Thread: Are you winching with steel cable or rope?

ARB quoted me around $1000 to change from steel to Dynema on my Warn 10,000lb winch.
I'd like to loose the weight but even I can't justify that.
I winch very rarely.
Ken

Originally Posted by Discofever

Rope is way safer it it breaks, is supposedly stronger than steel and can be spliced as well.

Steel wire rope can be spliced.

Aaron

Originally Posted by Baytown

ARB quoted me around $1000 to change from steel to Dynema on my Warn 10,000lb winch.
I'd like to loose the weight but even I can't justify that.
I winch very rarely.
Ken

I would do a search for Dyneema or Dynamica, you will buy it for significantly less than that!

8mmx30m $225 (6600kg Break)
10mmx30m $300 (10700Kg Break)
Dyneema SK75 | Dyneema | Sydney Rope

Dynamica Rope Packs
Rope packs include a blumber style splice with wear protector around the loop, a 2 metre rope protector sleeve, and steel crimp to attach rope to the winch drum. Sizes
8mm x 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 metre lengths – Break 16060lbs
10mm x 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 metre lengths – Break 21560lbs
11mm x 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 metre lengths – Break 27940lbs
12mm x 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 metre lengths – Break 35200lbs
http://dynamicarope.com/ropes-accessories/

I replaced 30m of wire with 40m of 8mm rope for only occasional use.

Just out of interest, what is the average weight saving by going to synthetic?

There are a few mistakes which need to be corrected in this thread. Steel Cable and Synthetic Rope both require proper storage after use, this includes making sure that both are wound onto the drum in a specific manner. Synthetic Rope although containing no loose 'wire strands' to catch bare skin can be just as dangerous when used without gloves due to the fact that sticks and sharp objects can be trapped in the fibres and if passed through your hand can cut just as easily as a loose wire strand causing similar damage to your hands.
Synthetic Rope does not require a Hawse Fairlead and can be used with a Roller Fairlead without incident. Not all winch drums are compatible with Synthetic Rope, you need to check with the winch manufacturer to ensure that your winch is compatible. This is due to the design of the braking mechanism and also the fact that Synthetic Rope can place significantly more clamping force on the drum, potentially crushing the drum. Wire Rope can be spliced. If you are buying Synthetic Rope due to the fact that you can make repairs, then you are placing too much emphasis on something that should potentially never occur. A synthetic rope breaking under tension may not have the same recoil effect as Steel Cable but the resultant damage will be similar when your vehicle rolls backwards down the hill you were trying to winch over. You should not be powering out for any length of time that would potentially build heat in the drum that could melt synthetic rope. Electric Winches fitted to vehicles are not hoist and should not be used as such.There are Pros and Cons to any setup and you need to weigh up your usage carefully. Personally I have steel cable on my winch with Synthetic Rope extensions. Prior to spending money on changing items on your winch, you should invest in undertaking a winch course which will inform you of the correct way in which to utilise the equipment. We undertake winch / recovery courses as specialised one day intensive training courses which also focus on winch load calculations thus avoiding mishaps.
You are welcome to contact me to discuss this further
Regards
XDrive

Rope and steel shouldn't break, but the reality is that they do break. Rope you can tie back together and keep winching.

Originally Posted by Baytown

ARB quoted me around $1000 to change from steel to Dynema on my Warn 10,000lb winch.
I'd like to loose the weight but even I can't justify that.
I winch very rarely.
Ken

If you buy lengths of dyneema, you will need to splice the thimble on one end, and the loop for securing on the drum on the other.
It's a 1 hour job with a few beers easy. The dyneema splices constrict on themselves under tension, so it's way easier than splicing other types of braided rope.
This is likely where a lot of the mark up comes from.