I compare wire to rope cables like comparing mono to gelspun. Wire is more resistent to rubbing on rocks etc, but naturally the synthetic rope will be much lighter but less tolerant to rubbing. Another con to the synthetic is that the heat from excessive use of the brake on your winch can make it weaker. At least that is what I was told when I looked into it.

 

I will never use a steel wire again...
Rope rules.

 

Hi Everyone

Just starting to build up my Tourer. Has anyone got any views on which type of winch to get ie. synthetic rope or wire. I am getting more confused which one to choose the more I look into it. The use of the winch for my purpose is not for rock hopping or extreme stuff, but more of a just in case, its nice to have, kind of thing. It may only get used once a year. Any thoughts would be great. Have been told that you have to wash synthetic ropes if it gets dirty - is that true.

IMHO, For once a year use, go the wire over synthetic. I think you will find that synthetic is moreso prefered in competition events due to its light weight as 5upaMav pointed out.

and welcome to the forum mate, a wealth of information at your fingertips.

 

yeah for that kind of use id get wire. it will last that bit longer and requries less maintenance. but in saying that them winch challenge blokes put that synthetic stuff thru hell and it seems to hold up alright, and is easier to join in the case of it breaking.

 

But buy some plasma from USA and stick it in the shed while the $ is good and its 1/2 price of what you pay here.

 

Go rope I reakon...its very easy to work with...and soooooo safe.

 

You should wash the wire too if it gets dirty but it is not as critical as rope. Wire is usually $100 cheaper when you buy a new winch but top of the line rope would be more expensive again. If you are chasing weight savings rope would be better but for a tourer you will be adding weight in lots of places anyway so a couple of kilos for wire over rope would not matter.
Rope is safer in that a broken rope flying through the air is not as bad as a broken wire, but it is usually what is on the end of it that does the damage anyway. That's why I don't use the hook on the end, or a shackle. I use a strap through the loop on the end of the wire.
Both my winches came with wire and I won't be changing any time soon.

 

Wire Maintenance

hey guys,

just got a 10000lb winch, do you think it'd be wise to oil the wire, or is that already done in factory to help prolong life, or would that increase amount of crap sticking the wire and be counter productive?

 

hey guys,

just got a 10000lb winch, do you think it'd be wise to oil the wire, or is that already done in factory to help prolong life, or would that increase amount of crap sticking the wire and be counter productive?

It will cause dust to stick but it will prevent mud from sticking. It will prevent rust as well so oil it up with lanolin now and again after every use or every dunking.

 

Roll it out every few mths and while it goes back in, use a rag soaked in Inox or similar to lube it. Wht I've always done.

 

Yeah this is a debate ive been doing some research on myself. This is what Ive found so far, hope it helps...

Wire
Pro
- Less maintenance
- Less fatigue from rubbing on things
- More resistent to heat
Cons
- Kinks
- Heavier
- Can rust
- Lesser breaking strength

Rope
Pro
- Doesnt Kink
- Lighter
- Has a higher breaking strength
- Untangles easier
- Offers more stretch (like a snatch strap)
Con
- UV may affect some ropes
- If you get heat resistant rope, it can fray easier from just being in the winch
- Doesnt last as long (unconfirmed)
- Prone to fraying

Ive read on a few sites that you wouldnt bother with the heat resistant rope, it lasts longer and the only reason why you would need it is if you use your winch incorrectly

Now what they mean by that is if you winch out as well as in (to hoist something) Because when u winch out instead of using the clutch to free wind out, it reverses against the clutch/drum brake and causes excessive heat in the drum. This is bad for your winch anyway as it wears out the brake..
-

 

cheers good old Lanolin comes to the rescue!