Winch Cable Failure
A winch cable is prone to failure. Even steel-wound winch cables, which are the most common, fail when placed under too much stress. Several factors can increase the possibility of snapping, from winch maintenance to the position of the winch. It is important for any operator to carefully consider his operation of the cable to avoid these failures.
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Cable Strength
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All winch cables are rated for strength. A weight load is given to each cable in pounds. This is the maximum tensile strength of the cable itself. For instance a 1/8-inch cable may have a load strength of 14,000 pounds. Sometimes called the burst strength, this is a good way to judge how much your cable can pull. It is important not to exceed the cable strength. However, several factors reduce the maximum strength of any cable.
Cable Problems
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Cable loads are reduced by several factors, including the age of the cable, rust, the number of times it has been used and damage to the cable. The steel fibers of the cable weaken over time. As the cable flexes or bends around the winch spool, across metal bars or car frames the fibers become weaker. Consider this analogy: bend a steel sheet back and forth several times. You will notice the metal becomes weak and eventually breaks. This is due to heat friction in the steel caused by the particles rubbing back and forth against each other. A cable undergoes similar stress each time it is used.
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Rope Cables
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A rope cable is also used in a winch. However, the strength of this cable must be rated for a minimum strength in order to safely operate the winch. As a rule of thumb, winches are required to use rope with at least a minimum rating of 9,500 pounds. Synthetic ropes are often used for this reason. They tend to have a higher strength rating and a smaller diameter. Both are important in winch operation. A rope with a large diameter poses the risk of jamming the winch spool if the coils pile up too fast on one side of the winch.
Improved Winch Strength
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The type of steel and coatings on your winch will affect the strength over time. Galvanized steel winch cables have a better chance of resisting rust and corrosion, which weakens cable strength. Another step that will improve winch strength is proper use of the cable. Towing items in a straight line and with plenty of clearance from rocks and obstacles reduces the chance that the cable sustains damage. When a cable rubs against a rock or the winch bar, the steel fibers weaken and eventually this leads to cable failure.
Proper Winch Hauling
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Aside from using the properly rated cables to haul vehicles and other large objects, there are additional steps to take to maximize your cable's life and performance. A winch bag or winch weight should always be used while hauling large objects. This is a weighted bag that is strapped on the winch cable. It adds weight to the cable to prevent it from vibrating up and down during a haul. That helps preserve the strength of the cable.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit winch image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com
