What end to get on new synthetic line?
- Thread starter Z71-K9
- Start date
HillbillyfromAL
Explorer
I've never had any problems with hooks. I think the shackle mounts are nice but too expensive, and I always use a shackle with the hook anyways. I'd say just get a hook and make sure anyone who's gonna use it knows how to do so properly.
Antichrist
Expedition Leader
I like the self-closing safety hooks
Some people don't like them because the do require some maintenance (lubrication) so they don't seize up.
Some people don't like them because the do require some maintenance (lubrication) so they don't seize up.
Woodsman
Adventurer
My preference is the safety thimble mostly for stowing reasons.
First, since the safety thinble pulls snug to the front of the winch, you don't end up with the winch line being tightly bent around the fairlead to where your hook is hooked. This bending effect isn't as bad if you are using a roller fairlead which is really the best way to go even for synthetic regardless what they tell you.
Second, you don't end up with the extra foot of winchline being out and exposed to the sun and elements.
Third, it just looks clean and you don't end up with shackles rattling or hooks banging on your bumper.
First, since the safety thinble pulls snug to the front of the winch, you don't end up with the winch line being tightly bent around the fairlead to where your hook is hooked. This bending effect isn't as bad if you are using a roller fairlead which is really the best way to go even for synthetic regardless what they tell you.
Second, you don't end up with the extra foot of winchline being out and exposed to the sun and elements.
Third, it just looks clean and you don't end up with shackles rattling or hooks banging on your bumper.
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
There is no overwhelming advantage to any of them. Mostly personal preference. I've always used a hook only because that's what came with the line. Never found myself saying "I wish I had something other than this silly hook".
No matter what you decide to get, just make sure it's a quality item.
No matter what you decide to get, just make sure it's a quality item.
bigwapitijohnny
Adventurer
Safety thimble...
X2 on the safety thimble for the reasons already mentioned...I used a hockey puck to pad the fair lead.
Regards,
BWJ
X2 on the safety thimble for the reasons already mentioned...I used a hockey puck to pad the fair lead.
Regards,
BWJ
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
But it makes a nice winch line connection and vehicle recovery point all in one!
My thought is always on options. Yes, I always use a shackle on my tree straps or on the shackle monunt on my own vehicle.....but I would not have to. With the Safety thimble you will always have to use a shackle.
Knowing my luck I would have to do some ultra fancy rigging and be one shackle short or something. The hook will allow you to have more options in rigging. Is it as safe as a Safety Thimble.....probably not. But the chances of me not fully seating a strap end or other recover point fully into the hook and allowing the gate to close are about as likely as using a shackle and not screwing the pin in. Of course I have the huge Excel hook designed for the 7/16" to 1/2" rope so it is actaully easy to get two strap ends into the hook.
It all comes down to personal preference. Pick what you like. Both are nice and will provide you with what you need.
Knowing my luck I would have to do some ultra fancy rigging and be one shackle short or something. The hook will allow you to have more options in rigging. Is it as safe as a Safety Thimble.....probably not. But the chances of me not fully seating a strap end or other recover point fully into the hook and allowing the gate to close are about as likely as using a shackle and not screwing the pin in. Of course I have the huge Excel hook designed for the 7/16" to 1/2" rope so it is actaully easy to get two strap ends into the hook.
It all comes down to personal preference. Pick what you like. Both are nice and will provide you with what you need.
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Eventhough
Explorer
Regular thimble (open or tube/closed) = cheapest, must use shackle to attach to an anchor, will pull through a fairlead without a shackle on the end. Can crush under pressure if it does not have a gusset. $10-25 depending on type of thimble, open, tube, or gusset.
MasterPull Winch Stop Thimble or Viking Safety Thimle = more $ but won't pull through fairlead, also has 'bling' factor for a nice machined aluminum piece. Must use a shackle to attach to an anchor. $55-65 ish.
Sling hook = more $ than regular thimble, little more than winch stop/safety thimble when combined with regular thimble. Easier to use and attach to a strap, etc as you don't have to have a separate shackle. A popular option. Make sure the hook is sized properly. I've seen many on lines that are too small. $55-70 depending on how it is spec'd (size and manufacturer of hook, plus cost of thimble). Add a few $ more if you use a connector link and not just a thimble.
Safety hook = stays closed under pressure so can be safer than a typical sling hook. About twice the cost of a sling hook. Need to keep the joint lubed. $90-115 depending on size and manufacturer of hook, also type of thimble used.
My preference is a good 'ole sling hook. It is versatile, quick to use, and low maintenance with a fair price. Add some safety factor and go for a safety hook or a winch line stop/safety thimble. Save some $ and go with a regular thimble and a shackle you already have.
I've been meaning to do a write-up on this. I'll try to get that done ASAP.
MasterPull Winch Stop Thimble or Viking Safety Thimle = more $ but won't pull through fairlead, also has 'bling' factor for a nice machined aluminum piece. Must use a shackle to attach to an anchor. $55-65 ish.
Sling hook = more $ than regular thimble, little more than winch stop/safety thimble when combined with regular thimble. Easier to use and attach to a strap, etc as you don't have to have a separate shackle. A popular option. Make sure the hook is sized properly. I've seen many on lines that are too small. $55-70 depending on how it is spec'd (size and manufacturer of hook, plus cost of thimble). Add a few $ more if you use a connector link and not just a thimble.
Safety hook = stays closed under pressure so can be safer than a typical sling hook. About twice the cost of a sling hook. Need to keep the joint lubed. $90-115 depending on size and manufacturer of hook, also type of thimble used.
My preference is a good 'ole sling hook. It is versatile, quick to use, and low maintenance with a fair price. Add some safety factor and go for a safety hook or a winch line stop/safety thimble. Save some $ and go with a regular thimble and a shackle you already have.
I've been meaning to do a write-up on this. I'll try to get that done ASAP.
I have used a regular hook, a self locking hook, a regular thimble with shackle and now a safety thimble with shackle.
My preference is the safety thimble with shackle.
All previous methods worked fine with the exception of the self locking hook, it was great as long as it was above freezing but it would freeze shut in the colder weather.
As far as cost of the sefety thimble, it was only about 20 bucks more than the traditional hook when I purchased my Masterpull line through amsteelblue.com
Vince
My preference is the safety thimble with shackle.
All previous methods worked fine with the exception of the self locking hook, it was great as long as it was above freezing but it would freeze shut in the colder weather.
As far as cost of the sefety thimble, it was only about 20 bucks more than the traditional hook when I purchased my Masterpull line through amsteelblue.com
Vince
troyboy162
Adventurer
I went to a safety thimble since I crushed and ruined a normal hook on the trail. Its a pain to use but I feel like it cant get bent or broken so its what I m sticking with.
I use a regular thimble. My winch is fully hidden and the fairlead hides behind the front lic plate. When I'm out wheeling I stow it with the shackle sucked down.
When I'm not wheeling I tuck the line thru the fairlead and put the lic plate back in place.
With a synth line there isn't a need to keep tension on the assembly like there is with a steel wire rope, so mine just lays there until I go out to play.