A Few Winch Hook Questions
 

I am wanting to upgrade the hook on my Warn M8000 winch and have a few questions about avalible options.

First off, I like the looks and design of the XD Half-link Winch Hook sold here:
http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-winchhook.htm

My question about it is, can the half link be removed to attach to the spliced thimble end of the winch rope, or is "locked in with a mighty sheer pin" mean I would have to use a ghey connecting link?

Also, if I cannot use that hook I am looking at hooks such as,
http://www.florawrecker.com/cgi-bin/...EVISSLINGHOOKS

and

http://www.florawrecker.com/cgi-bin/...CKINGSLINGHOOK

Is the self locking hook really better? Is the hook coming off the anchor under load really an issue? I know it would be bad, but I don't see how it could happen unless you are very dumb, IDK. I know mud can jam up that style of hook, that is a con.

Last question, both the hooks from Flora Wrecker say the load pins are secured with a spiral locking pin, what is that and how does it work.

Other recomendations are welcome as well.

Thanks!
Lamm

The locking hook is very nice.
I ordered mine from a company based in Finland in 1996 so I have no idea where to get one like it now. I will look around.
Yes you would have to use the link. I remember they sold the same type but I wanted to eliminate the need for a pin and they sent me the one pictured. If I remember correctly it is rated for 28K#.
If you do some winching alone, I would recommend this hook. it is impossible for it to release under load and in my experience it stays locked after being loaded--
so if you assist the winch by letting the rig idle and just turn the wheels the hook will remain locked and ready despite being loaded and unloaded constantly--this would definitely unhook the load when using the warn type of hook.
One other option is a thimble style eye that you rig with a shackle. That is an excellent option also.

Mud has not been an issue for me but I did have the hook ice up once and I just let it sit on top of the motor for a couple of minutes before i could use it. The locking mechanism was just iced up.

Here is an example of the thimble type
I love to use shackles since they are the most secure way to rig a pull--so I think when I switch to synthetic line I will get something like this-- plus there is no rope out of the fairlead to flop around-- just snug it up to the fairlead itself.
http://www.4wd.com/newsite/shop/prod...asp?pid=000344

or
http://www.toughstuffproducts.com/je...y_thimble.html

This is another good option:
http://www.masterpull.com/item.cfm?itemid=9130

The safety hook I use and the safety thimble also are much safer to handle as they cannot be pulled into the winch fairlead along with someone's fragile phlanges. :bounce:

Defintely get a safety hook or a thimble. The little "flap" on the "regular" hooks have sharp edges that can scar the line and they get bent/broken easily. IMHO, they get in the way a lot too.

One more quick question:

Is the hook size (3/8", 1/2" etc) the size of the cable it is for, the size of the pin on the hook or something else?

Lamm

The cable.

OLD THREAD DAMNIT ! :bang: :dj: