Winch Kit Items

tx-Skydiver · 01-16-2008, 10:43 AM

What are some if the items in a winch kit used for?

Snatch Block???
Drag Chain???

Has anyone found one at a good price that is not worthless? I probably just need a Tree strap and tow strap.

PeteC · 01-16-2008, 10:52 AM

The snatch block will almost double your winch capacity. Basically it is used as a pully. Attach it to a tree saver and then run the winch rope through it and back to your Jeep.

Theoretically, with enough line and snatch blocks/pullies you can get your Jeep unstuck by hand.

As far as the drag chain, well I would imagine I would only use that to tow on a relativily flat surface. I am not a fan of chains during recovery efforts.

**ge2** · 01-16-2008, 10:59 AM

I'm a complete noob to anything offroad, so I have spent a good deal of time looking for videos and such explaining equipment. I found this one to be pretty good about snatch blocks.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nOXUtJptDlM

tx-Skydiver · 01-16-2008, 11:53 AM

Good info. Thanks guys.

labbeJ92 · 05-25-2009, 10:22 PM

whats a good lb capacity that i should be looking for ex 2000 lbs 9000 lbs seem to be the most common. if im using snatch blocks and the such can i get away with a lighter winch because they are compensating for pulling capaicity or should i just do it the right way wait a few more weeks and get a heavier one

thanks
jon

desertjk · 05-26-2009, 12:25 AM

Another use of the snatch block is to allow you to change the direction of the pull. For example, if you are pointed due north and you need to pull someone out that is pointed, say, east, you may be able to attach the snatch block to a tree (via a tree saver) or a rock (via a chain) that is sitting at the intersection of the north and east paths. Then you can run the line through the block from vehicle to vehicle and you'll be able to pull in the desired easterly direction. That might be handy if you were on a trail where you couldn't position your vehicle for the direct pull.

No_Return · 05-26-2009, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by labbeJ92

whats a good lb capacity that i should be looking for ex 2000 lbs 9000 lbs seem to be the most common. if im using snatch blocks and the such can i get away with a lighter winch because they are compensating for pulling capaicity or should i just do it the right way wait a few more weeks and get a heavier one

thanks
jon

You definitely want at least 8000 lb capacity and 80 - 100 feet of Cable. From what I've seen anything under 8000 lbs is not up to pulling a 4000 lb vehicle out of Stuck so Bad I need a Winch in the first place. The snatch block helps but you can not always count on being able to use it. Also Winches are rated for pull on the first row of line on the winch. So the more line already spooled on the winch the less power it has.. the loss can be upwards of 20 - 30%. So if you are using the first 15 feet on a 100 foot cable then the 85 are on the spool your 8000 is only pulling approximately 5500. If you have a 5000 lb winch and ... well you get the idea.

Ideally you want to have Gloves, Snatch Strap, a Tree Saver, and a decent snatch block and a static tow rope and I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff.

Gloves are not optional for me I always keep a set of decent mechanics gloves in my Jeep. And I don't even have a winch on it yet.

ARB and WINCHLINE.com both have great kits but they can cost as much as a Winch. If you have the $$$ go for it... If you are Just getting started the best thing you can have is good tow hooks on the front and rear of your Jeep and a decent 30' snatch strap. And another friend with a Jeep.

I like ARB Gear but even a cheep 20' snatch strap is better than nothing at all.