synthetic rope with snatch block....

[tlc81]

Thinking about swapping my steel cable for synthetic...
Having an 80 series with only an 8,000 lb winch I tend to always use a snatch block> I read that synthetic rope cannot run through a snatchblock, IS THIS TRUE?

If so I will not be going to synthetich

any knowledgeable advice please?

 

[yycranger4x4]

synthetic is fine in a pulley, so long as there is no sharp edges anywhere on the sheave for the rope to get caught on or cut. I'd suggest a getting a new pulley to be sure if you have any doubts.

 

[woody]

I carry two snatch blocks in both of my offroad rigs and only run synthetic....you DO need to be more careful when rigging to ensure the rope remains in the groove until tension is set. Having multiple wear sleeves on the rope can be nice too, give you more flexiblity and reduce wear on rocks and such. (the sleeve should NOT be used thru the snatch block tho)

And yes, after running a fairlead or snatch block with wire rope, I would definitely swap to new surfaces OR spend a lot of time polishing the worn ones to ensure you don't damage your new synthetic rope.

 

[roalco]

I know of no reason whatsoever that synthetic line cannot be run through a snatch-block, as long as it's fitted with the correct size pulley. The pulley groove width and shape should match the diameter of the line being used (that translates to a properly radiused groove just slightly larger than line diameter), and should be deep enough to support the line properly ( I'd be looking for at least 3/4 of the line diameter for the depth).
As well, make sure that the pulley groove and outer rim is nice and smooth, you don't want any sharpies cutting or snagging that nice line!!
Just bear in mind that synthetic is not as rigid as wire rope and if run under tension through a block that is designed for a different line diameter, it will deform to fill the pulley groove, and that can cause wear problems.

 

[tlc81]

3 for 3 in favor of synthetic, looks like I am in the market for a new rope. Your comments have definetely motivated me to replace my old cable. I will purchase a new snatch block just to be safe (love saying that word)

Any suggestions on brand of rope, cost vs performance etc...

I also like the idea of the sheath, that is a good call.

Thanks for all your info.

wheelin rocks!

 

[roalco]

Give Donaldson Ropes a call; (Bill Donaldson • 829 - 831 West First St • North Vancouver, British Columbia V7P 1A4, Canada • 604 985-7673 • 604 985-7678 •). I have bought Samson Amsteel from them, and as they are a proper distributor you know what you are getting is the real thing. You could get them to splice an eye for you but I would strongly recommend you download the instructions from the samson site and learn to splice it yourself, it's easy and you never know when you might need that skill way back in the bush!! If you have a problem PM me and I can help splicing it, I'm on the north shore too!

 

[ForealBoreal]

how often have you winched? winch rope does degrade. I figure its like climbing rope too.
Its goign to take a lot more care than a steel cable. If you have broken your steel cable replace it with synthetic for sure. but how often do you winch. for the once a year that you do. Save yourself a few hundred.
just my opinion.

 

[woody]

how much line does your winch hold?

My 8274-50 will handle 150' of 5/16"...it has 80' of 3/8" on there...

my Milemarker will handle 100' of 3/8"...it has 70'.

Take your capacity, only put about 60-70% on the spool...then purchase a 50' extension to go with it

I get all my stuff thru WinchLine.com - love their alum thimble - forces use of a good screw-pin D-shackle.

 

[roalco]

Take your capacity, only put about 60-70% on the spool...then purchase a 50' extension to go with it.

What's the advantage of that?

 

[woody]

1> winches are rated at the max pull when you are on the 1st wrap of the drum....unless you like snatch blocks, it is RARE that you ever get close to 100 or 150' of line out and get your max winch rating power. Less line on the winch drum = best power and least effort by the winch

2> unless you are REALLY anal, no one I know checks the cable wrapping while winching....so, 50' come off the drum when you have 125 on there...and it wasn't wrapped correctly after the last winchfest....and you let it side load because of how you need to winch out...and the rope piles up on one side and binds up against the drum or the bumper or something and eventually binds enuf to break the winch (been there, watched it happen)...less line = much less chance of overloading one side

3> re-wrapping....pull out 50' of line and that 50' extension is EASY to wrap quickly and have handy. Plus it's not out in the elements.

DOZENS of advantages....more than I can go into....I've done recovery training, and would never consider filling my winch with the max capacity....


course, maybe you ARE the person who re-wraps their line after every pull....and checks the line and re-positions as needed during every pull....

me? I'm lazy

 

[AJAEbj42]

Quick question, then. Can one use steel cable on the winch and carry a synthetic extension? Any problems with using both? I would think not, but thought I would ask.

The synthetic extension could then be cleaned and kept out of the elements and it's also lighter to be stored in the recovery tote/bag, etc.

Good thread! (I'd better measure the width of my snatch block pulley)

 

[woody]

yep, you connect the two with the usual screw-pin D clevis, so no problem mixing and matching a shorter cable on the winch with a synthetic extension.

 

[roalco]

Hey Woody, I understand your reasons for your application, just wondered why 60-70%?
Personally, I run a 12000lb hydraulic regulated down to 8000lb for routine use (the lack of application of any appreciable safety factor on most of this consumer stuff appalls me) with 4 full rows of 14,400 lb 3/8" 7x19 wire, and yes, I too use winch extensions, both are 1/2" coated plasma (amsteel). I guess I fall into your anal category, cause I do use block rigging, I keep an eye on the cable wrapping, I rewrap ASAP and yes, I routinely clean and lube my winch cable.
I need to be able to trust my gear, so I try not to hurt it, and amazingly, it hasn't ever hurt me.... But that's just me.

 

[tlc81]

how often have you winched? winch rope does degrade. I figure its like climbing rope too.
Its goign to take a lot more care than a steel cable. If you have broken your steel cable replace it with synthetic for sure. but how often do you winch. for the once a year that you do. Save yourself a few hundred.
just my opinion.

Hard to say how many times, depends on how aggresive I am feeling and what trips I take but average only 6-10 times a year. I have many ugly kinks in my cable, its only 5/16" and I want to replace it anyways, also it adds significant weight to the front end of the rig so its time to upgrade.
As a climber I have years of experience with rope handling and a good deal of respect for gear maintenance.
I like the idea of a 3/8" 100 foot lenght but will find out my capacity like woody suggests and cut it back..

Thanks for your idea.

 

[tlc81]

how much line does your winch hold?

My 8274-50 will handle 150' of 5/16"...it has 80' of 3/8" on there...

my Milemarker will handle 100' of 3/8"...it has 70'.

Take your capacity, only put about 60-70% on the spool...then purchase a 50' extension to go with it

I get all my stuff thru WinchLine.com - love their alum thimble - forces use of a good screw-pin D-shackle.

Woody,
This is excellent advice, I will find out how much line my winch can take and then back it off some. I also like the idea of having 50 feet of spare line inside the truck for whatever else I need it for, plus it keeps it clean!
Thanks.

 

[tlc81]

Hawse fairlead

Do i need to change my roller fairlead to Hawse?? makes sense to me but dont want to spend extra cake if I dont need to.
Is there a model I should look at?

 

[tlc81]

Give Donaldson Ropes a call; (Bill Donaldson • 829 - 831 West First St • North Vancouver, British Columbia V7P 1A4, Canada • 604 985-7673 • 604 985-7678 •). I have bought Samson Amsteel from them, and as they are a proper distributor you know what you are getting is the real thing. You could get them to splice an eye for you but I would strongly recommend you download the instructions from the samson site and learn to splice it yourself, it's easy and you never know when you might need that skill way back in the bush!! If you have a problem PM me and I can help splicing it, I'm on the north shore too!

Hey Roalco.
I got so excited I already called Donaldson.
$2.25 foot for the 5/16" Amsteel (14,000 lb). Thats a good price.
The best part is I can buy whatever length I want. I can also pick up the 50' extra for inside my truck~!
I will defintely do the splicing myself as you suggest. thanks.
Two quick questions for you...
What diameter are you running?
Did you go with thimble end???

 

[roalco]

I'm currently running 3/8" wire rope in the winch, and 1/2" synthetic for winch extensions. I use 5/16 amsteel blue in my come-along too.
I always use a thimble in any eye subject to small radius bending, it supports the line from deformation and protects it from abrasion damage.
Why not go for 3/8 Amsteel Blue? it's 19,600lb ultimate average strength, gives you a bit more of a safety factor!

 

[n2hcky]

Hey Roalco.
I got so excited I already called Donaldson.
$2.25 foot for the 5/16" Amsteel (14,000 lb). Thats a good price.
The best part is I can buy whatever length I want. I can also pick up the 50' extra for inside my truck~!
I will defintely do the splicing myself as you suggest. thanks.
Two quick questions for you...
What diameter are you running?
Did you go with thimble end???

I was looking for winch line over the last few weeks and found 3/8 for $1.81. But I have also found a few pre-done winch lines cheaper than buying just the rope.

rope...
Samson Amsteel Blue 3/8"

NO ties to them....just my searching

 

[roalco]

Forgot to add the hawse info. Synthetic line is extremely prone to chaffing and abrasion damage, If you have a stainless steel roller fairlead and it is smooth as glass (everywhere) you could use it, otherwise change the rollers to delrin (I think I saw some premade at North Shore). And be careful not to let the line pinch in the roller corners. A delrin Hawse may be cheaper but can do damage if you get sand and mud grit embedded in it, so cleanlienss and smoothness are a must.
Basically with synthetic (and even wire rope), your best bet is to keep the line at a straight pull through any fairlead to avoid damage.