Posted by Winget on April 16, 1999 at 06:32:01:
In Reply to: Winch v. Wench: true humor and Snapper lawnmowers posted by David on April 16, 1999 at 00:44:51:
Your point has merit, I understand the complexity of the situation (sorry about your hand) You will note I said have a helper ride the clutch, and I pointed out that you stop the winch before reaching into it, and that a guide bar was the safest device. I've seen electric winches injure soldiers, they had the similar "pulled into the drum" with their hand (not fun when your 50 miles from nowhere or anyone else to even hear you, luckily he had a radio and we knew where he was). I don't put my hand within three feet of the cable coming into the drum, (and it is at idle speed) the other hand is on the drum brake cluth to throw it out should something go awry. Not all situations are the same, these issues are similar in a line of driving with no Brake disscussions. Things can be done, SAFETY is in how you prepare and execute the task. Even under the best circumstance, accidents can happen. I hope these are the exception, not the rule. If not, I may as well quit now, never touch a welder, torch, tool, etc. and take up stamp collecting (I could get a paper cut)
In conclusion, the advice I gave was appropriate for winding in a cable for storage as asked. (I wouldn't care where the cable goes under load, It should wind in well, or my approach angle is wrong. Cable is cheaper than extermities, if it kinks, I'll just get a new one before needing it again) It's encumbant on the reader to perform the operation safely. Your advice to Not wear gloves must be heard, understood then weighed verses their situation and practice. Best idea yet is to not touch the moving cable. Thanks for the lesson and hopefully readers won't make the same mistake. Regards Winget