It was wound under tension so that's kinda what I figured. I'm not sure how to protect against that happening again though.

 

Looks like some jack ass turned the handle and it bird nested.

 

Upgrade!

If you use synthetic it won't be tension sprung. If the a hole does it again it won't do anything but unlock the drum.
People see that shiny lever and can't help but to turn it. I have synthetic so I haven't had the birds nest but have noticed my winch is unlocked pretty often. Checking it is part of my get in the jeep routine now.

 

I would start by putting a cover over it and securing it with zip ties. It will detract most of the occasional "shiny shaft touchers". As an added bonus you will protect the winch from the elements.

 

not a big deal... just pull it out and respool the cable. as long as its not frayed at all, u'll be ok. it looks fine in the pic. I've done way worse to cables and they just last and last. don't waste your money on anything.

 

Going by the picture you posted, it looks like the clutch is still disengaged. I've had people walk up to my Jeep and being curious of the shiny handle decide to give it a turn. It's never rat-nested as bad as yours but I haven't pre-tensioned mine yet.

 

Wow that would be a great stipper name. Now on stage 1 Miss Shiny Shaft Toucher!

 

Pun was completely intended!

 

Don't upgrade a winch that has had a steel wire cable to a synth line...


1) The steel cable causes burrs on the winch surfaces which will eat a synthetic line.

2) It's a different fairlead.

 

if your looking to upgrade to a synthetic line call Emil at Masterpull in Ferndale WA and he can build a custom line for you.

Best quality and prices I've found on Amsteel synthetic lines. Takes about 1 week to have one built.

Above is true for some synthetic lines. Masterpull lines come with a 12 foot heat shield to protect the line from the drum, polished fairlead for synthetic line, stainless thimble, powdercoated snaphook, heavy duty everything. Safe to swap on a steel cable winch.