How to Use a Winch

Co-authored by Kyle Hall Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Off-road driving with your vehicle can be exhilarating, but sometimes you might find yourself stuck on some rocks or in a pit of mud. Fortunately, if you have a winch mounted on your vehicle, you shouldn’t have any problem getting yourself unstuck. To use your winch properly, you’ll need to locate a sturdy anchor to attach it to. Once your winch is rigged, you can slowly pull your vehicle out from whatever it’s stuck in.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Rigging the Winch

Download Article

Your winch should have come with a remote control attached to a long cord. Look for the plug at the end of the cord and attach it to the corresponding receptacle on the outside of the winch. Run the remote control cord from the winch to the driver’s seat and place the remote control in your vehicle.^{[1]
X
Research source}
Never handle a winch cable without gloves on. The cable could cut your hands.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
A large tree trunk, boulder, or other vehicle is ideal. Don’t anchor your winch to something small and weak or you risk breaking it. Try to find an anchor that’s straight in front of your vehicle.^{[3]
X
Research source}
The disengage lever should be located on the outside of the winch. The lever should have an option that says “free spool” or “disengaged.” Turn the lever to that option. This will release the cable so you’re able to manually pull it out from the winch.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Pull the winch cable all the way to the anchor. Don't pull too much of the cable out or you'll create unnecessary slack. Set the end of the cable down next to the anchor.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If the winch cable doesn't reach the anchor, look for another anchor that's closer to your vehicle.
6
Wrap a tree trunk protector around the bottom of the anchor. A tree trunk protector is a thick nylon strap with two loops, one on each end. Wrap the protector around the anchor so the two end loops are facing you. Hold the two end loops in your hand.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If your winch didn’t come with a tree trunk protector, you can order one online or find one at your local hardware store.
A D-shackle is a curved shackle with a large pin that screws in and out of the shackle. Remove the pin from the D-shackle and put the curved part of the D-shackle through both of the loops on the tree trunk protector. Once the loops are on the shackle, reinsert the pin and twist it to tighten it into place.^{[7]
X
Research source}
The winch hook is the hook at the end of the winch cable.^{[8]
X
Research source}
You want the lever to be back in the position it started in before you released the winch cable. This will prevent more cable from coming out of the winch.^{[9]
X
Research source}
Press the button on the remote control to start pulling the winch cable back into the winch. This will cause the winch cable to tighten. Stop pressing the button when the cable is taut.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Pulling Your Vehicle Out

Download Article

It’s important that no one is standing behind or in front of your vehicle. No one should be standing near the winch cable. Always double check before you start pulling with the winch. People could be seriously injured if they’re in the way.^{[11]
X
Research source}
Grab the winch remote control from the front seat and hold it in your hand. Remain in the vehicle the whole time you’re using the winch.^{[12]
X
Research source}
3
Winch the vehicle slowly using the remote control. Don’t try to pull your vehicle out quickly. You want to work slow and steady. Press the button on the remote control to start pulling your car out. You should feel your vehicle moving forward as it's pulled out from whatever it’s stuck in. Release the button every few seconds and then resume winching; this will keep you from going too fast.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- While you’re pulling your vehicle out with the winch, gently press the gas pedal to help move your vehicle forward.
You’ll know you’re on stable ground once your vehicle is flat and you’re able to drive it forward without the help of the winch. With your finger off the winch remote control button, gently press the gas pedal to see if you're able to drive forward.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Unrigging the Winch

Download Article

Leave the D-shackle hooked to the tree trunk protector for now. You'll come back and get those after you take care of the winch cable.
Hold the end of the winch cable in your hand and walk it back in toward the winch as you’re rewinding the cable. Don’t let the winch cable slide through your hands as you’re rewinding it.^{[14]
X
Research source}
Wrap up the cord attached to the remote control. Store the remote control in a dry place in your vehicle.^{[15]
X
Research source}
Remove the pin from the D-shackle and slide the shackle off the loops on the protector. Reinsert the pin in the D-shackle so you don’t lose it. Store the D-shackle and tree trunk protector in your vehicle.^{[16]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Drape a heavy blanket over the center of the winch cable to absorb some of the shock if the cable breaks.^{[17]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Always survey your surroundings before using a winch to pull out your vehicle. Make sure there are no obstacles between your vehicle and the anchor that could interfere with the winch cable.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Never operate a winch unless you’re certain there are no bystanders near the winch cable or behind your vehicle.^{[18]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0