How to use a cable winch

What is a cable winch?

photo creds: https://www.loadrite.com/store/images/P/p-17691.jpg

Josh: A cable winch is a mechanical device used to pull in or let out, otherwise to adjust the "tension" of a rope or wire rope. In its simplest form it consists of a spool and attached hand crank.

How do you use a cable winch? 

                                                

Josh: There is a step by step process in using a cable winch and I will walk you through each one using pictures to better my explanation and give more understanding as well as explaining each step

Step 1: You have to first place the ratchet sprawl into the down position, remember that all steps are essential in following them the exact way it is being depicted.

What is Step 2?

Josh: Your next step (Step 2) is going to turn the crank handle anti-clockwise to unwind as much cable that is needed for the procedure, again this step is depicted above for guidance in performing the step correctly. 

What is step 3? 

Josh: For Step 3 you're going to attach the hook to the load, whatever it might be. (make sure the load you're attaching the winch too isn't to great in mass for the winch to handle)

What is step 4? 

Josh: For Step 4 you're going to push the ratchet switch sprawl from the up position to the down position, very simple.

What is step 5?

                   

Josh: For Step 5 you're going to turn the crank handle clockwise to pull the load by slowly winding the cable. By turning the crank clockwise you're retracting the wire in bringing the load closer.

What is step 6?

Josh: For Step 6 you're going to want to release the load by placing the ratchet sprawl from the up position it was in previously to the now down position.

What is step 7? 

Josh: This is going to be the more tricky step and this step is going to require you to hold the crank handle to keep the load from moving. Once you completed step 6 which was putting the ratchet sprawl in the down position you're then going to release the crank handle slowly ensuring that the switch sprawl is engaged before releasing the handle completely. 

What is step 8? *Final Step* 

Josh: Your last and final Step is going to be to release one ratchet at a time slowly once you have the load in potion and you're done.

Are there any alternatives to the cable winch? 

photo creds: http://www.bulldogwinch.com/cartimages/cat_52.jpg?img_id=201312031102060

Josh: Of course there are alternatives that you can refer to such as synthetic rope to attach to a load and then later pulled but most of these alternatives such as this one require a lot more strain and usually not preferred or recommended, so believe me when I tell you to go with the cable winch. 

All photos used in this blog entry are credited to www.wonkeedonkeetools.co