Winches have several parts in which drum and Cable are the most important.
Winching is impossible if you don’t have a perfectly attached cable on the winch drum.
That is why its importance can’t be overlooked. Here we will explain how to attach a cable to a winch drum in very simple & detailed steps.
First of all, check that your winch has no flange; these are also known as knuckles or bushes, on which a large & small sprocket will spin on the shaft.
The main thing is how you can get this complex tool working.
Yes, it may seem complex if it’s the first time you are attaching a cable for the first time.
Step By Step Guide To Attach Cable To A Winch Drum
Step#1
First, remove your gear and replace it with some tools to help you with this job.
I am sure you will have things such as long bolts, ratchet & appliers and much more, check what all are present with you and go ahead.
Now let’s get on with our job.
Step#2
Unlock the two locking arms of your winch and turn them anti-clockwise so that they slide out of their positions.
These arms prevent your gear from turning when the sprocket rotates.
Now undo the rope clamp by undoing the fasteners, disconnect the control box by loosening the nuts, and then unscrew the nut which holds the cam lock bar in place.
Take a big torque wrench to loosen it further if needed.
Once this is done, now slide out the old rope from the winch drum by using some blade-like sharp object.
Make sure to hold it at both ends and the center of it so that you don’t damage it in any way.
Ensure that there is no tangle left behind, or else it might damage your winch gear in the future.
Step#3
Next, take a suitable bolt or even screwdriver with a small handle to secure your rope end in a friendly manner;
there should be enough room between the Cable and sprocket for easy rotation.
The most important thing here is to make sure that there is no movement of the rope when it spins around the sprocket.
To avoid damaging your winch gear or Cable itself.
Now fix your new rope on the winch drum by sliding it through the hole where the old rope used to be, ensuring there is no space between them.
Please don’t do anything with them until they get snugly held on both ends, and neither end slips off from its place.
Step#4
Once this is done, connect the cable clamp and tighten it up using a wrench as before.
Remember to adjust it properly to change its length depending on your application.
To tighten it, you will have to turn clockwise, which means the right direction for the right direction and vice versa.
If you are having any difficulty while doing so,
Then make sure to check all screws properly for loose threads and then tighten them accordingly.
It is also necessary to use chain lube while fixing the cable end onto the drum because the chain will start slipping after some time if you don’t lubricate it properly.
Once this is done, simply let the tension sit for a few hours before starting the winching operation again.
If you find any signs of breakage, replace the Cable immediately and repeat the above procedure.
Step#5
It is very important to understand the general purpose of using drum brakes.
They play a very important role in the safety and ensure the durability of your equipment.
Drum brakes have always been one of the best braking systems for heavy-duty winches because they work much better than standard discs or V-brakes.
You can use this broken system during the rolling of the winch cable to limit the excessive clotting of the Cable.
Using drum brakes makes your equipment safer as they provide great control over it during winding operations.
Cable Types
Best Cable includes
- Flexibility
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Compactness
- Robustness
- Reliability
- Efficiency
- High Power Transmission
- Maintenance-Free Service
The choice of Cable for the winch should be made, keeping in mind all these factors before making a final decision.
In the market, you can get various types of cables that are compatible with different Types Of Winches and other machinery.
It is recommended first to get familiar with your needs and then select the best possible type of Cable.
Winching Cable Are Of Two Types Synthetic Rope Cable And Aluminum Wire Cable:
Synthetic Rope Wire
Synthetic rope has almost every advantage over aluminum wire.
It withstands a long life, has more strength, more abrasion resistance, smooth functioning, higher resistance to chemical agents, fire retardant, and lower cost.
These qualities make synthetic rope ideal for heavy-duty operations such as draglines, drag barges, dredging, and off-shore use.
Synthetic rope cables have greater tensile strength than aluminum wires and require less weight to maintain equal load-carrying capacity.
Aluminium Wire Cable
The properties of aluminum wire make it perfect for hauling purposes in:
- Drilling Rigs
- Submarines
- Construction Machines
- Oil Drilling Rigs
- Steel Manufacturing Industries
- Shipyards
- Pulp & Paper Mills
- Quarries,
- Coal Mining
- Coal Mining Operations.
Unlike synthetic rope cables, these are not easily torn by wear or strain and therefore suitable for short-haul applications such as:
- Rescue Ropes
- Cargo Lifting Ropes
- Cargos Lashing Ropes
- Ladders
- Tugs
- Buckets, etc.
They have less strength than synthetic rope but are economical compared to the latter.
Aluminum wires are generally supplied in reels or bulk quantities for multiple applications.
Quick Summary
Attaching a cable to a winch drum requires certain basic guidelines that must be followed while choosing a type of Cable for your specific requirement.
Firstly you must decide whether you need an aluminum wire or a synthetic rope cable for your particular purpose.
If you want to carry lightweight objects, choose a synthetic rope cable, while if you want to haul heavy loads, then opt for an aluminum wire cable.
When it comes to winding up the winch drum, make sure that the right number of strands are placed inside the drum at an equal distance apart.
So that there is smooth movement of the winch drum when winding the Cable on the drum.