Why Aren't Some Winches Recommended For Lifting Loads?

Question:

I have an 8 ft Walker Bay boat and using a ladder type system to get it on the car roof. I need a little extra helpin bringing it up the ladder and help stabilize it not to fall back. I don’t know why the Dutton laison hand winch wouldn’t work. Woman I talked with said only works for pulling horizontal. Don’t know why it wouldn’t work for me.

asked by: Marilyn F

Expert Reply:

Dutton-Lainson doesn't recommend using a hand winch like their # DL16003 for safety reasons. If a load is in the air and a winch such as the # DL16003 should mechanically fail the load would uncontrollably fall possibly causing injury. That's not to say that the winch WOULDN'T work for said purpose, but it's not recommended that the product be used in that manner.

Using a brake style or a worm gear winch is recommended because once the handle is let loose, the load will still be held in place with less danger of the load falling. I'd recommend using a brake winch such as the Pro Series # PSKR10000301 which will hold the load in place if you let go of the crank without the handle freewheeling and possibly causing injury.

You can see a product video for the winch I recommended by using the provided link.

expert reply by: Mike L