Hot Winching Tips & Tricks

Rocks and trees make good anchors, and if one tree saver isn't long enough, try two or three tree-saver straps hooked together without metal hardware. Snatch straps are commonly used, but remember that the snatch strap is designed to stretch some, and should never be used unless nothing else is available, as it could snap and act like a violent, deadly whip.

Whatever you attach the cable to, be sure that it is rated as strong as-or stronger than-what you're pulling. Attaching a winch hook to a stock bumper is one way to mangle that bumper. Never use a trailer ball, sheetmetal, steering, or suspension components, unless you want them severely rearranged.

If you're trying to pull another vehicle out, you might need to anchor your own vehicle solidly. A chain and strap works well to a tree, and other vehicles can be used as land anchors too. Keep all vehicles in 4-Lo and the brakes set and in gear for maximum anchorage.

The Pull Pal is an extremely handy land anchor that is now available with its own stylish carrying case. The patented design of the Pull Pal looks like a plow, but securely digs itself into dirt, mud, snow, or sand for an easy winch point.

It's a lot easier than burying a spare tire in the dirt, but that method works if you have to.

Before you put tension on a cable, place a jacket, blanket, or other weight on it. This keeps the cable under control should it break, or attaching hardware comes loose. A flying cable can do serious damage to 4x4s as well as body parts.

Standing away from the taut cable, or even finding a hiding place like this, is a smart thing to do. It's the winch operator's responsibility to clear the "Kill Zone" of the winch cable or other dangerous areas before using the winch. If the cable snaps or the vehicle moves incorrectly, onlookers could be maimed or killed.

Limit the amount of well-meaning people in any winch operation. Confusing signals can cause more damage than anything else, so whoever operates the winch controls should concentrate only on the one person for advice. If you're an onlooker, keep it quiet unless a potentially dangerous situation develops that neither operator is aware of. Also, use standard hand signals for each winch operation, or at least have a good understanding of your buddy's lingo.

Help the stuck vehicle out by driving it at the same speed as the winch is pulling. It's easier to move a rolling object than an anchor, so dig out around tires or build up a rock ramp if needed. Never overspeed the winch by causing too much slack and yanking the cable-that can break the winch, the cable, or jam the cable on the drum.

Since every wrap on the drum reduces the pulling power of a winch, make sure you don't pack the cable all on one end during a pull. You'll be losing power when you need it most, and you could also damage the winch with the extra cable jamming the housing. Also, make sure you have at least five wraps of cable on a drum before you start winching. If the cable is too short, get an extension.