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Winching Basics: A Guide to Safe and Effective Recovery

When you’re off-road and things get tough—deep ruts, soft sand, or steep climbs—a winch can save the day. But using it safely and effectively is just as important as having one.

This beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know, from essential safety steps to winching angles and setup tips.


⚠️ Winching Safety First

Before you hit the button, follow these essential safety rules:

  • Always wear gloves when handling the line.

  • Use a winch dampener or a heavy jacket over the cable.

  • Keep people clear of the winching area—especially in line with the cable.

  • Make sure your anchor point is solid.

  • Always take a strap a shackle and a snatch block with you.




📐 Understanding Winching Angles

Winching works best in a straight line. When the angle increases, so does strain on the winch and your vehicle.

  • 0° (Straight Pull): Ideal

  • 30° or more: Efficiency drops, cable tension increases

  • Use a snatch block to correct angles or increase pulling power





🧲 Using a Snatch Block

A snatch block is a pulley that helps in two key ways:

  • Doubles your winch's pulling power

  • Redirects the cable for angled recoveries

How it works:

  1. Attach the snatch block to a tree strap or anchor point

  2. Feed the winch cable through it

  3. Hook the end of the cable back to your vehicle


Snatch Block Usage
Snatch Block Usage
Snatch Block Safety
Snatch Block Safety

🔁 Step-by-Step Winching Guide

  1. Plan your recovery – Assess risks and choose a safe anchor

  2. Set up your gear – Use rated shackles, tree protectors, and recovery points

  3. Spool out the line – Keep tension and avoid loose coils

  4. Use a dampener – Drape it mid-line

  5. Start winching – Use low gear and steady throttle if needed

  6. Monitor and adjust – Watch cable tension and anchor stability

  7. Re-spool the winch – Once finished, tidy the line evenly on the drum


🧼 Post-Winching Maintenance Tips

  • Clean mud or sand off the winch and cable

  • Check for frays, kinks, or wear

  • Dry and properly store synthetic rope

  • Test electrical connections periodically


If you’re looking for strength, protection, and performance—a THJ bull bar is the ultimate upgrade. Our NZ-made bull bars are engineered for tough terrain and harsh weather, offering:

  • Integrated winch mounting options

  • Superior front-end protection

  • Aggressive, custom styling

  • Durability that stands up to real 4WD use

They’re handcrafted to fit your vehicle and built to perform in the most demanding conditions—so you’re always ready for recovery when it counts.

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