Recovery winch clevis hook - pin and R-clip

[twr7cx]

The pin for the clevis hook on my front recovery winch (Ironman brand) had an R-clip holding it in place. During some of the recoveries that I have conducted over recent days, I found that the R-clips fell out. Thankfully the pin didn't slip and let go!

Is this common?

Whats the alternative? Use a split pin? I did like the R-clip as it allowed me to not leave the hook permanently attached.

For illustrative purposes, below is a picture of a similair hook:

[Graeme]

My thoughts on reading the title was that an R-clip could be accidentally unclipped during use, but I see that you have already experience this. A split pin is normally fitted.

[Tank]

Use a 3.5T Bow shackle, compare the clevis pin to shackle pin, I see no advantage of a hook over the Bow shackle, Regards Frank.

[mools]

I had similar issues so started to use a small cable tie to retain the pin. If I'm not offroad I leave the hook unattached.

Ian.

[twr7cx]

I had similar issues so started to use a small cable tie to retain the pin. If I'm not offroad I leave the hook unattached.

Yeah, I prefer not to leave the hook on, which is why I was using the R clip previously.

I did think perhaps even a small paddlock might work.


I can't fit a shackle's pin through the loop in the steel cable as it seems to be pulled a bit flat. I could probably get one through while I'm in the workshop though.

[Tank]

You really need to fit a thimble into the eye of the rope, the most likely place for a wire rope to break is in the loop, the thimble will help spread the load evenly around the loop and the larger dia. of the shackle pin will do the same, Regards Frank.

[Tombie]

I'm with Tank on this... Shackle all the way!

[twr7cx]

You really need to fit a thimble into the eye of the rope, the most likely place for a wire rope to break is in the loop, the thimble will help spread the load evenly around the loop and the larger dia. of the shackle pin will do the same, Regards Frank.

Will I need to get the loop cut and redone in order to fit one?

[Tank]

Will I need to get the loop cut and redone in order to fit one?

It will depend on how tight the loop is, you can also cut (shorten) the ends of the thimble to close it up a bit more until you get the thimble into the loop. Take a 1/2" or so off the ends of the thimble and close it up a bit in the vice, then once you have it in the loop open it out again. You can see from the above pic that the main load bearing part is at the front of the thimble. If the thimble is loose in the loop, use some cord and whip around the near ends of the thimble to secure it, Regards Frank.