theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I'm looking for a decent come-along. Something more than your cheap 1/2-1 ton. This is for hone owner use so let's not break the bank.
Come-along/hand winch
- Thread starter theoldwizard1
- Start date
sam.coll
Well-known member
So don't want a cheap one but don't want to drop a lot of cash??? Looked second hand?
wildbill23c
Well-known member
Go to Harbor Freight, they have regular 2 or 4 ton come-a-longs for pretty cheap. I have a 4 ton that I've used numerous times to winch broke down vehicles onto my car-trailer. Largest was a 1983 Ford Bronco, worked just fine, just takes a while and requires you to move and re-position the come-a-long a few times to get the vehicle loaded, but its far cheaper than a winch that would cost more than it would be worth having around just for that once or twice a year need.
mossyboy6
Well-known member
I would look for a used chain hoist style chain comealong.
Its what all the riggers use.
Its what all the riggers use.
mdbeck1
Well-known member
The lower capacity ones will work just fine. Pick up a "****** block" as one of your first purchases. Use that to hook to the vehicle and place the hook on the come-along. This will reduce the length of the cable by 1/2 but double the pulling capacity. So you can use a 1 ton unit to pull 2 tons.
kctyphoon
Banned
yea i have to agree - goto HF and just get the 1.5 ton chain hoist.. unless you have a special need for something like a web-strap hoist, or a wire rope hoist - the HF unit will give you the best bang for your buck. other options are craigslist or if you want new - Jet is probably one of the cheaper brands..
an advantage of the HF unit, and the ones similar to that style, is they use a disc brake instead of a pawl or double pawl system. this gives you a 360 degree rotation on the handle, and allows for continuous lift or drop, instead of a "1 click at a time" type, where you have to constantly pull and reset the handle.. ive also found that the disc brake hoist usually have a better gear reduction, so it requires less force to move heavy loads..
better brands include - reliable, ratcliff, cm, lincoln, coffing, chance, little mule, harrington - just to name a few.
the HF is $95 w/o a 20% off coupon.. 3,000lbs should be more than enough for home use.
this of course, depends on what you intend to use this for.. if its for vehicle recovery, mabye not the best choice with just a 5' lift - but great for alot of other things..
an advantage of the HF unit, and the ones similar to that style, is they use a disc brake instead of a pawl or double pawl system. this gives you a 360 degree rotation on the handle, and allows for continuous lift or drop, instead of a "1 click at a time" type, where you have to constantly pull and reset the handle.. ive also found that the disc brake hoist usually have a better gear reduction, so it requires less force to move heavy loads..
better brands include - reliable, ratcliff, cm, lincoln, coffing, chance, little mule, harrington - just to name a few.
the HF is $95 w/o a 20% off coupon.. 3,000lbs should be more than enough for home use.
this of course, depends on what you intend to use this for.. if its for vehicle recovery, mabye not the best choice with just a 5' lift - but great for alot of other things..
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geojag
Well-known member
Tuff tug from TSC are decent, inexpensive, and made in the USA. I think a 2 ton will run about $30 or $40. They also have a 4 ton, think it is about $80.
7echo
Well-known member
Doug Arthurs
Well-known member
I have a Columbus-McKinnon really nice tool. Might even be made in Canada when I bought it 20 Years ago.
sberry
Banned
I been down this road every way you can for a long time. I have good wire units, have chain drives, there is a place for each. I use a pickup for field work and everything has double duty. I normally only carry 1 winch and its a 4 ton wire you can get at HF or the box stores. its 15 more dollars than a 2T but substantially better tool,, way better, better power and I havnt bent it. I ruined a couple 3 light units over the years but this is just right and the 40$ for one is cheap to have when its needed.
I usually toss the block and use single line but these are on my cheap good tool list right with the BD grinder and the ATD adjustable wrench.
I usually toss the block and use single line but these are on my cheap good tool list right with the BD grinder and the ATD adjustable wrench.
Attachments
sberry
Banned
If a guy is rigging every day and constant lifting a chain drive is the ticket. As a habit I like slings and chokers but chains are good for ruff work. For the home brew who obviously doesn't have any the wire is a goof place to start and to tell the truth the only piece in its type most would ever need.
It ranks up there with the cherry picker and a simple bottle jack. Sure, a guy can buy a 200$ Hiney, maybe more but a 12T 40 bottle jack is sufficcient for all but the industrial types.
At these prices even then they may be sacrificial and Old may not need to park a lot of cash, a little like the handy jack, a bottle jack, the wire *** along, have them all handy for a couple hundred $ makes being prepared a lot less painful.
It ranks up there with the cherry picker and a simple bottle jack. Sure, a guy can buy a 200$ Hiney, maybe more but a 12T 40 bottle jack is sufficcient for all but the industrial types.
At these prices even then they may be sacrificial and Old may not need to park a lot of cash, a little like the handy jack, a bottle jack, the wire *** along, have them all handy for a couple hundred $ makes being prepared a lot less painful.
sberry
Banned
I bought 4 or 5 12t bottle jacks. I think 1 or 2 I use a lot still work but 3 I put on the trucks still do, only used a couple of them a couple times but at the time threw 200 at it and the several outlasted 1 good one that would have worked like a rented mule. I should toss another shot at another 4T wire cumalong, having it in the right location at the right time is everything.
When its too expensive there is a tendency to do without. Its a world game changer that is rather silent where computers get the attn. the revolution of the good cheap tool has made it affordable or within reach for almost everyone.
We all expect good things to last, big deal, little surprise and a real yawner but whats impressive is the cheap is lasting, some of now decades old and getting better and more competitive all the time. Its really hitting the welding industry now with advanced electronics but the advent of new mills in China, some others but there for now has elevated steel, along with simple QC that didn't even exist, puter management etc has allowed me to pound on a dollar wrench with a 5$ 20oz framing hammer with a composite handle to get a stuck bleeder out along the side of the road with tools at hand.
No longer does it take 500 or more to prepare, 50$ does it in some cases. Don't have to carry lifes savings in a few tools. In our case can have it all with minor regard to protecting investment, I still don't like to lose things I need but don't have to fuss over my Snapons over 3 counties and a foot of dirt and in no way could afford the couple dozen of each in the common sizes.
I finally did manage to toss a couple wrenches that survived despite poor fit, I finally cut them in half to prevent their return. They were a nussiance and kept for no good reason along with 500 other good ones.
When its too expensive there is a tendency to do without. Its a world game changer that is rather silent where computers get the attn. the revolution of the good cheap tool has made it affordable or within reach for almost everyone.
We all expect good things to last, big deal, little surprise and a real yawner but whats impressive is the cheap is lasting, some of now decades old and getting better and more competitive all the time. Its really hitting the welding industry now with advanced electronics but the advent of new mills in China, some others but there for now has elevated steel, along with simple QC that didn't even exist, puter management etc has allowed me to pound on a dollar wrench with a 5$ 20oz framing hammer with a composite handle to get a stuck bleeder out along the side of the road with tools at hand.
No longer does it take 500 or more to prepare, 50$ does it in some cases. Don't have to carry lifes savings in a few tools. In our case can have it all with minor regard to protecting investment, I still don't like to lose things I need but don't have to fuss over my Snapons over 3 counties and a foot of dirt and in no way could afford the couple dozen of each in the common sizes.
I finally did manage to toss a couple wrenches that survived despite poor fit, I finally cut them in half to prevent their return. They were a nussiance and kept for no good reason along with 500 other good ones.
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I bought a cheapo from Odd Lots over 20 years ago. I've pulled a '77 LTD onto my car trailer and lifted a grain hopper wagon up so the running gear could be switched around. It's worked for me over the years and it owes me nothing.
Maybe a little more info of what you're using it for might help with the recommendations.
Maybe a little more info of what you're using it for might help with the recommendations.
sometoyotaguy
Well-known member
Get a Madsam Pow-r-Pull. They are a bit more expensive than the cheapie ones, but they work better.
I have one of these. It's excellent depending on your intended usage.
OP
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
sberry
Banned
Farmall450
Well-known member
I agree. Mine clearanced them out a few years back for $10, the small ones in the case.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
Chain style so much better than cable....
trackwelder
Well-known member
Lug-all is what I prefer. Super quality and parts are easy to get. Just my opinion
But I take no chances using cheap lifting or pulling gear.
But I take no chances using cheap lifting or pulling gear.
toplessHO
Well-known member
yep Ive had 2 of them(first was stolen 30 yrs ago)
the 2 ton is a hoss.
My replacement 25 yrs ago was $100 shipped
if you do get one they offer 30 and 40 ft cable
the lady told me that I should get the 30 because even tho you can get 40 ft
they get it spooled on at the factory but she said once unwound I wouldnt be able to.
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justanengineer
Well-known member
Ive got a couple of older Yales, I believe theyre one of the best money can buy. Buy used, sticker shock will get you on new ones.
kctyphoon
Banned
might be a good idea to post what you want to use it for.. you can get away with cheap units for alot of things, but definately avoid the cheap wire rope deals, or web-strap types if any of your intended uses involves the hoist coming in contact with any kind of material. wire ropes and web straps will fray and comrpomise the weight ratings, not to mention its not pleasant getting frayed wires in your hands.. chain hoists are by far the safest, most durable, and most reliable types you can get - but the weight can be an issue depending on its intended use.
ive been using these things at work for 15 years - and honestly i wouldnt consider one of those cheap HF or similar wire come-a-longs unless if was for emergency vehicle recovery or VERY infrequent use - and ONLY for pulling NEVER for lifting. if you need, or plan, or may want to lift anything - please invest in something better if you want a wire rope hoist.
ive been using these things at work for 15 years - and honestly i wouldnt consider one of those cheap HF or similar wire come-a-longs unless if was for emergency vehicle recovery or VERY infrequent use - and ONLY for pulling NEVER for lifting. if you need, or plan, or may want to lift anything - please invest in something better if you want a wire rope hoist.
Farmall 1066
Well-known member
Got a Lug-All and love it.
olytdi
Well-known member
I bought this and am very happy with it. I think it meets your criteria. Good for around the house.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPPBHO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPPBHO/?tag=atomicindus08-20