I need to spool out my winch cable and stretch it out (new winch). I don't have a a tree saver, but wondered if it would be ok to use a tow strap w/o the metal hooks for this?

I bought a 8' lift strap, that I thought was just like a tow strap only shorter. It's actually one big loop that stretched out tight is 8' long. Would this be ok just to stretch the cable. I also bought a 3" X 30' snatch strap but didnt think that attaching the winch to that would be a good idea.

I plan on ordering either the ARB or Warn winch recovery gear, but in the mean time I need to get this cable stretched and re-spooled.

Thanks in advance.

 

I don't see any reason you can't use a tow strap as a tree saver. I guess I've led a sheltered life but I don't remember ever un-spooling winch cable and stretching it. It's probably something that's recommended but I just never did. Take care and good luck with your new system! Mike

 

why are you unspooling to re do it? is it all angled up? Las time I went off raoding I saw many guys using a rope type instead of cable and they swear buy it. No rusting no kinks and bends and supposdly just as strong. I still have the web sight but I just havn't bought it for my self. I live across from the beach and salt in the air causes a big rust problem for me so I'm most likley going to go that way. Here is the web sight. Let me know how you end up. And to answer your question your tow rope should do just fine.

http://www.rockstomper.com/catalog/recovery/ropes.htm

 

Warn recommends stretching and re-spooling before use. I think its to keep the cable from being pulled into itself and to get a good straight wind.

 

Here is another one:
http://www.winchline.com/

Synthetic winch line are the way to go. As strong as cable, more manageable and much safer since if they break they won't cut your head off.

They are also very easy to clean.

 

I'd love to have the synth line, but have other mods I want/need more. I plan on upgrading to the synth line, but after lift and bigger tires and....

 

Yes, the cable does need to be run down to the last wrap and re-spooled under pressure. This is not to stretch the cable, but to wind it under some load so the outer layers do not get pinched under the loose layers underneath. You can load the cable by pulling a car or your Jeep up a driveway. Flatten the tires a bunch if you feel you need a little extra tension. A tow strap will work fine for this.

Tow straps are intended to stretch somewhat under load. This stretching avoids shock loading of hooks and makes a spring effect that helps with recovery. This same stretchy-ness stores energy and makes winching difficult since you have to winch out the stretch when you start loading the winch. Tree straps are less stretchy and shorter. I would also buy one of them as you may need it the first time you use your winch for recovery, but you can load your cable just fine for this task with it.

If you have a failure while winching with a strap in the system, you have more stored energy that gets released. Some are worried about this risk, and some don't mind it at all.

 

I just broke in my Warn 9.5ti's cable this weekend... like 75' of cable I think.... the manual recommends 1000lb of resistance when spooling it in.

Be careful introducing anything that stores energy like a snatch strap or any hooks that would become projectiles in the case of a failure.

Throw a blanket or something over the cable at the midpoint to absorb energy in case of a failure.

Seems like a good idea... took me a little while to get it to spool without seperating the windings... I guess an outer winding slipping in between a interior winding is problematic.

Good luck.

 

I anchored the cable, then reeled myself in with the engine running, in neutral, with a lot of braking. I think they really just need enough tension to get a tight winding...

 

That's basically what the Warn rep told me to do. Said about every 6' feet or so check the winding. He also suggested having someone in a safe area direct me left/right as the cable is coming in.