Today after washing my truck i spooled the rope out to check it out and reel it back in somewhat proper. When I inspected it i found that some of the cable had overlapped onto the drum while under stress crushing other sections of the cable. What I want to know is if the cable is still safe to use even though the strands are seperated loosely and exposing the core? There are no broken strands...just the way the rope is spiraled...it isn't so spiral anymore in certain sections.

The winch is an M8000 inside of a TJM T-15 with a roller fairlead.
Thanks!

 

 

How far down the line is it? You should change cable that shows any signs of damage. But if it's in the first 10' or so then for sure change it before using it. If it's in the last 10' or so then maybe you could get away with it for a while just don't wind it out that far(Although this is proably not highly reccomended). I have used cable damaged the same way w/o incedent but tis was for very light pull's nothing major.

 

i would say that as long as there are no broken strands or freys in the cable you are probably ok. mine had a few bad kinks that had distorted the cable too and i never had any issues yanking my rig out with it but it also wouldnt hurt to either replace it or just cut the bad section out if that is possible?
just my .02 worth
H-man

 

c'mon jody, this is a perfect reason to get synthetic rope!!!!

LOL

 

My winch cable is in a similar condition but has also started to fray. I would say it is on its last leg as far as safety goes--yours and mine. This is the main disadvantage to wire rope-- hard to spool correctly to avoid damage. Synthetic is clearly the answer but I want to keep my roller fairlead--looking at a synthetic fairlead now-- want to see one in person, or better yet in use.

 

Synthetic has gotten pretty pricey with eveyone jumping on the synth bandwagon. I bought mine a GB long ago. It's now over $200 for 100' of 3/8.

I still have my brand new never used steel cable if someone is interested.

 

I also have a steel cable / roller fairlead / hook that has never been used. I was going to put them in the for sale section, but have been too lazy to come up with a price.

 

The thing that pisses me off is this happened after using the winch ONCE. Thats it. One use and my rope looks terrible.

 

Did you properly spool and tension the winch cable before using it the first time? If not that could have caused it to get messed up like that. With mine, I spooled it out in a parking lot, hooked the end to a pole and set the e--brake on a few clicks and then winched the truck against the brake keeping the cable nice and tight on the spool.