winch wire

[NAM VET]

I have been reading and trying to research on the choices for the 150 foot cable on my LU4. My wire has cols from being on the drum, but that is not a problem, and no frayed or broken strands. 'There is one spot about half way along the wire where it was been partly flattened by being pulled with a locked drum. I suspect that part is at least a little less strong than the rest of the cable. I can find 3/8 "fire core' wire for about 80 bucks, and other choices, including the rope versions. If my winch ever gets used again, once so far to pull out of some mud, it has to be at least safe. My winch cover covers the whole winch, so UV and to some degree rain is not a problem. I am aware at least of the safe operation of winches. I would appreciate your thoughts and experiences with this topic. HC

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[Cal_Gary]

Hi Hal,
The winch calls for 7/16 size cable. Some guys have used 1/2 inch instead for some extra strength. Personally I'd not use smaller cable-my mindset being if I needed the winch in a REAL emergency like pulling an overturned vehicle off someone for example, I'd want to be absolutely sure I had the proper equipment (and serviceability) for the job.

That might sound extreme but you never know.
Gary

[sturmtyger380]

Winch Wire Rope has been talked about at length in the past.

The Army apparently went through some changes in their thinking for the cable on the LU-4 winch. What started out as 150' of 7/16" cable, became 1/2" cable in the January 1957 SNL. In the TM 9-2320-212-20P of February 1960, the specification changed to 200' of 1/2" cable. In issue No. 127 of PS Magazine (June 1963), the length was reduced back to 150', because "the extra 50 feet was too much to wrap around the winch drum."

I don't have 200' of 1/2" cable to test on my winch, but Charles' solution of 175' sounds like a good compromise when using a more flexible cable. That extra 25' might come in handy.

If you purchase new cable, or syn. rope, it must be put on the drum under tension. The easiest way to do this is to winch your truck, or someone else's up a gentle incline. An uphill street works well for this. Both cable or rope needs at least 5 wraps on the drum to start winching, this is what locks the cable onto the drum. The tiny set screw that anchors the cable to the drum (on most winches) isn't rated to hold any load. Loading the drum in this way prevents future short length pulls from cutting down into the loosely wrapped cables beneath. Its a good practice to re-spool the cable at the end of every trip that it was used on. If you discover any kinks or serious damage to the cable, it should be replaced.

From Mister Talbert:

The cable diameter is 7/16", length 150'. This is the stock size. We always use 1/2" diameter 6X37 cable at 175'. 6X37 simply means the rope is made up of 6 small cables with 37 small wires making up each one. We also don't use anything except cable with an IWRC, independent wire rope center. Hemp center cable is available also, poor quality & not nearly as strong. It is typically a 6X19 make up, some like the hemp center saying its more flexible. The 6X37 cable with a wire rope center is just as flexible because of the smaller gauge wires its made from.

Our supplier is Certex-Superior in Charlotte, NC. They have branches all over the country, especially in the south east serving the petroleum industry. They can supply all you will need.

The original cable with the hemp core is a 6X19, 19 wires each in a total of 6 strands. If you use a 6X19 with an independent wire rope center (steel core) it will be so stiff you will have problems winding it on the drum and it will give you constant issues with handling each time you use it.

On the other hand, you can use a 6X37 cable with the wire rope center, it will be just as flexible as the 6X19 original and far stronger. Flexibility is determined by the size of the wires in each strand. 37 wires in a strand in place of 19 wires making up the same size strand adds a huge amount to the flexibility factor.

We use 6X37 with a wire center 1/2" diameter cable on all ours. works great, winds tight on the drum and is a good bit stronger than the 7/16" cable. The drum will hold 175' of 1/2" with room to spare

[Kaegi]

I have winched alot with 3/8 and 7/16. I think 1/2 is over kill. I would rather have more cable.

[NAM VET]

Charlotte is just up the road, so thanks for the info from all of you. I think I will take my wrinkly chain up to them and have them put my chain on it. HC

[just me]

I had the local wire rope company put a new wire rope on mine this year. 150' of 6x41 IWRC with new socket, chain and hook. Was under $300. 14 ton wire rope. I'm not concerned with it breaking in ANY well rigged use. I also have plenty of REAL tackle for rigging and pulling. Enough to do 3 to 1 pulls. That is 11 tons. Has always been plenty. It is harder tying the truck down and getting it well anchored to do the pull.