5/16 in Winch Line

A 5/16 winch line is a lightweight pulling rope sized for portable and vehicle winches used in tree work. Synthetic winch line is lighter and easier to handle than steel cable, and it does not leave broken wire strands to snag your gloves.

Why crews switch to synthetic

Synthetic winch line is a fraction of the weight of steel cable of similar strength, so it is easier to drag to the anchor and safer when something lets go, because it stores less energy than wire. It is also kinder to hands, with no broken wire ends.

At 5/16 in, it suits smaller winches and pulling jobs such as dragging logs to the landing or adding a pull line on a lean. Check the listing for length, construction and rated strength, and compare with other lines in our rigging rope section.

Synthetic line does need more care than steel. It is weakened by heat, sharp edges, UV and chemicals, so keep it off hot exhausts and out of the sun when stored, and use chafe protection where it runs over an edge. A bag keeps it clean and ready.

Using and inspecting it

Stay within the working load limit of the line and every piece of hardware in the system, and keep people out of the bight and line of pull. Protect the line from sharp edges, heat and abrasion.

Inspect it before every job for cut strands, glazing, fused spots and stiffness, and retire it when damaged. Train the crew in winching and rigging under ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions.