Ask The Editors: Why Do Winches Need Blankets?

Not for keeping the line warm.

Actually your guesses would all work, if we’re being honest. However, the most common reason for a heavy blanket or rug when winching is to simply drape it over the line before you active the winch and begin pulling. The reason for this is that the weight of the blanket will cause the line to drop to the ground should the worst happen and the line snap on you.

A steel braided cable under extreme tension has the potential to do some serious damage / harm should it snap-lash as is so often the case with that tension is unexpectedly released. Using weight and gravity to one’s advantage to get that line down to the ground in an instant is a time-proven safety practice and a very good idea anytime we hook up and winch.

As a bonus, there are many other practical uses for said blanket – everything from providing a clean surface to lay on should you be forced to do some under-machine trail-side repairs to warmth should you become stranded.

If you don’t have a blanket handy, many companies sell dedicated “winch dampers” – essentially a weighted vinyl cushion that performs the same function while taking up minimal space.

We would definitely recommend giving a look at a video like this one to provide some more insight on winching techniques (everything from beginner to advanced). While the concept of using an electric motor to turn a drum connected to a cable seems simple enough, the truth is there are some very valuable tidbits to be gained from years and years of collective experience.

Got questions for us? Ask them here!