It is common for our new winchers to be in awe of what the compact machine can do. We look for durability and stability in the host of features that come with the device. The powerful motor, the aircraft-grade winch cable, the Gear system, and so forth.
The most important thing, however, is using the winch to its maximum potential by completely understanding the way every feature functions.
By properly utilizing the tools and accessories available with the winch it is possible to double the winch pulling power and to make the work easier and effortless.
Precautions and guidelines are in place for a definitive reason. In this article, we shall explore some recovery tips that will help you make the most out of your winch.
🔆 Staying in Pulling Power Zone
Applying Wrenching Technique: When working a bolt with a wrench, we find it is easier to get the job done when we hold the wrench at the very bottom of the tool or when using a long-handled wrench.
Thinking the other way around, a bolt finds it easier to pull loads when the weight is closer to its core, a shorter-turning radius.
This principle applies to the Winch cable being spooled in or reeled-in as well. When pulling the first few wraps around itself, the drum is at its maximum best, delivering a powerful pulling performance.
A winch’s pulling capacity is determined by the amount of weight that can be pulled with only the bottom layer of rope on the drum.
Note: The pulling power zone is the first and second layer of rope on the drum. Beyond 2 layers, pulling capacity decreases by 42%.
Henceforth, whenever you are starting a new winching operation, pull out the extra cable to leave just a layer of it wrapped around the drum, or ideally 5 wraps.
You can get the most from your winch if you cut the extra layer and stay in the pulling power zone(2 layers of rope).
This way you have maximum power when you are beginning your winching, helping the job to be done quickly while significantly reducing the load on the winch and its motor.
Pro Tip: When you try to maximize the pulling power ensure that your winch line is rated for handling the extra pulling power.
🔆 Using Pulley Block
By adding a pulley block to the winch line, you can double your winch’s pulling capacity.
☑️ The first image shows a typical straight pulling with a single winch line.
☑️ To double the winch pulling power, the double winch line is used with a pulley block, shown in the second image.
In case the anchor point is too close to where your vehicle is stuck, you can lose all that extra cable on the winch drum to keep you in the power pulling zone at the beginning.
Just make sure the anchor point can take the extra tension that results from doubling the pulling power.
☑️ The third image shows the redirected pull if there is no clear way to the anchor point.
Multiple Snatch Blocks
Similarly, you can triple the pulling line by using 2 snatch blocks. This sort of method can be used during heavy-duty winching to reduce the overall tension on the winch motor.
Ensure your winch can support the force that is being pulled. Read our review on the Smittybilt 10,000lb winch which offers reliable and durable performance.
3 Best Snatch Blocks For Winching
When choosing a Snatch block or pulley, it is important to consider more than just doubling the pulling power of your winch.
✔️ Suitable for wire ropes as well as synthetic ropes.
✔️ It must be possible to change the direction of the pull without damaging the rope.
✔️ Must reduce heat build-up and amp draw during recovery
Listed below are our preferred snatch blocks
WARN Multi-Purpose Snatch Block (12,000 lb Capacity)
Smittybilt Universal Snatch Block (17,600lbs Capacity)
Snatch Block with Hook (8 Ton 6″ Sheave 3/4 Inch)
🔆 Keeping The Straight Line in Fairlead
By keeping the winch line as straight as possible in fairlead can improve your pulling capacity.
🔆 Under Different Winching Conditions
Under certain conditions, you can double the pull of a winch using the following techniques,
When you are alone and your vehicle is stuck
You can do a single-line pull if your winch line is not long enough.
In the case you have a snatch block, you can increase your pulling power by attaching your winch to the snatch block attached to a tree and then back to the D-ring on your front bumper.
When your vehicle is stuck in the mud
With a snatch block to a tree, you can either winch yourself out with a single line or a dual-line pull.
In the case you have another vehicle, you can use an ARB Recovery strap which is specifically designed to stretch and utilize kinetic energy to assist you in pulling your vehicle out.
If your vehicle is stuck when winching up a hill and you have a second vehicle and tree available
Then you should use a snatch block to a tree and use the other vehicle as an anchor. A line should point in the same direction as the bottom vehicle.
In the case, you have another tree nearby, for more safety you can attach the other vehicle’s rear bumper to that tree.
If your vehicle is stuck when winching up a hill and you have a second vehicle but there is no tree nearby
The vehicle below should be careful not to drag down the vehicle above.
This type of pull also requires consideration of the vehicle’s weight, the ground’s conditions, etc.
You will find that it is really easy to bring out the true strength of the winch under some ideal conditions, making it possible to pull twice and sometimes thrice the weight the winch is supposed to be pulling.
Always exercise caution during every winching task. Be it a single-pull or more than that, adhere to strict safety precautions and you will make life easier for your winch and have an enriching winching experience at the same time.
