Synthetic Rope Care & Maintenance Guide
To ensure optimal performance and durability, synthetic winch ropes require regular care and proper usage. By following the recommended guidelines for handling, inspection, and cleaning, you can significantly extend the life of your winch line.
When winching:
Avoid winching from acute angles.
An acute angle as the winch rope will bind up on one side of the drum causing damage to the rope (Bird Nesting) and may cause major damage to winch and possible equipment.
Never wrap the rope around a tree or anchor point and attach the clevis hook back onto the rope.
This has the potential of damaging your rope. Not only could you damage the rope through abrasion and friction, but you will more than likely damage the tree too. Use a strop instead.
Use pulley blocks for heavy loads.
For pulls over 70% of the rated line pull, we recommend the use of a pulley block to double line the rope. This reduces the load on the rope and strain on the winch.
Prevent contact with sharp or abrasive surfaces.
If the rope comes under tension and is exposed to sharp edges, it can sustain serious damage, leading to potential failure. To protect the rope in such situations, use a chafe guard, which provides a protective barrier to prevent cuts.
After use:
Inspect the rope.
After each use, it's important to inspect the entire length of the rope for any signs of wear. Re-spool the rope neatly to ensure it is ready for the next job. Pay close attention to the following indicators of damage:
- Cut strands
- Frayed areas
- Abrasion marks
- Heat damage from the winch
While some fuzziness due to minor abrasion is normal, especially after use, any cuts in a full strand indicate the need for either repair or replacement. The rope’s strength depends on all strands being intact and functional. If significant wear or damage is evident, take appropriate action to maintain the rope’s integrity.
Clean the rope.
Open weave synthetic ropes without protective outer layers are susceptible to damage from dirt and grit, which can become lodged between the strands. When the rope is under load, these particles can cause friction, wearing down the fibers over time and compromising the rope's strength.
To prevent this, regularly wash the rope after it becomes dirty.
How to clean your rope:
- Unspool the entire winch line and lay it on a clean surface to avoid further contamination.
- Use a hose to rinse the rope thoroughly.
- For a deeper clean, fill a bucket with water and mild soap. Run the full length of the rope through the water, applying pressure to open the strands and dislodge any trapped dirt or grit.
Important Note: Avoid using a washing machine to clean your synthetic rope, as the strands may get caught or pulled, causing further damage.
Additional Tips for Longevity:
Storage:
Use a Winch Cover over your winch to avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays, which can degrade the fibers over time.
Inspection:
Regularly check for any signs of mold or mildew, especially if the rope has been stored while damp.
Replacement:
Even with good maintenance, synthetic winch ropes will eventually need replacement due to wear and tear. Monitoring the condition of the rope and replacing it when necessary is key to ensuring safe and effective use.
By maintaining your synthetic winch rope, you’ll ensure it remains strong, reliable, and ready for action whenever needed.