[AT] Winch Cable tensioner

[Andy Glines]

> From: Andy Glines <andyglines at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [AT] Winch Cable tensioner
> To: atis <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
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> I put a 12K electric winch on my steam engine trailer.  When there is any slack in the line it developes a terrible birds nest on the drum.  It is impossible to hook up to the engine without having slack at some tiem.  What can I do to keep the cable wrapped tightly on the drum? 		 	   		  
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> Subject: Re: [AT] Winch Cable tensioner
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
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> Andy, roll all of the cable out and stretch it out straight on the ground behind the winch and make sure all of the excess twist is out of it.  Then roll it back on allowing it do drag over the ground freely and try to train it on the reel as you go.   Then winch it down tight and let it sit for a couple of weeks until it gets used to being on the reel.  If that doesn't do it I don't know what to tell you except try a different cable.
> 
> Charlie
> 
Interesting, I never heard of winding the cable on the drum this way.  I did fully unwind the cable then winched it back in with a 19hp Keck Gonnerman on a 2 part line.  It was not free to untwist as it went.