Last Updated on June 21, 2021
Have you ever needed to lift and haul heavy objects but probably had to hire a team to do it for you? Well, with a cable winch puller, you can do all that on your own. You can use it to lift your car and hoist any other objects. A cable winch puller does not weigh much and can therefore be operated easily by one person.
In the following sections, you will find everything you need to know about a cable winch puller, and if you are an amateur, you will be able to operate one soon enough.
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Using a Cable Winch Puller: Step-By-Step Guide
A cable winch puller is a very convenient tool. You can use it to lift your car and get some small repairs done quickly. This sounds good when you are stranded on the road, and there is no mechanic in sight. However, do you know how to operate a cable winch puller? If you are not sure or if you simply want to know a safe and easy way to use it, take a look at the steps given below.
Step 1: Detach the Ratchet Drive
The main ratchet drive needs to be detached or disengaged. To do this, find the drive pawl spring on the handle of the lever and pull. Once you pull it up completely, the ratchet drive will be detached.
Step 2: Connect the Load to The Load Hook
To attach the load hook to your load, you have to pull and squeeze the stop pawl trigger. When the trigger is squeezed, the cable will spool quickly. Now, bring the cable to the anchor point. Then slowly let go of the stop pawl trigger, and it will engage the ratchet sprocket cam. This will connect your load to the load hook.
Step 3: Hook the Anchor
Once the load is attached to the load hook, hook the anchor to the anchor point. This will allow you to pull the cable easily.
Step 4: Engage the Ratchet Drive Pawl
You will have to engage the ratchet drive pawl in the ratchet pawl sprocket. To do this, push the drive sprawl spring downwards. Once it is in position, the main ratchet drive will engage.
Step 5: Allow the Load to Reach Position
To let the load move up to its appropriate position, you have to swing the lever. Unfortunately, this is not something that you will get right at once. So swing the lever back and forth until the load reaches position.
Step 6: Fix the Load in Position
Once the load reaches the appropriate position, make sure to attach it firmly. Fix it in position so that it does not move when you are operating the cable winch puller. This is important for your safety. Check the load before you start releasing the tension.
Step 7: Loosen the Cable
Go back to the drive pawl spring and push it upwards until it locks into position. This will easily detach the main ratchet drive and, thus, loosen the cable.
Step 8: Raise the Lever Handle
You have to swing the lever again. But this time, make sure to swing it entirely over the anchor hook side. When you do this, the spring mechanism of the stop pawl pin will be activated. Now, what does this do? Well, it will only pull up the lever handle, and the cable tension will be slowly released.
Step 9: Release the Stop Pawl Trigger
You will find that releasing the cable tension makes it easy to disengage the stop pawl trigger. The stop pawl trigger is in the cam. If you keep swinging the lever, it will gradually be released from the cam. This will help you loosen the cable.
Step 10: Rewind the Cable
You have reached the final step, and it is the easiest! Since the cable is now completely loose, you can start rewinding it onto the drum. But you might end up getting it tangled. To avoid that, keep the load hook connected to the load and push down the drive pawl spring.
Now, hold on to the anchor and pull the load. Keep swinging the lever handle, and you will be able to rewind the cable in no time at all!
Safety Precautions While Using A Cable Winch Puller
Have you ever had the cable slip from your hands? Alternatively, not have secured the load properly? A cable winch puller, like any other heavy tool, needs to be operated with caution. Read the following safety instructions so that you can take all precautions while using a cable winch puller.
Inspect All Parts Thoroughly
Make sure to check every aspect of your cable winch puller. Check the cable’s normal tension and the condition of all the hooks and levers before using it.
Keep Your Work Area Tidy
Your bench should be completely clean. Even if you need to use a cable winch puller for your vehicle, make sure that there are no obstacles around on the side of the road. Also, do not wear loose clothing or aprons while working with a cable winch puller.
Stay Steady
Stay balanced while operating the cable winch puller. If you are not used to working with such tools, you might find yourself becoming unsteady while rewinding the cable or pulling the lever. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and use the strength in your hands to operate the cable winch puller.
Do Not Put Too Much Pressure
You might think that the lever has to be pulled hard or you need to use a lot of force, but that is not true. You can use a cable winch puller with minimal pressure and get it to work correctly.
Clean and Maintain the Cable Winch Puller
A cable winch puller is a vital tool. So treat it well. Make sure all the parts are clean and do regular maintenance checks. A well-maintained cable winch puller will stay functional for a long time.
Final Words
A cable winch puller is a versatile tool that’s good for heavy lifting jobs. You can use it around the house or in your garage, but remember to be careful with safety precautions and you will get lots of work done!
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I’m Daniel Galbreath, founder of OffRoadersWorld.
I spend my spare time writing on this website, OffRoaders World. I share my thoughts and reviews on different types of gears, share tips sometimes. This website is specially created and regularly updated basically to help other folks like me when I started to solve the various problems they face, specially when they go off-roading.