removing the metal eyelet at the end of their winch line

[cj2atruck]

I’m finally switching the steel cable out for a synthetic rope on the 47, and wondering if folks remove that metal eyelet at the end of the rope to help keep it from shooting back if the soft shackle breaks. I’ve seen this on some YouTube videos, but never considered doing it until now. Seems pretty simple with the winch line tool.

 

[dnb71R2]

I haven't switched to synthetic rope. I have seen these in use many places, though.
Search winch rope shackle for many choices.
One example:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/smt-2820

 

[duffer]

I'm not really understanding the question. If something fails past the end of your winch rope, thimble or not, it is just going to fall on the ground. No "stored" energy. There are all sorts of really expensive rope terminations available to protect your hawse fairlead but also some really inexpensive polyurethane versions too.

These work fine. All I had to do is chuck it up in the lathe and bore the hole a little larger for 3/8's rope.

https://www.amazon.com/Nilight-Stopper-Synthetic-Accessories-Stainless/dp/B0DHD2Z3QY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IA2WDKE9S6OK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eHqjn3zEnE8moOO7zQ6sxTPq4GMC_dG56uGZw0RUd_nB01Kmxkrcx7qpwQ65Gj2ACau8x-wWkHY7u9f2moDD0y7KDAlfMt-HojniJMv9cWTA8yoUQ1ior8ZTcMJEx5cfttlbOZqkBLSROK3t2s4moy7OHLRzgrjRksznYGHJ0JBVUBUE9jt0vW34M0ei7v8gEfyhS03zALDsamYgD2NoR81OCYzqdcF3ODhZi3F_w8r7Stj_RrTLLL_D9lSH2PTPKhOFaaMdwgK2ktCsiggIdI153NnLzfeMvCTJp6l06l0.DaFhRon14HoZjWFSMrhS1pt7tZGlMcjCncw_w_yQbiw&dib_tag=se&keywords=nilite%2Bwinch%2Baccessories&qid=1777681002&sprefix=nilite%2Bwinch%2Baccessories%2Caps%2C219&sr=8-1&th=1

 

[timsresort]

I don't see any reason to worry about a small amount of weight at the end of the cable. We all had big steel wire rope for years and survived. I am going to synthetic and used this from TRE, I think @Fireball did too. I got the eyelet on the end, and thanks for reminding me I will need a soft shackle.

 

[PeteL]

We all had big steel wire rope for years and survived.

Personally I would tend to agree, but also I've never seen a better example of "Survivorship Bias."

Think about it. Those who didn't survive aren't here to tell their side of the story...

 

[Jw60]

The kinetic recovery ropes are the worst slingshot. Synthetic Winch rope isn't as bad. Steel cable can break and whip. The tow ball deaths are from kinetic rope pulls. The bruised sholder video is from a cheap soft shackle failing on a kinetic pull with an asshat behind the wheel.

If someone wants to jump into a kinetic pull when a winch can be used you need to politely decline and send them on some seemingly important mission to find toilet paper.

The thimble on the winch rope protects the working contact point on the rope from damaging fibers. The manufacturer can't be held responsible if the rope fails after the thimble is removed unless you have there authorization. (call them)

Yankum ropes has the thimble less rope for use with replacable working ends and extensions that pass through your pulleys but you have to use the knot they specify (cow hitch?) Because it allows for the minimum bend radius of the rope without kinking the fibers.

Disclaimer: I am not a rigger. The members here that use ropes for a living can correct me but this is what i've gathered in my independent research and some A&P exposure.

 

[cj2atruck]

Interesting responses, not what I expected.

After researching, I’m going to cut my metal end off and make a new loop with the Factor 55 tool. Might be a waste of 10 minutes of my life, but might as well eliminate the risk of anything coming back towards the rig if a soft shackle fails. If the winch rope fails, the metal end will stay attached to the soft shackle, so no risk.

I’ve done a lot of winch pulls, well over 100 pulls on one trip getting a broken rig out of the snow, and having a synthetic winch line reduces a lot of weight dragging the line to the pull point.

IMG_2294 by Rick, on Flickr

 

[nickmil]

Unbolt one and bolt up another. Simple.