Come Along Repair

[DavidB]

I managed to break the cable on my come along today. It's an older Craftsman and I'd like to repair it. I'm just not sure how. I don't have the capability to crimp ferrules on the ends of the cable which is what I'd need to do. I've seen that there are replacement cables available online but am not sure if there is a ferrule on the non-hook end. Example replacement cable I found can be seen here: http://torcarr.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=269

I was hoping someone here would be able to point me in the right direction and/or offer some advice. If these are carried in a regular store let me know and I'll go see what they have.

Here's what I have:

 

[PugetDude]

Any local rigging supply company can swage fittings on a new cable for you.

 

[allinon72]

You definitely don't want any question as to whether the crimp will hold up. I've seen those let loose (cable snapped) and they can take your head off

 

[DavidB]

It looks like Fastenel does come along repair. I think I'll see what they can do.

 

[Steinmetz]

Put the entire thing in the scrap barrel and walk away. It has experienced a failure. Don't press your luck.

 

[mitusa]

I've bought a few replacements cables from these guys........http://www.maasdam.com/

IIRC, the cables with the ends on them run around $10.

It takes a while to change them out, but once you're through, you have essentially a new powr-pull.

 

[RECox286]

I see no reason to not fix the comealong. Just because the front

wheel bearing is shot is no reason to throw the whole car into the

crusher, Yes, No ? Most marine (boat) stores have the swages

and crimpers to do what you need to do. Don't forget, the winch

end has to be made up first, then wind the reel till it is almost full,

and then do the hook end.

Uncle Bob

 

[Professur]

I've never had a cable failure on one yet ... had two reels crush tho.

 

[Strouty]

Put the entire thing in the scrap barrel and walk away. It has experienced a failure. Don't press your luck.

Just because the cable broke, doesn't mean the entire thing is junk. I replace the cables on mine whenever they get broken, rusted, or too frayed. That is common practice, besides, it looks like an older one and is probably better than a newer replacement one that would be reasonably priced.

 

[DavidB]

I'm not going to throw it away since its just the cable that broke. I enjoy fixing things anyways. I picked this come along up at a garage sale some years back. It's a pretty low force come along and I just pulled a little too hard on it. The handle was slightly bent but it was easily fixed with a few hammer taps. Here's a couple more pics of it for those who are interested.

 

[DavidB]

I've bought a few replacements cables from these guys........http://www.maasdam.com/

IIRC, the cables with the ends on them run around $10.

It takes a while to change them out, but once you're through, you have essentially a new powr-pull.

I saw this cable previously but I don't think it'll work for me. My puller has a ferrule on the end of the cable that goes in the wheel. It appears that the Maasdan replacement part does not. It seems to have a plain end and be held in place with a set screw.

 

[The Cobbler]

This day and age many people say toss it & buy new.... what about us guys that like to tinker and fix stuff?
I love reading these fix it stories.

 

[allinon72]

I'm all for fixing things, but a repair like this has to be done properly as it's under a lot of stress. Also, handles on comealongs are meant to bend as they exceed the maximum tension. I would probably replace the handle as well.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

This day and age many people say toss it & buy new.... what about us guys that like to tinker and fix stuff?
I love reading these fix it stories.

The main safety feature, the handle, has been compromised. Toss it.

"Tinkering" or "cobbling" has no place with things that multiply and store energy.

I've seen first hand what a 1/4" cable can do to a human upon failure. It tends to dull the sting of shelling out another $50 for a new comalong.

 

[Steinmetz]

This day and age many people say toss it & buy new.... what about us guys that like to tinker and fix stuff?
I love reading these fix it stories.

Then go right ahead. And get ready to pay that medical plan co-payment.

 

[Mustang1167]

I have broke plenty of come-alongs working in a coal plant. We just tossed them in the scrap pile. There is way to much riding on its performance to have it brake apart after a fix and hurt someone.

 

[dellwas]

Stopped using the cable type ones and now use the ones that use a 1 inch wide nylon strap. Next one will be this:

http://www.baileysonline.com/Tools-Outdoor-Equipment/Winches-Pullers/Hand-Winches/3-Ton-Ratchet-Puller-with-35-of-5-16-Amsteel-Blue.axd

 

[Outlawmws]

Unless the rest of the come-a-long shows damage or wear, you can ignore comments like these...

Put the entire thing in the scrap barrel and walk away. It has experienced a failure. Don't press your luck.

Then go right ahead. And get ready to pay that medical plan co-payment.

 

[DaleK]

I've always had better luck crimping a couple of nuts onto the cable in a vise or press than using actual cable ferrules. The cable's likely to break again before the end lets go anyway.