Excel, Sling or Thimble another winch rope question?

[SEREvince]

So it's time to order some synthetic rope for my winch and I am up in the air on what to get for a thimble and hook?

Which option is most user friendly? I think from a safety standpoint they should all be about equal when used proplerly. Am I correct in that thinking?

In my limited experience it seemed like we always ended up using a shackle along with the standard winch hook to hook to a tree saver or another vehicle. With that in mind why not just eliminate the hook?


I am leaning towards the safety thimble with no hook or a crush proof thimble with the self locking style hook.

The only drawback I can see to the safety thimble is that it protrudes out in front of the bumper and may be exposed to damage which would leave me without a winch or using a simple spliced loop with no thimble.

What do think? Any other options?

Examples

http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-winchhook.htm


http://www.winchline.com/winchlines.htm

 

[ntsqd]

I like the idea of one less part in the system. However sometimes the shackle doesn't have a big enough loop on it. If you can get the Safety Hook with a clevis end (rather than the one shown) I would suggest getting the thimble and the hook and using the hook only when needed.

 

[Willman]

I love my setup.....Just got my 80' rope with a crush proof thimble........

All of my winching in the past has been with a shackle and not the hook......

 

[flyingwil]

I vote safety thimble... I recommend that to anyone who calls in asking the same question.

 

[SEREvince]

Thanks, in the end it came down to price and availability.

I picked up 100' of OD Green FIRELINE with a Stainless thimble for $195 shipped.

Still have to pick out a hook, but now the safety thimble is out unless I want to resplice the line.

Both the Excel style and self locking hooks are readily available at any hardware store here. I think because the Italians are enamoured with cranes, they use small cranes for any and all construction no matter how small the project.

So self locking or Excel sling hook?

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

This is what I'm using...

I chose the Saftety thimble/d-ring that flyingwil has suggested...oh yeah, and a bored out hockey puck.

regards,

BWJ