What do you use with synthetic rope?

BigClay

BigClay

Knower of useless ZJ things
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Location
Winston-Salem
I am interested to know what every uses in the thimble end of your synthetic winch rope. Same hook as you had on your steel cable line? Shackle? Or what?
 
BigClay said:
I am interested to know what every uses in the thimble end of your synthetic winch rope. Same hook as you had on your steel cable line? Shackle? Or what?
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Yep. I use the same hook as usual. I did recently upgrade to the Warn Epic hook because I like the durability of the keeper better than the cheap stamped metal $.37 ones on most other forged hooks.
 
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I want to get a big hook big enough to catch both ends of a tree strap to save time and keep from having to use a d ring. Currently running the regular warn hook.
 
BigClay said:
I am interested to know what every uses in the thimble end of your synthetic winch rope. Same hook as you had on your steel cable line? Shackle? Or what?
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Factor 55 UltraHook
 
I bought the 3/8" Diamond line stuff with hook from Custom Splice. The hook is big enough for both ends of a typical HD 3" strap.

IMG_20201013_083835.jpg
 
rcalexander105 said:
I scooped it up on the cheap
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Likewise. Some fanboy on the west coast was selling one on eBay because he bought a new one a different color to match his new Jeep. I think it may have had one nick in the powder, but still looked brand spanking new. Got it for half price!
 
rockcity said:
Yep. I use the same hook as usual. I did recently upgrade to the Warn Epic hook because I like the durability of the keeper better than the cheap stamped metal $.37 ones on most other forged hooks.
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Agreed, I bought the Warn Epic hook years ago and it is solid.
 
Get a good rigging hook and be happy.
Shackles arent made to be used directly at the end of a thimble, unless its the Factor55 overpriced BS.

I think mine is a Gunnebo brand, from Sweden.

Edit : Very similar to @drkelly pictures except the hook is a safety unit.
 
Bebop said:
Shackles arent made to be used directly at the end of a thimble.
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I am curious as to why this would be. If your hook cannot get through both ends of a tree saver then most people use a shackle to attach the tree saver ends together and then put the winch hook on the shackle. Seems like this would be no different that just removing the hook and using a shackle.
 
Shackle through a hd thimble.
Bebop said:
Get a good rigging hook and be happy.
Shackles arent made to be used directly at the end of a thimble, unless its the Factor55 overpriced BS.

I think mine is a Gunnebo brand, from Sweden.

Edit : Very similar to @drkelly pictures except the hook is a safety unit.
Click to expand...

I agree on most thimbles, the hd thimble's like this:
Screenshot_20201013-160658_Amazon Shopping.jpg

I see no issues just running a shackle too since they have the anti-crush plate welded in the center.

My rope has one and I just run a shackle on it, been pulled, yanked, and abused with no issues. Saves time imo so your not lookong for a shackle and takes the hool out of the recovery.
 
Chris_Keziah said:
Shackle through a hd thimble.


I agree on most thimbles, the hd thimble's like this:
View attachment 328441
I see no issues just running a shackle too since they have the anti-crush plate welded in the center.

My rope has one and I just run a shackle on it, been pulled, yanked, and abused with no issues. Saves time imo so your not lookong for a shackle and takes the hool out of the recovery.
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I think I have a wrecked HD thimble like that in my "winching stuff" box. I agree, they are wayyyyy better than the non plated ones and a million times better than the non tubular ones, but you can still tweak them.

I don't understand what's wrong with a proper safety hook. No need to use shackles when just using a winch line on a tree strap or something. So much faster/simpler.

PS : I do have all kinds of shackles (metal and soft), tree straps, long straps, pulleys (snatch blocks and low friction style), but for a regular recovery I'm not using any of that stuff.

Edit : This is a safety hook. Impossible to use it the wrong way. It closes on its own for safety as soon as there is load on it. Rigging pros will use this all day long.

Self-Locking-Hook.jpg


Self-Locking-Hook-open.jpg
 
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I've been thinking of changing over to a removable hook and better thimble. Mine is tweaked. I want to use the winch to suck down the front. Just haven't come up with a good solution on how to achieve it. I'd love a link on that hook posted @Bebop
 
ghost said:
I've been thinking of changing over to a removable hook and better thimble. Mine is tweaked. I want to use the winch to suck down the front. Just haven't come up with a good solution on how to achieve it. I'd love a link on that hook posted @Bebop
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This particular one is a BKG-7/8-8 but that's something I picked off of google image for a quick example. They exist in different sizes and attachment styles.

You can find all the Gunnebo hooks here :
Gunnebo Industries - Hooks

There are plenty of other brands and reputable suppliers out there, these aren't the only options. I'd suggest talking to a rigging supply pro and go from there. They are usually very helpful. Local business is always my fav because you get to talk to an actual person, but if you want to go online, here are some examples (that I have never used) :

U.S. Rigging | Rigging Supplies, Arborist Supplies, Stainless Steel Hardware
https://boiserigging.com/
Rigging Equipment and Supplies - RiggingWarehouse.com
 
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