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Post by xtrmtj on Nov 2, 2010 13:37:58 GMT -8
Witch do you like/prefer ? Why ?
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Post by toyrocs on Nov 2, 2010 16:24:50 GMT -8
Synthetic Rope. Pros: Lighter/ a LOT safer if it breaks/ easy to pull off drum & secure to a winch point, especially on a long pull. Safer to handle( no exposed wires to cut hands). Easily field repaired ( granted poorly) just tie a knot in it, this will get you going until a proper splice can be made. Cons: Can be abraided easily if dragging over ground/ rocks with a load on the cable. Costs more. Fibers can "melt" together when under extreme tension, but doesn't appear to effect strength. Rope tends to flatten out on drum, towards the smallest diameter on the drum.
For almost all 4x4 applications I would recommend Synthetic rope! Toyrocs
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Post by fivendime on Nov 2, 2010 19:37:07 GMT -8
The other con I have with synthetic is the weather we have in the pacific northwest. Mud, water, road grime, etc. will take its toll on the material on a daily driver. If mine wasnt a daily driver I would go with synthetic. Weight savings is also a nice pro. Cost is another con, seing how sythetic is usually 2 times the cost for the same lenght. You can buy sleeves for the sythetic to keep it from getting cut up on rocks.
Also steel line is not as safe but IF used correctly its actually safe such as responsible winching techniques, like straight line pulls, using a winch line bag or heavy coat etc.
Just my .02
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TORX
Ok to Drive
Posts: 294
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Post by TORX on Nov 3, 2010 10:30:45 GMT -8
I would love to switch to synthetic for the weight savings, safety aspect, and ease in handling. If my rig was used solely as a trail wheeler I'd be running synthetic. However, I have personally seen two synthetic ropes break on the trail, and both times they were on simple pulls. I just have to question if I could literally trust my life on rope if I found myself in that situation? If you get bent out of shape on the trail (most of us have been there) to where your inching toward the edge, I really would not want to have to deal with a line break at that point. I also use my winch at various work parties throughout the year. That means I'm usually winching appliances up embankments, moving logs into place on hill sides, or recovering cars from clear cuts. There's just too many hazards in these situations for rope to abraid for me to switch over. I have seen some OD green synthetic rope though.
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Post by toyrocs on Nov 3, 2010 14:55:13 GMT -8
;D Almost all of my winch use has been in the SNOW ;D. So no problem with abrasion, using the synthetic rope! Toyrocs
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Post by xtrmtj on Nov 5, 2010 9:37:59 GMT -8
I have used steel cable for over 30 years. I have never broke a steel cable. I have seen synthetic rope break several times. All the pros are out weighed by one con, Cost. Synthetic rope costs alot more then steel cable, Alot ! That and the fact I have never parted a steel cable is why I run steel cable. Mostly the cost. I can buy 4 steel cables for the price of 1 synthetic rope. My .02 Wear leather gloves, use proper winching and all will be good.
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Wyldman
Active Member
Safety & Education Chairman
IXOYE
Posts: 643
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Post by Wyldman on Nov 5, 2010 18:22:06 GMT -8
I have a resource where you can get 125ft of 5/16" cable that Warn uses on their winches for about $50.00. Their located in Portland. I need to talk to a friend for the address. Good company to use though.
Hope this helps,
Douglas
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Post by xtrmtj on Nov 6, 2010 8:19:52 GMT -8
Thanks Wyldman, I am just trying to talk myself out of spending a ton on synthetic rope. (lol)
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Post by toyrocs on Nov 6, 2010 12:14:26 GMT -8
I purchased my 100' of 3/8" rope for about $180( rope only) in Portland a couple of years ago. You don't have to spend $350+++ to get a good synthetic rope! Try an industrial rope which can be about 40% less than a rope from a 4x4 dealer. Check out "Rigging Products INC" on Colombia BLVD in Portland.
Toyrocs
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Post by xtrmtj on Nov 6, 2010 12:34:36 GMT -8
Do they have the same specs ? How hard is it to put eyes on them and get them ready for a winch ?
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Post by toyrocs on Nov 6, 2010 14:49:36 GMT -8
Specifications are hard to come by for things like this . They usually give you a working rating & maybe a ultimate rating. There are quite a few MFG's of ropes/ styles, so a comparison would be difficult.
I have had a couple of hard winch pulls that slow the winch down! Hard pulls with 6,000 lb truck/ 9500 lb winch with rig in a DEEEEPP snow hole . Even shock loaded the rope more than a couple of times. No problems.
Rigging Products can crimp on the drum side terminal onto the rope & weave in the loop for the hook. Suggestion: when they weave in the loop have them double- back the rope to make it extra thick in the first 6'. The first 6 feet or so of the rope gets the most abuse & the extra rope in this area helps!
Toyrocs
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Post by joshwho on Nov 6, 2010 15:18:35 GMT -8
VanPort Rigging has a great extra flexible wire rope that is very inexpensive (or they can usually get it real quick) and they can get thier hands on name brand synthetics or the more inexpensive industrial stuff. Alice and Ken at VanPort are INCREDIBLY STAND-UP PEOPLE and they are the best rigging shop I've dealt with (and I've dealt with ALOT) (360) 574-1300 or (866) 574-1300 GREAT PEOPLE that are ALWAYS eagar to help! Tell them Josh sent you.
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