Come Along advice

[1gencummins93]

Hello, I am wanting to buy a nice come along BUT with a lot of things I've read I am not sure what brand to get, I was about to buy a harbor freight one but heard those are no good, not looking to break the bank but at the same time you get what you pay for, so any advice on what kind to buy would be great, thanks!

 

[squashman702]

Hello, I am wanting to buy a nice come along BUT with a lot of things I've read I am not sure what brand to get, I was about to buy a harbor freight one but heard those are no good, not looking to break the bank but at the same time you get what you pay for, so any advice on what kind to buy would be great, thanks!

Just bought and used a 4T from HF to pull 2400# of Jeep I was scrapping onto a trailer. Axles were attached by 1-2 bolts on both ends, so it did not pull easily or straight, and the come along was used without being doubled back. Worked fine.

I looked at TSC for one, and the same thing was basically 3.5x the price of the HF one. I'd use the rule of thumb I usually do at HF- buy the most heavy duty you can afford, and hope it works. If you're not going to use it frequently, I'd reconsider the cheap option.

 

[sberry]

I was a little slow on the uptake, ruined a couple 3 3 ton rated ones and spent an extra 10 or 20 and got the 4T to carry in my truck and its a thing of beauty. I took the block off and use it single but its so much heavier that its really a good tool. I got 200$ ones too but where I ony carry 1 its the cable unit. I bought it at HD maybe, wasn't bad.

 

[aczr2k]

I despise cable come alongs, get a chain type. I have a couple nice aluminum ones made by Jet that are the handiest things ever.

 

[Givl Reggin]

I am not sure what brand to get, I was about to buy a harbor freight

No matter what the item is, Harbor Freight is *ALWAYS* the wrong brand to get!

 

[classicJackets]

What are you going to be using it for? One time or more frequently?
I have a cheap ($40) comealong I got at HD i think, cable type, and I've used it to load two non-running cars onto uhaul trailers. not optimal situation. The controls can be a little sticky but it does the job and for $40 I'm not complaining.

 

[abk241]

What are you going to be using it for? One time or more frequently?
I have a cheap ($40) comealong I got at HD i think, cable type, and I've used it to load two non-running cars onto uhaul trailers. not optimal situation. The controls can be a little sticky but it does the job and for $40 I'm not complaining.

I'm with classicJackets on this.
If you're only gonna use it once in a great while go for the cheapo models at HD or HF and don't worry about quality.
Otherwise head over to your local rigging shop and pick up a good Yale or CM.

 

[plott hound]

I despise cable come alongs, get a chain type. I have a couple nice aluminum ones made by Jet that are the handiest things ever.

where did you buy these units?i need one to throw in my argo.

 

[dwysywd]

I bought a 2 ton from HF. It has a bassakwards safety which causes your finger to touch the safety each time you ratchet. I'm pretty tool savey and own several, this is the only one I have that works this way. I call it money wasted. IMO, I agree with the other guys, you get what you pay for!

Good luck.


Sent from my bag phone...

 

[2oolhound]

There are 3 types
Cheap cable - Cheap but cable will bird cage on the spool so the load will jump a bit. Good for longer pulls and easy to add a second pulley to double the load rating at 1/2 speed. Hard on cable, you need to watch the safety rating.
Chain - Pricey but good solid units and accurate lifting and lowering for things like installing engines etc. They usually only have about 10' of chain.
Turfer (Uses pass through cable, no spool) - These are heavy duty and pass 1/2" or more cable right through for unlimited length. Great for long pulls but pricey.

I've seen some good deals on used chain comealongs on CL if you aren't in a hurry to get one.

 

[kctyphoon]

The first, and most important question here is this : What are you planning to use it for? Lift or pull? How much weight? How far? for how long? If you don't have a "specific" need and want general purpose, that's fine, but if there is something you intend to devote this thing to, please share. If you plan on mostly using it pull engines vs pull out a stuck vehicle, then it matters.

Do you want a handle that has 360 degree rotation with continuous lift? Or a "one click at a time type? Would a disc brake be better for you or a single/ double pawl brake..

There are wire rope hoists / chain " link style" hoists / bicycle chain style hoists / web strap hoists.. And they will all come in single chain style / double chain style / single and double convertible styles.. They can all "accomplish" the same thing, but they are all different and some have specific advantages over others depending on the task at hand.

Let me know when you can tell that I use these everyday for the last 15 years..

One thing though.. PLEASE-- if there is any chance of someone getting hurt, or you intend on lifting/pulling anything with some real weight on it, DO NOT, buy one of these wire rope style hoists unless it's from a big name hoist company.

 

[Carla]

A good come-along is one of the class of tools one may seldom ever really need......but when you need one, having a really good one is a seriously important safety issue.

The ones I use are a 'Tirfor', also sold as 'Griphoist' 'TU-17, which is rated at 1 ton, and a Chisholm-Moore chain/ratchet type, rated 3/4 ton. The Tirfor works well, but is a bit 'counter-intuitive' to use......you can see the technique in a video on the Youtube programme.

(the Tirfor come-alongs are too expensive to be a good investment, unless you really need its 'length of travel' capability. We 'got lucky' some twenty-ish years ago, getting a new unused one in a surplus lot of comms antenna rigging equipment, at scrap value.......we got the C-M ratchet unit at our local flea market for....if I remember correctly.....a $10......its much easier to use, conveniently light and handy, and has been a very cost-effective investment)

cheers

Carla

 

[creativecars]

Get the 4 ton from Hf... Using anything less is like comparing tools to toys. I have used/abused a 4 ton for years (10+) compared to the throwaway's from whatever mfg. I have replaced a bolt or two from them vibrating in the back of my old truck, but I don't blame HF for that. Would buy again and would not use the smaller ones if they were free.

 

[Boilerhouse]

Many years ago I bought a used North American built unit. I've used it many times for many jobs. The thing is a real brute. There is a marking cast into the side of it; 3 TONS. I am not sure if that is what it pulls or if that is what it weighs.

 

[sberry]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...dling+hoists-lifts-cranes+manual-cable-hoists

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200511810_200511810

I have chain drives too but the one I connected a link to is 49$ and as creative cars said,, you don't tend to wreck it. Its built heavy enough.

 

[dwysywd]

I ended up buying a chain fall. I use that for everything!


Sent from my bag phone...

 

[JCByrd24]

https://www.wyeth-scott.com/

http://www.lug-all.com/index.php

Two good choices, neither cheap, but neither will leave you hating come-a-longs forever. I have the first and it's indispensable, if I ever need to replace the cable it will be with the synthetic line.

 

[1gencummins93]

Thank you guys for all the advice! I won't be using it all the time, here's why it would be used, I have a Chevy s10 blazer, when my wife and I are out driving in the mountains mud/snow I want to have something to pull me out if I were to get stuck, the s10s are pretty light, so I would be pulling with it, and I might only use it a few times, but I've been stuck before and wished I had one,

 

[larry_g]

I had one with a cheap cast hub that split and locked the whole thing up with a car body hanging on it. The next one had a steel hub with two pawls.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[daw53]

I can recommend the Lug-All brand if you are looking at the higher end of cable hoists. We used and abused them in industrial maintenance and they were also used by our construction contractor. They are robustly built and you can buy repair parts for them. I've purchased them from McMaster Carr and a local industrial plumbing supply house.

- David

 

[kctyphoon]

Thank you guys for all the advice! I won't be using it all the time, here's why it would be used, I have a Chevy s10 blazer, when my wife and I are out driving in the mountains mud/snow I want to have something to pull me out if I were to get stuck, the s10s are pretty light, so I would be pulling with it, and I might only use it a few times, but I've been stuck before and wished I had one,

Your best bet is probably gonna be one of those wire rope deals then. I would consider getting the highest load capacity available if you go with a cheap model(4ton?) and check to see if the one from Tekton is any different then the Harbor Freight model..not sure if they are all the same. Hopefully not since the HF model doesn't get rave reviews on the site. I suppose if the thing works once you get your money's worth from it.

Another alternative is to check ebay. Lug-all is a highly respected hoist company. They make (or at least made) a 2 ton wire rope (maybe bigger models too) that's MUCH more trustworthy than any of those $30 4 ton models.. If you can pick up a used name brand for a little more $$ it's definitely worth it in this respect. You should also invest in at least 3 slings, and a ****** block. One sling for the anchor point (tree) one for the load (Chevy) and one for a ****** block if you need to change direction of the pull if nothing is in-line.. I'd consider get some extra wire rope (25-50 feet maybe, it's small and light enough) in case you need the extra lenght to make it to your anchor point.. Would really **** to have everything else and not be able to reach to a tree. hopefully I can at least convince you to try and find a decent used one over these $30 hoists.. Regardless, Just attach the hoist to the anchor point, so if the thing breaks you are not near the car..

This is a Lug All I have. It's very similar to the design of a web strap hoist except it has a pressure plate around the drum to keep the wire from becoming a birds nest, and the wire rope will withstand rubbing against objects much better.. Also easier to use a ****** block with it, and you can even utilize it's own block if you can get by with cutting the pulling strength in half. The handle detaches for easy storage too.. This is something you can always rely on for years to come.

 

[kctyphoon]

Versatility:


If you go with a cheapo thing (most likely), make sure you get a 3 hook model like the good ones in the picture. At least with those you can use them without having to use the pulley, and double your reach with cutting your pull strength in half.. The more options you can give yourself the better off you are.

 

[straightcut]

https://www.wyeth-scott.com/

http://www.lug-all.com/index.php

Two good choices, neither cheap, but neither will leave you hating come-a-longs forever. I have the first and it's indispensable, if I ever need to replace the cable it will be with the synthetic line.

I bought the Wyeth-Scott from Bailey's. I see that now they offer it loaded with Amsteel Blue. It's a heavy beast, so I would recommend the synthetic line for reduced weight. I keep it in my truck when I'm hunting and for hauling non-running vehicles onto a tow dolly or trailer. I like the long cable in case you need the extra reach for an off road recovery. Despite the weight, I'm happy to have it.

I wrestled for years with cheap come alongs with short cables. The Wyeth-Scott gets the job done!

 

[geojag]

I have a cheap come along from HF, it is still working pretty well after 10+ years. I did replace the hooks with higher quality hooks. I also replaced a bent metal tab that served as a cable guide with a small shackle. The pulley to double the cable was ****. If I have to double it I have a ****** block and a shackle. The control to release/reverse is very chincy. I thought it was missing a piece, but you just slide a spring in a groove near the base of the handle to reverse the pawl. That said, it still works. The hooks that I replaced cost more than the whole thing.

I did buy a Tuf-Tug from TSC when I had to lift, didn't trust the HF unit. I got a 4 ton strap come along, although I converted it to single pull so I guess it is 2 tons, which is more than I need. I kept the parts to change it back. The controls are much easier and I trust it more, but it did cost 8X more.

 

[HMCFab9]

I've got a Maasdam Power pull & it works great.

 

[aczr2k]

where did you buy these units?i need one to throw in my argo.

I believe they were purchased at a farm show from Acme Tool Crib, a local supplier. They will not work very good full of mud.

 

[kctyphoon]

IMO - the greatest chain hoist of all time were the 1 1/2ton and 3 ton ratcliffs. The company went out of business a few years ago, and for awhile there was nothing even comparable in terms of capacity vs physical size and weight.. Thankfully, reliable tools must have bought or obtained the design patents because they now produce identical hoists to the old ratcliffs. Everything is identical except the colors.. Thank god someone started making them again.