Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

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Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by Streamline » 30 Nov 2016, 9:30 am

Hi guys,

I think it's time to winch up on the fourby :mrgreen:

Haven't had need of one so far and when doing some stickier stuff for fun it was with company that did, but we're wanting to get out a bit more and think we should have one of our own.

No plans to use it, just as a recovery tool so it won't be getting run out every trip.

Getting a bit dirty and wet most trips is almost a given though.

Easier maintenance of the steel seems to make it the winner in this case.

What do you guys think?
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by Swarm » 30 Nov 2016, 3:44 pm

They both need some upkeep to stay in good condition and both have their weaknesses.

Synthetic rope is susceptible to abrasion from dirt.

Steel cable isn't but can rust.

If you've gone for a dip in dirty water I would clean both rather than leave either of them.
Last edited by Swarm on 06 Dec 2016, 1:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by AusTac » 30 Nov 2016, 6:42 pm

Dyneema everyday of the week, if it gets dirty i just wind it out, swish it in a bucket and open the weave a bit and call it good, lighter, safer and, a bit more friendly to use in my opinion
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by Mich » 02 Dec 2016, 9:13 am

I would go synthetic over steel for everything these days anyways.

It's just so much better to use and handle than steel.
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by Bourt » 06 Dec 2016, 1:29 pm

Swarm wrote:They both need some upkeep to stay in good condition and both have their weaknesses.


True.

I'll take the advantages of the dyneema all things given. Just makes sense as the better option all around to me.
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by Soup1183 » 06 Dec 2016, 3:38 pm

The problem with Dyneema is that regardless as to whether you've used it or not, you should pay it out and clean the whole thing in warm soapy water every month or two.
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by BBJ » 07 Dec 2016, 12:46 pm

Go the Dyneema mate I reckon.

Easier to handle, better on your hands, floats, lighter, safer. So many benefits.

With either you still need to run the winch in and out a bit if you've submerged it to get the water out of it.

What's 10 minutes cleaning the rope a dozen times a year? How much time is steel really going to save you. Not much I reckon.
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by Wheelbarrow » 15 Dec 2016, 2:56 pm

+1 for what BBJ said.
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by SendIt » 19 Dec 2016, 11:07 am

Another vote for just going with synthetic.

Most guys will agree I think once you've gone from steel to dyneema you wouldn't go back.
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by Mitch » 19 Dec 2016, 12:37 pm

Dyneema. Hands down
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Re: Steel cable winch best for occasional use?

Post by Flash » 25 Jan 2017, 10:43 am

I have a steel cable on my Warn winch. I really should just buy a rope for it and change the fairlead for a hawse, but haven't bothered yet.

If you have the option and a few dollars more doesn't bother you, go the rope. Much easier to work with. While you should always use gloves during recoveries, it's not as critical for rope, but a must for handling steel cable. Broken strands of cable will go straight into your hand.
Steel cable under load stores energy and if something breaks, it can whip causing damage to vehicles or people. The rope stores very little, and a break should see it drop to the ground (doesn't hurt to use blankets in any case).
If you don't go out 4wd'ing often, take the rope off and store it in a bag in your shed out of sunlight and UV. Taking it off after a trip means you can clean it easily anyway.

There is a benefit to the steel cable that I found. It's heavy. When you get stuck on a very steep and muddy hill, you're the one behind the wheel. It's your mates who have to try and drag that cable up hill while they're sliding around. It can be fun to watch and listen to them bitch about it later on at camp. :D
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