Winch ring for electric winch: steel cable or synthetic cable?

Whether for off-road adventures, self-rescue or rescue missions — a winch is an indispensable companion for off-road enthusiasts. One of the most important accessories for use with the winch is the winch ring. This is required because it increases the pulling force and flexibly adjusts the pulling direction of the cable. The result: heavy loads can be moved with less effort.

In this magazine article, we are devoting ourselves entirely to the winch ring and its contribution to a successful rope rescue. This includes the question: Should you use a steel or synthetic rope for a winch ring?

👉 Note: Not every horntools winch ring is suitable for use with steel and synthetic rope. You will find information on compatibility in a later section of this magazine article. Otherwise, you can also read the respective product details of the winch rings.

What does a winch ring do?

A winch ring is used to increase the pulling force of a winch and to change the pulling direction of the cable. By using a winch ring, the effective pulling force can be doubled as it acts as a mechanical advantage. This means that heavier loads can be moved with less effort. The winch ring also allows the cable to be guided around obstacles and the pulling direction to be flexibly adjusted.

Breaking load vs. working load: What do these terms mean?

The breaking load of a winch ring indicates the maximum load the winch ring can withstand before it breaks or fails. If a winch ring has a breaking load of 9 tons, this means that the winch ring has been designed and tested to withstand loads up to 9,000 kilograms.

However, it is important to note that the breaking load is not the recommended working load or payload. The payload is the recommended maximum load that can be used safely. In practice, the working load limit (WLL) should be considered, which usually takes into account a safety factor. This safety factor varies, but is often between 4:1 and 5:1. This means that a winch ring with a breaking load of 9 tonnes will usually have a working load limit of around 1.8 to 2.25 tonnes, depending on the safety factor used.

A winch ring rarely comes alone: ​​Why it is often used with a soft shackle

The general function of a soft shackle is to create a secure connection between different elements, such as between a rope and a winch ring or an anchor point. Since winch rings often work with high tensile forces, the soft shackle provides a robust connection that can withstand the loads. It prevents the rope from being damaged by distributing the load evenly and by not having any sharp edges that could fray the rope.

Which winch ring for which winch?

Choosing the right winch ring depends on the type of winch and the specific application. Basically, winch rings come in different sizes and load capacities. Here are some criteria you should consider:

1. Load capacity: Make sure that the winch ring is designed for the maximum pulling force of your winch. A winch ring that is too weak can break and cause dangerous situations.
2. Size and weight: The size of the winch ring should match the diameter of the rope used. A winch ring that is too small can damage the rope, while a winch ring that is too large can be unnecessarily heavy and unwieldy.
3. Material: Winch rings are available in various materials such as steel, aluminum or plastic. Steel winch rings are extremely robust and durable, while aluminum winch rings are lighter and more corrosion-resistant. Synthetic winch rings are the lightest, but often do not offer the same load-bearing capacity as metal winch rings.

Winch rings: synthetic cable or steel cable?

Choosing between synthetic cable and steel cable is a common question among winch users. Although synthetic cable is increasingly preferred for applications such as pulling loads, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. The decision depends mainly on your specific needs and requirements.

Synthetic rope

Advantages	Disadvantages
✅ Lighter and more flexible, making it easier to handle.	X Usually more expensive than steel cables.
✅ No risk of splinters, therefore safer to handle.	X Less abrasion resistant and can be damaged by UV rays.
✅ Floats in water and is resistant to rust.	X Must be checked more frequently for damage and wear.

Steel rope

Advantages	Disadvantages
✅ Very high tensile strength and abrasion resistance.	X Heavier and less flexible than synthetic ropes.
✅ Less susceptible to UV damage and chemical influences.	X Sharp edges and splinters can pose a risk of injury.
✅ More cost-effective compared to high-quality synthetic ropes.	X Tends to rust if not properly maintained (regular re-greasing necessary)

 

The horntools winch rings: which rope are they suitable for?

Here you will find a breakdown of which ropes are suitable for the horntools winch rings.

Winch Ring	Suitable rope
Snatch Block / Winch Ring – 10 tons	Use only with synthetic rope and soft shackle
Snatch block – 2 tons	Suitable for steel and synthetic ropes
Snatch block – 4 tons	Suitable for steel and synthetic ropes
Snatch block – 9 tons	Suitable for steel and synthetic ropes

 

Choosing the right winch ring is crucial for the correct use of your winch. Don't forget to carefully consider the operating conditions and specific requirements in order to choose the optimal equipment for your winch and ensure maximum safety.

⚠️ Important: Before using a winch ring (or soft shackle), check it for visible cracks, signs of wear and, if necessary, mobility. Also look for signs of wear, especially at points of contact with other parts.

With the right tools, such as a high-quality winch ring and the right rope, nothing stands in the way of your next adventure (with the winch).