Using a come-along for extraction
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
From: Sussex County, NJ
I have a 1500lb come along that I carry with me at all times it has been in service for clsoe to 5 years now and it has recovered lots of vehicles from places even where other trucks couldnt find the traction to give enough pull. You have to be smart with them and use them just to get into a new traction patch.
Dont over pull with the come along... it is a pain in the ass but re adjust often, gain a few inches then block the tires and re setup. If you are really stuggling to make any progress try a diffrent angle
These are much more dangerous than winches just due to the fact that you have to stand right beside the line/rope/chain or strap.
Personally I only use crane slings with Safe Working Load Rating of 25,000lbs or more.
I wheel often and alot of times it is just me and a friend in my vehicle and as long as I have a comealong I have never been truely stranded.
Also if you use your imagination and you have the right equipment a come along can also be used to steady a jack all when you need to use it in scetchy situations where the jack all could kick out.
Dont over pull with the come along... it is a pain in the ass but re adjust often, gain a few inches then block the tires and re setup. If you are really stuggling to make any progress try a diffrent angle
These are much more dangerous than winches just due to the fact that you have to stand right beside the line/rope/chain or strap.
Personally I only use crane slings with Safe Working Load Rating of 25,000lbs or more.
I wheel often and alot of times it is just me and a friend in my vehicle and as long as I have a comealong I have never been truely stranded.
Also if you use your imagination and you have the right equipment a come along can also be used to steady a jack all when you need to use it in scetchy situations where the jack all could kick out.
Ive been looking at the Wyeth Scott Co ones, they look well built...pricey, but well built
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 0
From: Deptford NJ
Well I got the Harbor freight come-a-long and it looks pretty substantial.
I also got a 30' X 2" recovery strap from Qtech.
I do wheel alone mostly. So as a rule if I don't know the hole, I don't go in it. If I can't go around I'll turn back before risk getting my fat ass stuck alone in the middle of nowhere.
The come-a-long is just in case the unforseen does happen. It may be my last resort before I start sending smoke signals. The strap is for if someone comes along (no pun intended) or if I can help somebody else.
So far I haven't had to use either one.
I also got a 30' X 2" recovery strap from Qtech.
I do wheel alone mostly. So as a rule if I don't know the hole, I don't go in it. If I can't go around I'll turn back before risk getting my fat ass stuck alone in the middle of nowhere.
The come-a-long is just in case the unforseen does happen. It may be my last resort before I start sending smoke signals. The strap is for if someone comes along (no pun intended) or if I can help somebody else.
So far I haven't had to use either one.
JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR - Eastside
Well I got the Harbor freight come-a-long and it looks pretty substantial.
I also got a 30' X 2" recovery strap from Qtech.
I do wheel alone mostly. So as a rule if I don't know the hole, I don't go in it. If I can't go around I'll turn back before risk getting my fat ass stuck alone in the middle of nowhere.
The come-a-long is just in case the unforseen does happen. It may be my last resort before I start sending smoke signals. The strap is for if someone comes along (no pun intended) or if I can help somebody else.
So far I haven't had to use either one.
I also got a 30' X 2" recovery strap from Qtech.
I do wheel alone mostly. So as a rule if I don't know the hole, I don't go in it. If I can't go around I'll turn back before risk getting my fat ass stuck alone in the middle of nowhere.
The come-a-long is just in case the unforseen does happen. It may be my last resort before I start sending smoke signals. The strap is for if someone comes along (no pun intended) or if I can help somebody else.
So far I haven't had to use either one.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: South Portland Maine
re
I have used a come along (before I got a winch) to get me unstuck. I have a Wyeth Scott come along and it is pretty dam rugged. Even with the winch, I keep the come along with me just in case.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: seattle
Never used a come-a-long while wheeling but maybe I should throw one in the box. 
I just don't get deeply stuck that often and usually have a strap & another rig with me. We seem to have alot of trees around here to winch to. Now having said that I'll probably need one this weekend. Good thread.
I just don't get deeply stuck that often and usually have a strap & another rig with me. We seem to have alot of trees around here to winch to. Now having said that I'll probably need one this weekend. Good thread.
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
I used the HF 4 ton version several years ago with my FJ40 when a rear wheel slid into a deep rut (locking differentials would have pulled me out). The spool had frozen up because it had sat under a seat exposed. I was able to rig a bolt through it to make it work. Cranked tight, popped the clutch, locked the brake, repeat. Have used several times in similar situations where some traction help is all you need. When you are buried to the axles it will take a lot of work, ie digging out. Take a good look at the quality of the welds in the high stress points around the spool. That's what gave out on the HF product. Be sure to carry plenty of extra chain, strap, etc as the cables on the come-a-long are short.
JK Junkie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
I've been told the chain come a longs are the better ones, but have never used the chain version.
I keep a cable come a long with me. It is a nice to have item. I've used it more times putting lifts on (to get the rear track bar to line up with the bracket) than I have pulling myself out.
I keep a cable come a long with me. It is a nice to have item. I've used it more times putting lifts on (to get the rear track bar to line up with the bracket) than I have pulling myself out.