I wasn't exactly sure where to post my question.... So, I thought this forum would be o.k.
Anyways, I kinked my winch cable recently, some of the strands broke. I was wondering if I could use some of those cable clamp things you buy at the hardware store and shorten my winch cable, or should I buy a new one? How much for a new cable?
Thanks.

 

New cable isn't all that expensive. You could shorten it though. I'd say you could get new cable at any big hardware store for less than $0.75/foot

 

Then use the cable clamps to secure it? Or is better to go through the company that makes the winch?

 

Go to you local trailer store if you have one and just get the replacement one for you winch they are not expensive. My budy got one for around 30 bucks for the Warn 2.5. I looked in Cabelas just now and they sell it for 39. I would replace it rather then having those clamps come off under tension and hurting somebody. How did you kink it? Hawse fairlead or roller? AlaskaBoy.

 

Well if you want to just buy a new cable then go ahead and spend the money. If the kink is in the first 3' of cable it would be a waste of money to me. Just cut the cable, loop it through the clevis, then attach 2 of the cable connectors. Two will give you an extra hold. Then wrap the cut end with electrical tape to cover the sharp wire. If you know someone with a swaging tool (sp?) then you can buy the ones at Home Depot that don't lock down with the bolts. The swaging tool will crimp the metal and lock the cable into place. This is how the factory setup is. Notice how on the factory the loose end is in the crimp.

The metal locks will work fine, they don't even have that much pressure because the loop takes the greatest load.

Someone posted $39 for a cable? Heck I just received my spare winch from Harbor Freight. They're on sale for $49.99. Complete with the switch, all the cables, hand saver (WTH?), clevis hook AND 50' of cable. It's just like the one I have on my web site below. In you want the product number I'll post it. I don't understand why someone would pay $350 for a high dollar ATV winch when you could buy 7 for the price of 1. I use it to pull the ATV and when I put it on the back mount to pull my boat out of the water.

BTW, the 3/16" cable and the cable locks is what keeps my 600#KQ from joining me in the cab of my truck. I hook the end to the trailer hitch the a hook around the ball, then just lock the brakes. With people pulling out in front of me I have tested it several times.

Rob