Using and Maintaining a Winch – Safety and Best Practices
Steel cable has been the go-to choice for winches for decades. Made from multiple strands of carbon steel wire, it offers excellent resistance to abrasion and is typically more affordable than synthetic rope. However, individual wires can break over time, creating sharp burrs – which is why protective gloves are a must when handling it.
Proper preparation is essential before operating a winch. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. If you have long hair, tie it back securely. Never handle a steel cable with bare hands, and always keep a safe distance – a snapped cable can behave unpredictably.
Before each use, inspect the winch to ensure it’s in good working order. Whenever possible, pull in a straight line. If you need to work at an angle, use a snatch block to guide the cable and reduce strain. Keep an eye on how the cable winds onto the drum – it should spool evenly. Avoid bunching in one area or letting it pinch between earlier layers. If it jams, unwind and rewind the cable properly.
Manual spooling should only be done after disengaging the gearbox (by turning the lever) and never when the winch is under load or running, as this can damage the mechanism. Snatch blocks are also helpful for increasing pulling capacity when needed.
When anchoring to a tree, never wrap the cable directly around the trunk – use a tree saver strap instead. Always leave at least eight wraps of cable on the drum when pulling to prevent damage to the anchor point and ensure safety. Keep the cable under light tension during operation to avoid kinks and tangling.
While using the winch, keep the vehicle’s engine running to prevent battery drain. Check the battery condition regularly. A new winch is factory-lubricated and doesn’t need immediate servicing, but it does require periodic maintenance. This includes disassembling the unit, cleaning it, replacing grease, and swapping worn parts. Steel cables should also be lubricated periodically with a suitable penetrating oil.