Winch hook vs thimble

[Poynter32]

Which do you guys think is best and why, a hook or thimble at the end of your winch rope? I usually see the hook but have seen a lot of thimbles recently and can’t find much info as to why one or the other should be used or if each is better for different scenarios.

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[UNC Rubicon]

The “thimble” creates a closed winching system which prevents the strap from slipping out of hook.

 

[Sting_NC_USA]

Check out Factor 55's gear. I use their FlatLink with the rope guard. Here's their write-up on the "Closed System Winching" mentioned above by @UNC Rubicon.

 

[Alacon01]

I run a factor 55 splicer thimble, that way unless I hook back to my own bumper I never have to use a hard shackle. I like the idea of being full synthetic.

 

[Poynter32]

Thanks for the info guys. The closed system makes since but why not just a D ring on the end of the rope spliced with a regular thimble instead of the extremely large and extremely over priced factor 55 thimbles. That being said I like “the splicer” from factor 55.

 

[Poynter32]

I run a factor 55 splicer thimble, that way unless I hook back to my own bumper I never have to use a hard shackle. I like the idea of being full synthetic.

Maybe I’m missing something but how does that prevent you from having to use a hard shackle? From the way I understand it the D ring or hook goes through the splicer.

 

[47Jeepster]

Maybe I’m missing something but how does that prevent you from having to use a hard shackle? From the way I understand it the D ring or hook goes through the splicer.

You can get rid of the hard shackle by using a Gator Jaw:

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

I run the original Factor55 thimble, great product, and one you only buy once, so I have no problem spending the money for a quality item. Gator Jaws are great as well, but pricy, however, I will be converting most of my D rings to gator jaws, and leave only 2 D rings for certain applications.

 

[Poynter32]

You can get rid of the hard shackle by using a Gator Jaw:

Oh makes sense. I have seen those a couple times but forgot about them. I obviously don’t have a lot of winching experience but with this forum I can fake it till I make it. All kidding aside thanks for your help guys I know winch is nothing to mess around with and someone can easily get hurt. I’m just trying to learn and be as safe as possible

So that still leaves the question why not just use the gator jaw on the end of the synthetic rope spliced back to itself like the bubba rope is? Is the anything that makes the splicer better?

Edit: accidentally deleted the following post

 

[47Jeepster]

So that still leaves the question why not just use the gator jaw on the end of the synthetic rope spliced back to itself like the bubba rope is? Is the anything that makes the splicer better?

Most of us got our knowledge by staying at a Holiday Inn ...

Technically, you're right that there is no advantage to the thimble over the eyelet for safety. The downside to using the eyelet by itself is that it can easily be sucked through the fairlead. The thimble prevents that and provides a rubber cushion to prevent marring the fairlead. Plus, it's just plain cool looking!

BTW ... I enjoy watching Youtube videos of Hill Auto Body and Towing. The rigging that is involved in the major recovery efforts is fascinating. But, the simple beach tows with a bubba type rope is what leaves me shaking my head. He is constantly dropping the rope eye over hitch balls, pulling with bystanders nearby, and towing right through a crowd of vehicles on the beach. He is very successful, but does so many things that defy convention.

 

[Alacon01]

Oh makes sense. I have seen those a couple times but forgot about them. I obviously don’t have a lot of winching experience but with this forum I can fake it till I make it. All kidding aside thanks for your help guys I know winch is nothing to mess around with and someone can easily get hurt. I’m just trying to learn and be as safe as possible

So that still leaves the question why not just use the gator jaw on the end of the synthetic rope spliced back to itself like the bubba rope is? Is the anything that makes the splicer better?

Edit: accidentally deleted the following post

Exactly what others have said, I use soft shackles, I try to keep everything synthetic and closed loop the extra couple points of a hard shackle can get moving in a direction you don't want it to. The downside is cost, you're talking 50.00 for a soft shackle vs 10.00 for a hard one, I get it not everyone can do that. I've wanted to experiment with making my own with some old line I have, but the would probably only rate out at 5k.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

You can get rid of the hard shackle by using a Gator Jaw:

Soft shackles all the way.

 

[bryan]

... why not just a D ring on the end of the rope spliced with a regular thimble instead of the extremely large and extremely over priced factor 55 thimbles. ...

The design of the Factor 55 devices is such hat you can snug the thimbles, etc., up to the fairlead without damaging either. You may not care about that; I and others do.

And as far as "over-priced" goes, perhaps you should say "expensive." Saying something is over-priced has a perjorative connotation suggesting the price is usorius given the cost of goods. If that was your intent, I invite you to support your claim.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

The design of the Factor 55 devices is such hat you can snug the thimbles, etc., up to the fairlead without damaging either. You may not care about that; I and others do.

And as far as "over-priced" goes, perhaps you should say "expensive." Saying something is over-priced has a perjorative connotation suggesting the price is usorius given the cost of goods. If that was your intent, I invite you to support your claim.

How's that song go . . . "I don't wanna winch, I wanna bang on my fairlead all day!"?

 

[Poynter32]

The design of the Factor 55 devices is such hat you can snug the thimbles, etc., up to the fairlead without damaging either. You may not care about that; I and others do.

And as far as "over-priced" goes, perhaps you should say "expensive." Saying something is over-priced has a perjorative connotation suggesting the price is usorius given the cost of goods. If that was your intent, I invite you to support your claim.

I never said the D ring had to stay on the end of the rope. It’s kind hard for just the rope itself to damage the fairlead. And if you just hook the rope to the front tow hook or d ring connected to your aftermaket bumper then it’s not a problem of damaging your fairlead or pulling the rope through the fair lead.

Congratulations on your use of big words that don’t make sense. Usury has to do with lending money not selling products. To prove the point anyway a 5” block of 6000 Aluminium is approximately $50 if only buying 1 5” block. I’m sure they get it much cheaper in large quantities. That a 200% markup for the pro link to machine and powder coat it. That’s starting to sound like airplane parts not Jeep parts.

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