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Snatch block for synthetic rope

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Screwloose, Jan 6, 2018.

  1. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    Hello. I'm trying to figure out what is the best snatch block to get. I have never used synthetic rope before and don't want to mess it up. This is what I will use it with. 3/8" dia. Thanks for your help. IMG_20160820_190232252.jpg
     
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  2. fuelrod

    fuelrod

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    I would think that just as with wire rope, the larger diameter sheave would be better for the line and any snatch block with the appropriate rating would do. I could see where the use of a snatch block may be less harmful to synthetic rope than to cable bending around a fairly small pulley while under load. This is just a guess, but I'd love to try some. The cost is always a consideration along with some abrasion situations I can get into winching logs in & through the woods. The light weight and good "spooling" manners sound real nice to me. HF has a pretty "normal" looking snatch block for $27. That's pretty cheap and the only diff. between it and a more expensive one I have is the acural sheave is aluminum (no biggie with syn. rope) and a hollow "axle", more like a 2" pipe vs a 1" solid steel on the expensive one.
    If you ever run across a self releasing one, check it out. DSCN8451.JPG
     
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  3. fuelrod

    fuelrod

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    Screwloose, have you worked your winch yet? I'd like to have a self contained winch like that. :thumbs:
    Any action pics?
     
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  4. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    I have Mckissick ones for my wire rope. But i was concerned because they ooze grease from the gap between the sheave and side plates. I was looking for something a little more robust than the pressed out hf ones.
     
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  5. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    No but the property I cut on is for sale so I have to get moving or risk losing it. I'm sure anxious to try it especially since my health is doing better. I sure miss being out there !!!!
     
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  6. fuelrod

    fuelrod

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    Let it warm up some, then got out there and take us some pics:D just take it easy.
     
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  7. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    How much you want to build me one of those? Yes I am serious.
     
  8. Flamestead

    Flamestead

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    Liking the LocknLube in the photo - I've been using one for quite a few years now - the guy that got the distribution rights for it was a co-founder of the logging company my wife works for, so she got a pretty good deal on them.

    Back on topic, I haven't tried the synthetic rope yet, but my cable has some jaggers and they are taking a toll on my chaps and gloves, and I like the idea of better spooling a lot. I wonder how well the rope will stay on the snatch block, before the pulling starts. Seems like the weight of the cable helps keep some tension to hold itself tight to the pulley.
     
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  9. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    To build what ?
     
  10. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    That self contained winch assy. Or did you buy that?
     
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  11. fuelrod

    fuelrod

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    Very true, I also remember why I cant use it.....the sliders. I run 4 sliders and remember reading about the one shortcoming was abrasion. My winch cable is still in nearly new cond except for the 12' of so I had to cut off the end. Next cable will be the swaged type. A friend runs it on his winch and it's a llittle stiffer but resists crushing on the winch drum.
    images-1.jpg images-2.jpg
     
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  12. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    I found mine on Craigslist, but it came from Winches Plus.
     
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  13. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    that is what I have on "Wendy". I've never used sliders before all my chockers are the "cat" style with the eye. I just clip a few in the hook. So as long as I can avoid dragging it across stuff I think I will be ok.
     
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  14. Flamestead

    Flamestead

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    Good to know about the sliders, as that is how I’m set up, too. A friend had told me me preferred the swagged cable, but I’ve never had a chance to work with it. I suspect this cable has quite a few more years of life left in it.

    Screwloose , your portable winch reminded me of this winch. It is used to help heavy machines maneuver steep slopes. Please keep us updated on how you like your setup over time.
    image.jpg
     
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  15. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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  16. Flamestead

    Flamestead

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    Nice - I like both those winches. It is fun to study how things have been built to be compact yet functional.

    It looks like the drum on your newer winch is relatively small in comparison to snatch blocks I’ve used, so I think the snatch block won’t be a big issue. If you use a self-releasing style you might need to pay particular attention to the style of the edge it releases off, and make sure you don’t get a rough edge over time.

    I’ll post a picture of the one I use with cable later today.
     
  17. amateur cutter

    amateur cutter

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    Thank you, I'll be looking that up in minute!
     
  18. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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  19. Flamestead

    Flamestead

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    F17CC4F8-290C-4329-A438-6AA3F8632017.jpeg
    This one came to me second or third hand. I would think a thicker, rolled edge would be easier on your rope if you were to be using a self-releasing one.