws of Physics are involved with most of them.
Some of the handiest items to have are a snatch block (pulley), short nylon sling to use when winching from a tree or anchoring your pulley, a 2" screw clevis (used to hook the cable to the sling loops) and a short piece of good chain with a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other for those times when the stuck vehicle doen't have tow hooks and you must hook to the axle/leaf springs/ bumper brackets. Have fun.....
