Yeah, don't ever wrap the winch cable around the tree. Not only is it bad for the cable itself, it can kill the tree. The tree huggers love to see and hear about stuff like that so they can use it against us to get stuff shut down. Always use a tree saver.

Also, if there is no tree around, there is no issue with hooking the winch to another jeep, as long as you feel like the stuff on your jeep is securely attached. I usually use the rear bumper instead of the front though.

 

You need to bitchslap some sense into your friend. Here a few tips from personal observations and experience.

First of all tell him that I said that he is an idiot. Now back to tips.

Do NOT strap the winch line around anything except a snatch block. Its bad for the cable, and in this case the tree itself. Get a "tree saver" strap.
Do NOT strap the cable back onto itself. It will f**k up the cable and make it less strong. At some point it might even snap, and when it snaps it will go REALLY FAST.
Do NOT use winch cable as a tow/snatch rope. ITS NOT IT, winch cable is made for winching and not "jerking".
Do NOT stay close to the cable while is under tension.

Here is a video of what happens when dumbass doesn't use the winch as directed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqBbXn50rF8

And here is another video of improperly secured winch hook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1NnL83UpuQ

Here some good info: http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/tech/0710_4wd_arb_winching_how_to/index.html

 

Basically he needs to understand how easy someone can be seriously injured or killed when the cable slips or breaks. Continue hooking the cable on itself and it will break

 

I would get a new friend to will with I suppose he also keeps a cooler full of beer on then front seat while he wheels

 

Or if you're still there, at least keep your distance, have the phone pre-dialed to 911, and the video camera rolling to help warn the next fool.

 

Ringo,

You better educate this dude! Cause if I have to sit through one more damn ORM/Lessons Learned brief, I'm comin after you both!

.....and by the way: