Winch hook orientation and safety concern.

[Michigunman]

From what I have read and been told I always thought that the open/clasp end of the winch hook should face up.  This way if it were to fail/break it would send the cable down not up.

On a recent ride I was connecting a winch cable to a strap and another member said I was doing it wrong and the open end of the hook should be facing down.  I don't care who is right or wrong but I'm kind of a safety advocate and want to make sure myself and others are properly educated in the matter.

What say you fellow Off Road experts?

[cru9]

Good question but not sure there is a correct answer. Just looked up Warn site and in owners manual it shows hook being used both directions

[cru9]

Best solution in my opinion is a saftey thimble

[Michigunman]

Best solution in my opinion is a saftey thimble

Can't argue that but at a 3 digit price point hard to justify.  I've never really heard of a hook failure, but anything can happen.

[cru9]

Best solution in my opinion is a saftey thimble

Can't argue that but at a 3 digit price point hard to justify.  I've never really heard of a hook failure, but anything can happen.

Very true! Another reason to use synthetic rope instead of wire and to use a line weight on really hard pulls

[Big Dave]

You could swap the hook for a D ring.

[Michigunman]

I know I can change attachment device.  There are lots of people in the club running a hook.  Just wanted to make sure we all know the safest way to use them.

[kvom]

I have a safety thimble available for $25.

[Mortalis5509]

It was me and I was taught to hook it facing down. If it was facing downward it would want to go the ground vs facing upward it would want to go up. Spent a while researching that theory and came up dry. Might try again after while.

[clark123456]

I heard/read the same thing as Tripp.  I thought it was in my Warn documentation, but my memory could be failing me.

[Michigunman]

It was me and I was taught to hook it facing down. If it was facing downward it would want to go the ground vs facing upward it would want to go up. Spent a while researching that theory and came up dry. Might try again after while.

Yeah, I was taught the exact opposite.  My Google Foo is weak, having trouble finding anything to say either way.  Will check my Warn books when I get home.

[94xjsport94]

This warn manual thing is hard to read on my computer. It looks like they just use a D ring instead:
http://www.warn.com/corporate/images/90/TechGuide_PN62885-A2.pdf

This says up:
http://www.driveoffroad.com/4wd-school/recovery/hooking-up-the-winch/


That's all I got.