Hook, shackle or thimble

[bluejeep]

I see more folks not using a hook on the end of their winch line. Instead I've seen a shackle or a thimble like Viking offroad sells.

thimble

Any pros/cons to any of the 3 (assuming synthetic rope)?

tia

 

[01tundra]

Thinks it's really personal preference. I've used both hooks and shackles and prefer shackles. As long as the hook is large enough to accommodate various size tree saver diameters they are fine, I just prefer the flexibility and security of a shackle for some reason.........

 

[leverett]

haveing an open hook i perfer a shackle because it wont slip off of straps

 

[01tundra]

haveing an open hook i perfer a shackle because it wont slip off of straps

Same here. And a lot of the "safety" hooks end up having such a small opening, due to their safety latch, that they wont properly fit over a tree saver......so you end up having to use the hook without the safety latch engaged.

 

[leverett]

Same here. And a lot of the "safety" hooks end up having such a small opening, due to their safety latch, that they wont properly fit over a tree saver......so you end up having to use the hook without the safety latch engaged.

besides arent most shakles rated for more wieght than most hooks anyway

 

[R_Lefebvre]

My SW EP9000 came with a safety hook. I simply use a shackle through the loops on the tree saver, and the hook is large enough to clamp on to the pin of the 5/8" shackle. Nothing wrong with that?

 

[Corey]

I had a safety hook on my last vehicle, my '91 4Runner.
I am using a thimble now on my new rig and I like it better.

 

[Stan the Man]

When I get my winch, I'll be going thimble. I like the look better and it promotes good use of shackles.

 

[01tundra]

My SW EP9000 came with a safety hook. I simply use a shackle through the loops on the tree saver, and the hook is large enough to clamp on to the pin of the 5/8" shackle. Nothing wrong with that?

There's nothing really "wrong" with any of the three, I've seen a lot of people using the exact same technique you're using and I would say it probably offers the most flexibility. I've just got used to using a shackle and it's comfortable for me personally, my rig's big and heavy and I feel good with a 3/4" shackle (rated for 42k lbs.).

This is the one I'm running - http://www.masterpull.com/item.cfm?itemid=46322

 

[Antichrist]

For the last 8 years or so I've been using one of these from MasterPull

For the 25-30 years before that I just used the hook that came on the winch.

 

[ntsqd]

Tom beat me to it, I was going to suggest trying one of those Crosby hooks for those who prefer a hook. Note that loading it forces the gate shut, in contrast to the silly flapper dohickey that some hooks have.

 

[Antichrist]

The only drawback that I've seen people really complain about were that they can tend to get hard to operate. With regular application of WD40 I haven't had any issues.

 

[spressomon]

For the last 8 years or so I've been using one of these from MasterPull

For the 25-30 years before that I just used the hook that came on the winch.

Even though we live in the arid high desert this one gave me fits after it was only a couple years old; and after getting periodic lube. The hinge pin was frozen. Final solution was to drill the pin out and replace with a hardened shouldered bolt and nut.

So for those running this type of self locking hook be sure to check them frequently and carry a couple large channel locks or vise grip type pliers for when you have to deal with it when you need it most...

 

[Metcalf]

I still haven't found the perfect solution.....

The general rule in rigging is to use the least amount of metal possible. There is no reason to have more connections than you need. That leads to more failure points, and more flying metal if something does fail.

I generally use just a single shackle that is directly in a thimble on the winch line and the two ends of the tree strap.

I have a few friends that run the self-closing winch hooks. I like using them. They are really simple as long as you hands aren't too cold or your gloves aren't too loose. The same thing goes for shackles. They are pretty hard to use with cold hands too. I think the biggest advantage to the safety hook is that you can't drop the pin in the snow and have to dig for it.....

I also think the safety hooks ( self closing kind ) are a little faster than a shackle.

Also, always remember if you have a hook with a non load bearing gate to always try and attach the hook with the unsupported side pointing up. The theory is, if the hook was to fail it would go towards the ground, not up into the air. This doesn't always work out with the rigging, but its good to remember.

 

[craig333]

Excellent info. I don't winch much so sometimes I miss out on the latest techniques.

In fact the last time I had the winch cable was when I got stuck towing the Jeep. Unfortunately the Jeep just doesn't have enough mass to pull out the truck.