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View Full Version : Is there a swivel for "winch hook"?

tomp
11-06-2005, 10:21 PM
It seems that a swivel would be good to keep my cable from binding up. Is there such a thing? If so, where?
tomp
11-06-2005, 10:21 PM
It seems that a swivel would be good to keep my cable from binding up. Is there such a thing? If so, where?
tomp
11-07-2005, 09:41 PM
Thx for replying Phil..

Just looking for a hook that can rotate around 360 degrees like a fishing hook swivel.
Kevin B
11-07-2005, 09:53 PM
Tom, is something like this what your thinking about? If so they can be found at a crane and rigging supply house. They come in all types and sizes.
VTSTOMPER
11-07-2005, 10:52 PM
I think your looking for something to take the twist out of your winch line right?
tomp
11-08-2005, 02:36 AM
VTS, you are correct. Like the pic above, but only a stout one made for winching.
VTSTOMPER
11-08-2005, 11:42 AM
it is a good idea - I would think there would be something. you just want to make sure it will support the the weight.

I think the pic above that N2ITNSD posted is the way to go..check a shop out.
PARAGON
11-08-2005, 01:16 PM
I don't think I understand this at all. Why would you need a swivel and why would your winch line be twisting to require a swivel?

I have used winches nearly all of my life and don't remember encountering a situation where I thought that a swivel at the hook would be advantageous.

Also, welcome back N2IT. In reference to his comment, you have to make sure about buying components from crane rigging suppliers. Many of their items are for vertical "free" loads only and will fail if used in the typical winching scenarios.
tomp
11-08-2005, 01:33 PM
As the line as applied pressure by the fairlead, it pushes the cables' binding down the cable causing twist. It's not all that uncommon when winching at an angle.
PARAGON
11-08-2005, 02:14 PM
Any "binding" that occurs is under load. When you spool your line back up after use to stow it, any pressure is no longer there.

Personally, I would be more worried about switching over to synthetic line for safety purposes. By adding a swivel to a wire cable setup, you are introducing another failure point, that in my opinion, is not needed.
tomp
11-08-2005, 04:04 PM
You are right about introducing another failure, so it would have to be a good setup before I would use it.

I like the Syn cabling, but don't want to lose the 25' of length. The extra length has been the difference in me getting un-stuck in the past. I have had to search around for things to get the extra length needed to get out in the past.

You are also right that the binded cabling goes back when re-spooling, but I was just trying to keep the cable in good shape.