Winch Line Loop vs. Flat Link

Just wondering what is the useful or practical difference between a simple metal loop and a flat link for the end of the winch line? What benefits are there for one or the other? I'd be using a soft shackle on either one for attaching to other vehicle or line. Thanks!

 

wouldnt the pin come out of that flat link so you can feed in that loop on the right?

The loop is meant to have a hook like the thing on the left.

 

Going to assume you mean a hook vs a flatlink? Since hooking up to the loop is not really an option...
Hook:


Flatlink E


If you're planning to use soft shackles I'd recommend the Flatlink E. It's a little less picky on which size/ brand of soft shackle you use.
Hooks are very convenient though. Nothing wrong with them!

 

Yes, that is how to attach the Flatlink if I wanted to, but I am asking why do that? What benefit does the Flatlink add to just using the metal loop?

 

No, I don't mean a hook. I can connect to the loop with a soft shackle no?

What is the benefit of adding a Flatlink E instead of just the loop with soft shackles?

 

This a troll post?

 

Do you think this is a troll post because you are confused?

 

either you're trolling or you're seriously confused. If the latter. use google. watching some youtube with moving pictures.

 

Sure, call me confused. Must be why I made a post asking for information. Why are you unable to reply with anything useful?

 

Now, what you could do is cut that loop off and tie a locking brummel loop into the winch rope. You'd need a yamkum fairlead (or similar) to store your winch rope though.

Pretty slick setup!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug0qAFRKcHY&t=443s


There's no benefit to keeping the small loop without using a hook or link. Using the loop will make rope storage difficult and risk cutting soft shackles.

If you want a super minimalist and safe setup Id recommend the brummel loop.

 

It comes down to what happens when you join loop-to-loop. As load is applied the loops tightens up and at some point (well into max load rating) the individual fibers can pinch which ‘cleaves’ them. Passing fiber strands over a smooth-round surface essentially keeps the fibers in tension (along the length of the fibers) so they can reach their absolute maximum load capability.

Hooks are fine, they are more apt to fail (hook opens up) before a solid Clevis like the Flatlink shears through. This assumes both types of devices are properly designed.

 

If this is legit, you're so confused you need to gain some frame of reference by seeing, and the most useful thing you can do is watch a video. Reading some text replies here are much less useful. You're welcome.

 

Do you think a sheath over the loop would be sufficient?

 

I'm far from an expert but what I can say is that while much depends upon the recovery situation (single line pull, using a snatch block(s), multiple lines, etc.) what I was taught was the loop end of a winch line is connected to a proper recovery point via a hard or soft shackle. That sheath should provide adequate abrasion protection in that regard. Companies like Yankum (which I use) have sheaths on their soft shackles and a hard rubber coating on their Kinetic Rope loops for that very purpose.

I should also clarify something from my prior post about joining loop to loop. What I meant to say is that I've seen some recoveries where a winch line extension was attached to a primary winch line like this:



While that works I've witnessed abrasion at the connection after a hard pull. This is where the sheathing is beneficial. Likewise I've also seen (just once) the use of a soft shackle to connect two loops. Which one is a better connection I hope someone with more experience can answer.

 

I don’t think @RkyMtnMan is confused at all. He’s asking a perfectly legitimate question. If my winch rope has a loop at the end, what’s the point of adding a second (pretty, anodized, billet aluminum) loop onto the first loop?

Have I got it right, Rock?

 

I need to research what matrix trolls are

https://www.masterpull.com/winch-puck/

 

Haha, exactly my question!

 

Ignore the jerks who just say GTS. They misunderstand the purpose of a forum.

I have a flat link because it lays tight against my fairlead. I didn't want the loop potentially rubbing against anything while not in use.

 

I did the same. I also got the cover so none of the synthetic cable is exposed to the sun. Probably overkill but so is most of the shit I've got for the 4runner

 

OP, I know what you are thinking and asking.

I actually think just the loop is perfectly useable. I mean, that loop is what secures the clevis on the hook, the pin to the Flatlink, or the connecting point for any other 'end of rope" device; so obviously it's strong enough. By not putting a hook on the end of it, you're actually taking one extra thing out of the equation as a point of possible failure. I see absolutely no reason why you couldn't run just that loop with a soft shackle and be very successful doing it.

I actually just sold a Flatlink because I wanted to just use the winch hook. It seems way more usable in almost every circumstance than a Flatlink, which would require you to add a bow shackle to it to make it usable. And although that's not exactly what you're asking, the concept is the same: if you can have less things and less points of failure, you're in a better position. I did think long and hard about dropping down to just using the loop, but in the end my thoughts were that having a hook already attached is easier to use in a hurry than having to attach some sort of shackle to an open loop.

 

Thank you all for the recent replies and exactly the input I was looking for. I am leaning towards the flat link for the easy storage up against the fairlead. The hook isn't as easy to cinch up and store but whatever I do I'll definitely consider the bend radius as it relates to the eye size.

 

If you are getting a Flatlink I would suggest getting the E model as it is more useable. The standard really only seems useable with 3/4" bow shackles.

 

OP this may be interesting

https://youtu.be/oIN2l50J1JE?si=KtdbfDPsnHO-YCXX

 

That's a really good recommendation. I had bought the regular Flatlink...should have gone with either the E(xpert) or the Multimount.

 

Thanks for the link! He made a lot of great points about each and this screenshot I grabbed covers most of it all except the storage ability against the fairlead. The hooks really are a pain to store but I'm intrigued how he stores either the line's loop or a soft shackle with a wooden dowel. I'd use a hitch pin I think.....

 

Warn sidewinder for easy storage against the fairlead. Or that flat one in the Pic as suggested.

 

I use the Agency 6 shackle, which is closed loop and can pull up against the fairlead with no problem.

 

Yeah I like the Factor 55 Loop Guard which I learned about in that video...but Jesus, $75 for basically a hitch pin with a cover over it. If that was $25 it'd be a fair price.