A tool for winding winches with a drill?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by mhhousley, Jan 5, 2012.

  1. mhhousley

    mhhousley Bobtail Member

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    Okay, maybe I'm lazy, maybe I see it as a time saver, especially over time, maybe it's both.

    But i'm wondering, what is the best tool for winding up straps or taking the slack out of them before tightening? I was hoping there was some kind of drill attachment or some other hand tool you could use to quickly wind up the winches while keep a hand free to keep the strap untwisted and straight.

    My company leaves the straps on the winches on the trailer when not used.

    Any and all help would be appreciated.
     
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  3. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    3/8 allan key/hex bit. works like a charm. watch for the swinging hook!
    :yes2557:
     
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  4. mhhousley

    mhhousley Bobtail Member

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    You mean just like a regular L shaped allen wrench? Do you use a drill on your winches?

    I'd say the swinging hook can be dangerous as I about bust my b*lls even when I'm winding by hand. lol
     
  5. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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  6. mhhousley

    mhhousley Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for your reply. But that is to wind up loose straps. I want something that can turn the actual winch and pull the slack out of the strap, and/or wind the strap all the way up. Our company leaves the straps on the winches and we do not pull them off and roll them up which is what this tool is for. Plus I want something that doesn't require two hands so you can keep one hand free to guide the strap from tangling or twisting.
     
  7. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    That is exactly what it is used for, to wind up straps while on the winch. It is what u asked for, but aparenty this is too much manual labor for you as well??? As for taking out the slack all u have to do is wind in up to the end and pull tightly on it. A drill is not going to get the slack out enough and if it was that powerful you would want to use 2 hands on It as it is going to break your wrist when it torques down.
     
  8. mhhousley

    mhhousley Bobtail Member

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    You're right, I didn't look at it closely the first time. It's not about the labor but time. But if I do save some energy, that's not necessarily lazy is it? Say you unstrap a load that has say 10 straps. You've got all those straps laying in the lot beside your trailer and it takes a good 10 minutes at least just to get the straps wrapped back up around the winches. The tool you posted would be quick I'm sure but doesn't that present a problem with the straps getting twisted while you wind them up? I know when I'm turning the winches by hand I have to stop after about 5-10 winds to straighten the straps back out. You don't always have the room to stretch them out straight as you wind them up.

    I was partial to the drill idea because you could have a free hand to guide the strap.

    Again, thanks for your reply.
     
  9. mhhousley

    mhhousley Bobtail Member

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  10. mhhousley

    mhhousley Bobtail Member

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    I also found another one just now on Youtube... look how much faster it is!

    I'm just wondering why he is using such a narrow strap on that winch for his demonstration...

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0qSIrbJ2OI[/ame]

    Here is another good video:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aUS34YKSY4
     
  11. Mommas_money_maker

    Mommas_money_maker Road Train Member

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    Leaving the straps on your winches is pretty dang lazy and a cause for heartache during the winter when that sucker gets wet and freezes up on the winch. Its also a good way to get someone hurt by throwing the hook over the trailer. Get a good strap winder that can even pull straps sideways without breaking. Mine cost 45 bucks but have had it for 4 yrs, no breaking and will garauntee my straps are wound up tight and in the box faster than you can screw around with your drill and all the other crap.
     
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