Has anyone ever used a hand winch?

[andyj]

Did anyone ever try a hand winch, like this one for instance: https://aussieoutbackstore.com.au/p...-dyneema-webbing-strap-boat-car-marine-4wd-8m

It may well be sufficient for that rare occasion where I need it and it weighs only 5.5 kg. So less overkill. What do you think?

 

[DavidBT]

I've used one similar for work that was more of a ratchet style. More portable also.

 

[bbaldwin237]

I've only ever used them on boat trailers. But I've had to try and drag boats up on the trailer that we're having engine problems, and it's a pain. The short handle keeps you from pulling any real weight without assistance. You would be better off with a standard come along.

 

[lBasket]

I love my come along. I would never expect it to be of much use if my jeep got stuck though

 

[Apparition]

I've only ever used them on boat trailers. But I've had to try and drag boats up on the trailer that we're having engine problems, and it's a pain. The short handle keeps you from pulling any real weight without assistance. You would be better off with a standard come along.

I put one on an adjustable basketball hoop in high school.

 

[andyj]

A come along is 12kg and this winch 19kg: https://www.sherpa4x4.com.au/collec...tang-9-500lb-offroad-winch?variant=1086341707
That reduces the advantage.

I never had a winch and never needed one but having some kind of insurance would be good. Somehow I get braver every time.

 

[tm dean]

I used a hand operated winch on my first ih scout in 1973. They will get the job done but to get it to move easily. You must be in low gear on your winch. If you are stuck badly be prepared to take a long time. Most winches were at one time rated on rolling load. Straining my guts out one one mudhole was enough for me. You cannot operate your winch remotely if it is manual. You have to wade in the mud to use your winch. For those on limited income. Harbor freight has low priced winches. I see the harbor freight used on matts off road recovery vehicles.

 

[speeding_infraction]

I think Matt only uses harbor freight winches on his vehicles. They are extremely good value. Manual winches take way too long and are pretty inconvenient imo.

 

[CMBD]

I won one in a raffle very similar to this one. Dont remember the brand bit it was Australian.

Two speeds and it worked well, but sloooow going. I just had to pull a rolling shell of a car on a trailer and it kicked my ass

I used it exactly one time and gave it to the guy getting the car

 

[Head Lice]

Pulled a bull moose onto a flat deck trailer. Not the best way to move those critters . . .

 

[speeding_infraction]

Pulled a bull moose onto a flat deck trailer. Not the best way to move those critters . . .

I heard if you just hit em at full speed they will roll right up over your truck and on to the trailer...

 

[bond...vagabond]

Did anyone ever try a hand winch, like this one for instance: https://aussieoutbackstore.com.au/p...-dyneema-webbing-strap-boat-car-marine-4wd-8m

It may well be sufficient for that rare occasion where I need it and it weighs only 5.5 kg. So less overkill. What do you think?

I used one the other day to winch a project tj through the mound of plowed snow at end of my driveway, the angle was sketchy to get my tow pig into, so i backed it in as far as i dared, and used a come along style to get it like 10 more feet off the road, to keep it out of the road salt, a nice tj frame is a thing to cherish in new england, hah. Ive used hi lift jacks as hand winches many times, i move a 14k lb shed across my bro in laws yard for him with a high lift jack and some pvc pipe rollers, hah.

Negatives are, slower than a winch, and you are right there at the cable if it goes, but if you arent injured, they work every time. Good backup to a winch if your rig is under 7k lbs or whatever their rating is these days.

 

[Harold&Cat]

I carried one similar this for many years before getting the winch . I believe the handle on mine extended to 4 feet .