Weird Tolkienish Figure
Well-known member
Something to use in case I get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Car is a compact (yeah yeah I know). Would like to use without killing myself too (always a plus).
Looking for emergence come-along winch
- Thread starter Weird Tolkienish Figure
- Start date
DavidB
Well-known member
You might be better carrying a small shovel, handsaw, and maybe some small pieces of wood/cardboard/rug etc. There's also purpose made plastic grippy panels for this. You could use these to get traction on your drive wheels. The come along is only going to help if you have something to anchor it to within reach of the come along. I'd also get a tow strap to keep to in case you need someone to pull you out.
OP
Weird Tolkienish Figure
Well-known member
Well one good thing about the come along is that I could use it in other operations as well. I have a frequent need for such an item.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Get a come-along that has a pulley with hook on it an loops back on to itself. This doubles the pulling force, but it also halves the amount of working distance the come-alomg can operate in.
I strongly recommend a 2" nylon strap that has loops in both end (HF has one, but you have to cut the hooks off). The hooks have too much "point load" and can easily bend metal. With a strap, you can run it over/around something and then pass the free end through the loop. You can not get any more secure than that ! You also need a couple of reasonable sized shackles. One can be used to secure the other loop end. Another can be used for general "splicing". Two shorter straps are better than longer one. Also some "axle straps" are useful, but get extra shackles.
Carry a pair of heavy work gloves.
The biggest issue I always have with any come-along is the short amount of working distance they have. Anyone know of one that have longer working distance ?
EDIT : This style is the best, but it is big, heavy and expensive.
I strongly recommend a 2" nylon strap that has loops in both end (HF has one, but you have to cut the hooks off). The hooks have too much "point load" and can easily bend metal. With a strap, you can run it over/around something and then pass the free end through the loop. You can not get any more secure than that ! You also need a couple of reasonable sized shackles. One can be used to secure the other loop end. Another can be used for general "splicing". Two shorter straps are better than longer one. Also some "axle straps" are useful, but get extra shackles.
Carry a pair of heavy work gloves.
The biggest issue I always have with any come-along is the short amount of working distance they have. Anyone know of one that have longer working distance ?
EDIT : This style is the best, but it is big, heavy and expensive.
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DavidB
Well-known member
Ah well that's different. I bought a Maasdam Pow'R Pull come along from Home Depot a few years ago. They've got a 1 and 2 ton version as well as a strap version. It's worked well the times I've used it and is made in the USA too.
OP
Weird Tolkienish Figure
Well-known member
Was thinking of just using the tow points?
RAS61
Well-known member
I bought the inexpensive Jet JCP version years ago, figured with that brand name it would be good quality. The first time I used it the pawl that engages the gear broke. Made out of some kind of cast pot metal, cheap garbage, wasn't even under a heavy load. Jet sent me another one, but it never worked well, the steel cable always binds and twists in the reel.
I then bought a CM 653 chain driven Lever Hoist, paid $125 in 2014, but it's a quality puller that works and is easy to use. I wouldn't even bother with the cheap cable versions, they all probably come out of the same factory in China.
I then bought a CM 653 chain driven Lever Hoist, paid $125 in 2014, but it's a quality puller that works and is easy to use. I wouldn't even bother with the cheap cable versions, they all probably come out of the same factory in China.
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A good come-a-long for your application is the Tirfor which does not house the cable but just passes it through. You can use a 150' length of cable coiled up so it's great for long reaches. They are pricey but nice come-a-longs.
Link- Tirfor
Link- Tirfor
Attachments
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Bretny
Well-known member
Just a regular 2ton comealong will work just fine for a compact car. We used one to pull a full size truck out of axle deep mud once. It took a while but worked.
More inportant is the extensions you use. Chain is perfered because you can shorten it easy and it dosnt stretch. Remember a comealong wont be any good if you cant attach it to anything.
Dont use tow straps for this they stretch to much. There best for pulling a vehicle.
More inportant is the extensions you use. Chain is perfered because you can shorten it easy and it dosnt stretch. Remember a comealong wont be any good if you cant attach it to anything.
Dont use tow straps for this they stretch to much. There best for pulling a vehicle.
finn
Well-known member
I’ll second the chain, along with a 3” or so strap.
The problem with come alongs is the limited travel, especially when using a pulley.
Finding something within reach to tie off to is often an issue.
Don’t forget a tree saver strap.
In the end, having enough gear to make a come along really useful makes one wonder if a small commuter car to go off road is a smart choice.
Almost any awd or 4wd crossover or utility vehicle would be a better starting point, and wouldn’t need a come along, or would at least have room for the support paraphernalia.
The problem with come alongs is the limited travel, especially when using a pulley.
Finding something within reach to tie off to is often an issue.
Don’t forget a tree saver strap.
In the end, having enough gear to make a come along really useful makes one wonder if a small commuter car to go off road is a smart choice.
Almost any awd or 4wd crossover or utility vehicle would be a better starting point, and wouldn’t need a come along, or would at least have room for the support paraphernalia.
jonesg
Well-known member
Ditto that.
The only way I leave asphalt is on a dirtbike or snowmobile. I've been down " that. " road .
Ign
Well-known member
If you get a chain unit like a CM or even a Jet DO NOT fall into the trap of bigger is better.
Bigger (as in higher rating) just means more gear reduction and thus PAINFULLY slow
Honestly I've had an orange HF version for years, it might only be .75T? and I've pulled an '88 Ranger and '87 F150 onto my non-dovetail car hauler (sitting on 16" wheels) no problems.
Bigger (as in higher rating) just means more gear reduction and thus PAINFULLY slow
Honestly I've had an orange HF version for years, it might only be .75T? and I've pulled an '88 Ranger and '87 F150 onto my non-dovetail car hauler (sitting on 16" wheels) no problems.
http://www.baileysonline.com/shop.a...MIx5L_vNaH2QIVhVx-Ch26EAANEAQYBCABEgJn8vD_BwE
I've split or broken the hubs on a couple of cheap come a longs. So now I look for a double pawl steel hub at the very least. It's one thing to have a tool fail in the backyard, something else when your alone, isolated, and relying on it to get you home.
lg
no neat sig line
I've split or broken the hubs on a couple of cheap come a longs. So now I look for a double pawl steel hub at the very least. It's one thing to have a tool fail in the backyard, something else when your alone, isolated, and relying on it to get you home.
lg
no neat sig line
I would look at something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SF70SN4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Or
https://superwinch.com/collections/...ts/superwinch-winch2go-synthetic-rope-1140232
I use chain and strap hoist all day every day and can tell you they will get the job done but they are slowwwwwww. Get a good portable winch.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SF70SN4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Or
https://superwinch.com/collections/...ts/superwinch-winch2go-synthetic-rope-1140232
I use chain and strap hoist all day every day and can tell you they will get the job done but they are slowwwwwww. Get a good portable winch.
Yes, you could certainly go too big. Here's another way to look at it:
1000 lb rating geared so one man can pull 1000lbs
2000 lb rating geared so one man can pull 2000lbs
4000 lb rating geared so one man can pull 4000lbs
8000 lb rating geared so one man can pull 8000lbs
So lets say the 1000lb will work and pull you out. With the 8000lb unit you only have to exert 1/8th of the force on the lever to pull that load so you can work the lever fast and maybe with just one hand.
On the other hand if the 1000lb won't pull you out and you need 8000lb of force you'll need to add 3 pulleys and lots of cable to do the job and that will be slow and awkward.
I'd say your come-a-long should have a capacity of at least 1/2 the weight of your vehicle so with 1 pulley it could take the whole weight if need be but in normal circumstances 1/2 the weight should get you moving on a straight pull.
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OP
Weird Tolkienish Figure
Well-known member
I wanted something for the winter season around here, and it would be nice to have for general pulling power usage as well.
fourjeepin
Well-known member
I've used a hi-lift jack as a come along before. It sucked, but it works. Might not be best for a car though. What about one of the little ATV winches? They are inexpensive.
sberry
Banned
A 2 ton 20$ comealong has done a lot of work but a 4 ton cost 40 and take the 2 part pulley off. I have good stuff too, real deal chain drive and ifvi was rigging daily would use them but after all the units and years wish i would have found the 4t simple wire which is what I carry in my pickup. There are a couple models, I got a pretty good 2 too but never wrecked a 4. The unit, the cable is a size heavier, the handle doesnt hend. They are pretty reliable for the cost and if a guy doesnt have one it should be on a short list for first rigging tools.
sberry
Banned
I like a strap and a 15 ft 1/4 hi test chain along with the tugger. .
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928'er
Well-known member
I remember watching the movie Jurassic Park years ago. There is a scene where some bozo is attempting to use a come-along to winch a vehicle downhill. I could maybe buy the fake dino's, but winching downhill defied credulity.
bas157
Well-known member
I was going to recommend the same thing!
kctyphoon
Banned
You might do better with a small portable winch instead of a comealong. Likely you anchor point won't be 5 or 10 feet away. A cell phone charger and a number for a tow truck might be better though. Keep in mind the 2 line pullers max capacity gets cut in half once you DONT use the pulley. It also takes twice as much cranking WITH THE PULLEY to move your object.
I think warn makes a drill and battery powered winch. Honestly I don't find it's worth to carry stuff like this in a car.
I think warn makes a drill and battery powered winch. Honestly I don't find it's worth to carry stuff like this in a car.
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finn
Well-known member
It’s the other way around.
Adding the pulleywill double the pulling force, but cut the travel distance in half.
kctyphoon
Banned
Yea - that's what I meant.. I'm tired today..
I edited ..
Either way not many people are off roading in compact cars.. you get stuck cause you ran off the highway, you likely have bigger problems then needing a come a long.
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tool_scrounge
Well-known member
These are really nice. I picked up a military surplus one and after a bit of cleaning out sand it is great.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Nice units, but I could never bring myself to spending that much !
I know that Amsteel Blue synthetic ropes are supposed to be stronger than steel cable, but how much do they stretch ?
A couple of things:
Amsteel comes in lots of colors and it has, generally, less stretch than steel. It is very susceptible to uv and needs to be kept in the dark.
The tie downs used to tie down your car during transport are not tow hooks. I think if you take even a casual glance the chances of an attached cable not interfering Greatly with your fascias is pretty great itself. You'll rip a bumper cover off if you try to use the tied downs is the likely scenario.
You have no experience in such things and have never hooked up a come along to a chassis that is more than likely dammed in from the dirt you pushed.
A flipping tree or self carried anchor point is needed to work your comealong. Both are hard to come by in the DIRECTION YOU CAME FROM WHEN BURYING YOUR CAR.
Uninitiated folks need to just buy the AAA that so many people on GJ swear by.
I try to consider the voice of the question when I provide an answer.
I don't think we're doing this guy any favors by recommending tractor jacks and short pull come alongs.
Amsteel comes in lots of colors and it has, generally, less stretch than steel. It is very susceptible to uv and needs to be kept in the dark.
The tie downs used to tie down your car during transport are not tow hooks. I think if you take even a casual glance the chances of an attached cable not interfering Greatly with your fascias is pretty great itself. You'll rip a bumper cover off if you try to use the tied downs is the likely scenario.
You have no experience in such things and have never hooked up a come along to a chassis that is more than likely dammed in from the dirt you pushed.
A flipping tree or self carried anchor point is needed to work your comealong. Both are hard to come by in the DIRECTION YOU CAME FROM WHEN BURYING YOUR CAR.
Uninitiated folks need to just buy the AAA that so many people on GJ swear by.
I try to consider the voice of the question when I provide an answer.
I don't think we're doing this guy any favors by recommending tractor jacks and short pull come alongs.
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sberry
Banned
trackwelder
Well-known member
If you want a come along that will last check out Lug-All hoists. When it comes to hoists , chains, straps etc the better brands are money well spent. I have been out in the middle of nowhere when cheap rigging breaks and let’s you down.
Chuck122
Well-known member
I have never used the high quality cast iron cable pullers, only the cheap stamped ones, that may be why I have a strong preference for chain hoists.
The rating is usually quite low compared to their actual capacity since they are rated for overhead lifting. A 1.5 ton lever chain hoist will easily drag a 10 000 kg machine on rollers. They have much more reduction than the cable style wich reduce effort at the expense of speed. I would advise against buying a cheap hoist if you plan on doing any kind of serious work with it
The rating is usually quite low compared to their actual capacity since they are rated for overhead lifting. A 1.5 ton lever chain hoist will easily drag a 10 000 kg machine on rollers. They have much more reduction than the cable style wich reduce effort at the expense of speed. I would advise against buying a cheap hoist if you plan on doing any kind of serious work with it
creativecars
Well-known member
I have found most of the 4 ton come alongs work really well, even the cheap ones. On the other hand the 2 ton versions seldom have much pulling power. From my experiences of working with others 2 ton come alongs, I would not own one. For me it was the like comparing toys to tools! The 4 ton I have is an old single gear version that just keeps pulling and pulling, I look forward to updating to the dual gear, someday.
sberry
Banned
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
How do you use a block to double distance or speed.
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
??? Put one end of extra cable on load. Wrap around pulley. Other end on tree. Winch line goes through two plates with holes. Other end of winch on a different tree.
Did I say it wrong the first time? Halve leverage if you prefer? Can't always find cooperating trees in the right spot. Extra snatchblock cable, nylon, and chain is always welcome.
Two branches and some line can make a flip flop winch if desparate.
sberry
Banned
I use the 4 with the block removed.