Looking for a winch for sale in the Philippines? Your new purchase will certainly be powerful by itself, but it needs accompanying accessories for safety and added functionality. With countless types of winch-related gear on the market today, you might want to know what exactly to buy first. To help you out, here’s a list of 9 accessories you’ll need for your winch.
9 Must-Have Winch Accessories
1. Leather Gloves
Steel cables are known to form burrs or hooks, which can easily slice through unprotected flesh. Synthetic rope, meanwhile, can end up with rocks or other debris caught in its strands, posing a similar risk of injury. Operators may protect their hands by wearing leather gloves whenever they use winches.
2. Hook Strap
Winches produce enough force to tear off limbs and fingers. Instead of directly holding a winch hook while the line is being spooled, use a hook strap. After slipping the winch hook into the loop on one end of the strap, you may freely hold the other end of the strap.
3. Tow Hook
By itself, your vehicle’s bumper is not the most suitable attachment point. Hitch balls are not designed to withstand the forces produced by a winch, either. Instead of putting yourself or your equipment at risk, mount a tow hook securely on your vehicle’s frame.
4. Tree Trunk Protector
Sometimes, you’ll need a tree as an anchor while using your winch, but you can’t wrap your line directly around the tree, as this will damage or kill it. It is also dangerous to hook the cable onto itself, as this weakens the cable. A tree trunk protector keeps both the tree and your winch line safe. The protector is also useful for securing winch line around large rocks.
Note: Tree trunk protectors are not substitutes for recovery straps and should not be used as such.
5. Snatch Block
A snatch block functions like a pulley, halving your line speed and requiring you to use twice as much cable, but you can use it to double your pulling power. It is also useful for changing pulling direction and recovering other vehicles from difficult angles.
6. Chain Shackle
Chain shackles (also called D-shackles because of their shape) can safely connect the looped ends of straps and snatch blocks to the winch hook. They often have threaded pins, which are both secure and easy to remove.
7. Recovery Damper or Heavy Blanket
A recovery damper can absorb the energy of a winch line if it breaks. This can prevent injuries from rope whiplash, especially in the case of steel cables. A heavy blanket, such as a furniture pad, can substitute for a recovery damper.
Note: Recovery dampers and heavy blankets should be placed on the midpoint between the winch and the anchor point, and only before any tension is applied. Don’t remove the damper until the rope is slack.
8. Toolbox
If your winch line frays or breaks, you can repair easily with the right tools. Keep a toolbox with pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, and hand wrenches inside. You can also include electrical wires, mechanics’ wire, electrical tape, duct tape, a spare solenoid, and a crimping tool for light electrical repairs.
9. Backup Parts
Worst-case scenarios can leave you with either a broken hook or an irreparable wire. Store an extra chain shackle, snatch block, winch line, and hook together with your toolbox, especially if you’ll be travelling with your vehicle or using your winch for heavy tasks often.
Depending on the application of your winch, you might use some of these accessories more than others, but you’ll still want to have all 9 of them handy in case of emergency. Use this list to help you gather the winch accessories you need. You may also ask for expert advice on how to make the most of your winch.
For over 30 years, Compresstech has been the Philippines’ leading source for winches, air compressors, and related equipment, offering no less than the most updated solutions for 34 years and counting. Rest assured that we can offer you top-of-the-line winches and hoists from Ingersoll Rand and help you determine the matching accessories you need. Contact us today to find out more!
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