Anyone have a Come-Along?

DetroitKK · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2010 7:58 pm

I was lookin into buying one of these as a cheap alternative to the Backbone system. I know they aren't gonna perform anywhere near the way a real winch would but does anyone have any experience with them? It seems like I could get a 4-5 ton winch for around $50.. I know it wouldn't get me out if I'm really stuck, but with winter approaching I thought it might be a useful tool to keep in the back.

Thanks!

SETexasLibby · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:04 pm

http://www.harborfreight.com/8000-lb-ca ... r-543.html

DirtyKK · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:07 pm

Had a friend have to use a hi lift as a come-a-long before and he couldn't get enough leverage on the handle to move it very far. It would be entirely too much work. I would just make sure you have a 4wd buddy with a good recovery strap.

DetroitKK · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:14 pm

Wow, 8k for 26.99! Thanks for the link Texas!

Dirty, thats what I was afraid of, getting enough leverage to create some movement. If I got myself buried in some deep snow or mud I was thinking it would be really hard to get it to move the first few inches. However for under 30 bucks it might be worth adding to the tool kit....

ridenby · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:19 pm

Have used come-along to pull F-150 out of mud hole,lot of work. Get the largest you can afford,find.Remember that the cable is short so chains,extra cable are needed to reach your anchor point.

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:27 pm

Lost my first reply. I have used a come-a-long to un-stick a 1 ton dually and others. As long as you have a anchor point it will work.But don't believe the weight ratings.And a tree saver strap is a good investment and a clevis.

SETexasLibby · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2010 10:54 pm

No problem man,

A good strap and darn good shackles should be in that equation too

Lucky for me I use tower crane rigging that I buy at a significant discount from the same suppliers I use at work. Overkill is better than insufficient tools in the field.

"Always plan for the worst, and hope for the best"

luigi1285 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:14 am

use these things with extreme caution. i had one fail on me while pulling my tracker out :shock:

.... ya took the soal of my thumb with it. so just beeeeee carefull!!!!

DetroitKK · **Posted:** Mon Nov 08, 2010 10:40 am

luigi1285 wrote:

use these things with extreme caution. i had one fail on me while pulling my tracker out :shock:

.... ya took the soal of my thumb with it. so just beeeeee carefull!!!!

Yikes! That sounds real painful, I'll make sure to get a pair of good work gloves too then...

SETexasLibby · **Posted:** Mon Nov 08, 2010 1:44 pm

DetroitKK wrote:

luigi1285 wrote:

use these things with extreme caution. i had one fail on me while pulling my tracker out :shock:

.... ya took the soal of my thumb with it. so just beeeeee carefull!!!!

Yikes! That sounds real painful, I'll make sure to get a pair of good work gloves too then...

Safety glasses as well, will save your eyes. Trust me.

Don't buy the BS plain jane ones from Home depot for $10, just go to a RSC or United Rentals in your area and get some nice ones that can double as sunglasses for $10. I have a set just for when I hit the trails.

DetroitKK · **Posted:** Mon Nov 08, 2010 6:58 pm

SETexasLibby wrote:

DetroitKK wrote:

luigi1285 wrote:

use these things with extreme caution. i had one fail on me while pulling my tracker out :shock:

.... ya took the soal of my thumb with it. so just beeeeee carefull!!!!

Yikes! That sounds real painful, I'll make sure to get a pair of good work gloves too then...

Safety glasses as well, will save your eyes. Trust me.

Don't buy the BS plain jane ones from Home depot for $10, just go to a RSC or United Rentals in your area and get some nice ones that can double as sunglasses for $10. I have a set just for when I hit the trails.

Haha, another good call. I actually work in industrial sales, so I keep a nice pair in my briefcase for when I visit customers' shops. I make sure to bring them with me on the trails as well!

SETexasLibby · **Posted:** Wed Nov 10, 2010 9:21 pm

What in particular do you sell? I work for one of the largests general contractors in this area as a Safety coordinator.

DetroitKK · **Posted:** Thu Nov 11, 2010 10:55 am

I work for a company that manufactures drill bits. Anything from standard masonry stuff to fiberglass/composite pole pits, ice bits, augers, railroad tie bits. Send me a PM if you think your company might be interested and I would be happy to get you some info!

Anyone have a Come-Along?

Who is online