come-alongs

[Jones]

I've searched around and can't really find what I need to know. First and foremost, where can I buy a decent-quality one in Canada?!? (Specifically BC)

Since most of them only come with about 10' of cable, I have to assume you'd use an extension cable to reach something worth pulling on. Once you winch your truck the 10 feet (or 5 at dual-line) if you're not out yet, how do you shorten the extension to keep going? I've thought about it for at least a minute and a half and I can't figure out how you'd make an adjustable extension cable. Could you go with synthetic and somehow tie loops every 5 feet?

For the record I do realize that a power winch would solve all kinds of issues for me, but I'm not going to be using it much, and the cost of one on top of a suitable bumper is really throwing off the cost:use ratio.

[sasaholic]

not sure where to get one in canada, but use a good heavy chain to adjust lenth. the only time when chain is good.

[Jones]

I keep reading that chain should never be used for recovery..

[sasaholic]

chain is fine in a steady pull, no jerking and you wont have any problems aslong as u use quality chain. yes chain is heavy, but you can hook it back onto itself where y cant with anything else. u dont need 100ft anyways.

[WallyP226]

I can't help you with where to purchase one in Canada. What I can do is tell you a little bit about my experiences with using one.

I use a "come along" quite a bit, because it is so portable and convenient for short pulls. They don't require a lot of set up time, don't have to wait to free spool or to rewind the line. Since they are portable they can be used anywhere the attachment point on the vehicle is strong enough to tolerate the pulling force that they can generate.

Other situations where a come along shines is when the vehicle is off camber, hook a come along on the slider to pivot. It can be used as a second pulling device, from a different angle. Yes, they are powerful enough to pull the rear end or front end of a 4500lb vehicle side ways if the tires or suspension will allow it. BUT don't "think" its as good as an electric winch, its an adjunct, an extra hand.

Thats the upshot.

The nice ones have a whole lot more steel in them, but the cheap ones work just as well if they are the appropriate size. I use a 2 ton HF, I have had it for years, used it dozens upon dozens of times. Still going strong.

The downsides to one is that they don't come with a lot of cable on them, none of them do. So, the pulls are always short. If its all one has, better have extensions, 15 feet is about all the winch cable that they hold. They are not going to be as quick or pull has hard on long pulls for obvious reasons.

The 2 and 4 ton ratings on most of them are NOT straight pull, instead with the line doubled up with a snatchblock. That also limits the length of pull.

They can be physically exhausting if its all you have and have to do a lot of rowing with the handle. I lack common sense now and then. :rolleyes: I left my reciever hitch winch at home, then got stuck in the mud, my arms were like wet noodles after 25 yards of come alonging in frame deep mud.

Also they are a "static" device, like a winch. ie don't use them to "jerk" somebody out of a stuck spot. They all have wire cable on them, so keep that in mind as far as wearing gloves when handling them. I have wondered if it would be possible to put synthetic on one, but have never dinked with one in that regard.

:2cents:

Wally

[tacosupreme]

Once you get handy with a hi-lift you will never use a come-along again. Plus you can use it for a jack too, way more versatile and reliable. Nothing like bound up cable when its cold out.

[lrak]

The downsides to one is that they don't come with a lot of cable on them, none of them do. So, the pulls are always short. If its all one has, better have extensions, 15 feet is about all the winch cable that they hold. They are not going to be as quick or pull has hard on long pulls for obvious reasons.

I have one of these 35' ones of these.

http://www.wyeth-scott.com/models.asp

Double line (nearly 19') rating is 2 ton dead lift. Much heavier duty than the cheapies. Only downside is it weighs 5x and costs 10x your HF model.

I got mine from these guys a few years ago ...
http://www.cspoutdoors.com/morpowpul.html

I have wondered if it would be possible to put synthetic on one, but have never dinked with one in that regard.

I see that as of last month they now offer a 3 ton 35' with Amsteel Blue instead of cable...
http://www.cspoutdoors.com/mopopuwiambl.html

[WallyP226]

All be darned.

Glad you chimed in, wasn't aware of 35' pull.

IMO, synthetic would be the way to go, lighter weight, stronger, safer, easier to handle!

Thanks for the links!

I have one of these 35' ones of these.

http://www.wyeth-scott.com/models.asp

Double line (nearly 19') rating is 2 ton dead lift. Much heavier duty than the cheapies. Only downside is it weighs 5x and costs 10x your HF model.

I got mine from these guys a few years ago ...
http://www.cspoutdoors.com/morpowpul.html



I see that as of last month they now offer a 3 ton 35' with Amsteel Blue instead of cable...
http://www.cspoutdoors.com/mopopuwiambl.html

[SAR_Squid79]

I see that as of last month they now offer a 3 ton 35' with Amsteel Blue instead of cable...
http://www.cspoutdoors.com/mopopuwiambl.html

That's awesome, but $256 seems like a lot for a come-a-long... :eek:

[hillbillyjake]

i got mine directly from wyeth scott for around 170 to the door. i have used mine quite a bit and i was glad each time i spent the extra money. not saying that the hf come alongs wont get the job done but i felt very comfortable with the one i had. my .02

[CAP650]

35' w/ Synth line looks pretty good. Best come-along I've seen, a long line (+Synth), and looks wells built. Nice link.

[Jones]

25 freakin' pounds?!

[CAP650]

25 freakin' pounds?!

I bet it's worth every pound when it saves your a$$. I'd take the extra weight because I wouldn't want a light-weight POS failing when I'm am pulling 4000#s of truck. Besides, how much does a freakin' Hi-Lift weigh?

[johnecon2001]

Once you get handy with a hi-lift you will never use a come-along again. Plus you can use it for a jack too, way more versatile and reliable. Nothing like bound up cable when its cold out.

Seconding this. Why have a tool that's only good for one purpose?

[WallyP226]

Seconding this. Why have a tool that's only good for one purpose?

Come along is a versatile tool. Ever had leaf springs bust off in front of the axle? We jacked up the vehicle, put a chunk of wood between the axle and the frame, then pulled the axle back in place and held it there with a come along and drove the vehicle back to the parking lot. It will do any of the winch or ratcheting jobs easier with less set up time than a High Lift. Its also a whole lot more compact than any High Lift, at least the HF ones are. Also, offers a marginally better pull length than a High Lift (the HF ones) anyways.

So its not an absolute one dimensional tool.

I have both, I carry both and use each where they shine best.

Wally

[NorcalPR]

Come along is a versatile tool. Ever had leaf springs bust off in front of the axle? We jacked up the vehicle, put a chunk of wood between the axle and the frame, then pulled the axle back in place and held it there with a come along and drove the vehicle back to the parking lot. It will do any of the winch or ratcheting jobs easier with less set up time than a High Lift. Its also a whole lot more compact than any High Lift, at least the HF ones are. Also, offers a marginally better pull length than a High Lift (the HF ones) anyways.

So its not an absolute one dimensional tool.

I have both, I carry both and use each where they shine best.

Wally

Not to mention, it's a lot harder to bend a come along ;)

http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/fremontfireexplorers/Auto%20Extrication/P1040724.jpg?t=1263947190

[Jones]

I find it very eery that the keys are still in the ignition..

[ericdg16]

I have used many come-a-longs over the years. If you're going to invest in a good pulling tool, invest in an industrial strength one with chain and not cable. I can't tell you how many wallmart cable come-alongs I have broken, but I used to use a standard 1 1/2 ton chain come-along everyday at work and never broke one, and we pulled way more weight than a ton and a half.

You will have to maintain it more than the cable come-along especially if you use it in mud cause the mud will get in the gears and cause it to bind up, but that would only happen if you went months without cleaning it after a mud trip.

Also the chain come-along is a whole lot easier to release tension when your ready to reset your line for the next pull. This will save your arms, believe me, especially if you're going to have to reset your lines several times before getting out

[wingysataday]

I have an 8ton com along from harbor freight. I have never used it. I paid like $20 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=543

[sasaholic]

that harbor freight one is the one that saved my ass haha. i wouldnt like to use it but its better than nuthin and was all i could afford at the time. as it was it took the three of us 1.5 hours to get out. im not sure we could have made it out that night on out own.

[wingysataday]

ya it's better than nothing! I plan on gettign the all pro front bumper with a winch one day.