How to choose winch cable?

When selecting a winch rope, there are several factors to consider. This article will help you make the right decision when buying winch rope. 

 

Material

Winch ropes can be made from a variety of materials. The most common used materials are steel and synthetic fibers. It is therefore these two types of material that we will take a closer look at. It is therefore these two types of material that we will take a closer look at with a list of the most essential pros and cons:

 

Steel cables

A steel wire rope is comprised of individual steel wires spun into a strand. A number of strands are closed over a central core to make up a rope.

 

 

The number and size of wires will determine the best compromise possible between large wires for maximum corrosion protection and resistance to abrasion, and smaller wires for the required flexibility and handling.

 

 

Pros:

• Strong and durable
• Affordable price
• Low friction

 

Cons:

• Heavy
• Prone to kinking - making it harder to spool up on the drum
• Can rust

 

If you want to see how maritime winches shoot steel wire, watch this:

 

Synthetic fibers

Rope made of synthetic fibers is also called HMPE fiber, which stands for High Modulus PolyEthylene. This type of rope is also perhaps better known as the Dyneema or Spectra brands.

 

 

The fiber rope goes through a production process that refines the HMPE fibers, which gives them incredible strength. From a weight perspective, HMPE fibers are 15 times stronger than steel.

 

Pros:

• Lightweight
• high strength-to-weight ratio
• Rust resistant

Cons:

• Prone to UV exposure and heat
• Prone to abrasion
• Expensive

 

Diameter

The diameter of the winch rope should be appropriate for the winch drum and winch capacity. A thicker rope will have a higher breaking strength but may not fit on the winch drum or may exceed the winch capacity.

 

Length

The length of the winch rope should be appropriate for the intended use. A longer rope may be necessary for recovery situations where the anchor point is far away.

 

Breaking strength

The breaking strength of the winch rope should be sufficient for the intended use. It is important to select a rope with the correct breaking strength to ensure safe operation. AS SCAN can assist you with this calculation.

 

Abrasion resistance

Look for a rope with good abrasion resistance to ensure longevity and safety. Steel cable is a perfect line to use in highly abrasive terrains, such as in mud, rocks and sand as it is less prone to fraying and abrading.

 

UV resistance

If the winch rope will be exposed to sunlight, it is important to select a rope with good UV resistance to prevent degradation over time.

 

Wire maintenance

Steel wire are often used in marine environment or for rigging purposes and receive considerable loads throughout their service life. All ropes, both synthetic and wire, should be inspected on a regular basis - preferably before and after use. 

 

 

An easy way to extend the life of your wires is to regularly lubricate the wire. An easy way to extend the service life is by regular lubrication. We recommend regularly apply a light coating of WD-40 on the steel wire to protect the steel to disperse moisture, preventing rust.

 

Safety and recoil effects

Synthetic rope is considerably safer than steel cable. When steel wire breaks it releases high stored energy and can send dangerous projectiles flying which poses a threat it to anyone nearby. That recoil is highly unpredictable, flying back in a snake-like manner. 

On top of that, steel wire is made up of many small steel strands, when these strands are broken they create very sharp edges. Huge force, unpredictable behavior and sharp edges, this is the risk taken when working with steel cables. 

The alternative is synthetic rope like Dyneema/Spectra. If they were to break, the recoil force is considerably less than with heavy steel. When they break, they recoil in a linear fashion, eliminating the dangerous unpredictability of steel and, because they are made of soft fibre, there are no sharp edges flying about.

By considering these factors, you can select a winch rope that is appropriate for your specific needs and ensure safe and reliable operation of your winch.