obscurotron
Adventurer
I was hoping to get some wisdom about snatch blocks.
First, how does one determine the weight rating you need? I'm thinking since using one halves the work by doubling the pulling power by the winch, that you'd need one rated for at least 50% of maximum winch capacity + safety margin (20%?), so .70 x max winch capacity. My winch is a WARN M8000, rated at 8k lb, so 5600lb.
But I'm also thinking if you run the line from winch -> block -> hardpoint on the bumper holding the winch that you've now distributed your forces in 3 places, so the block only needs to be 33% of max pull plus 20% safety margin. Or, if you wedge the snatch block, then you're doing a straight pull against it (potentially, prior to something failing/snapping), so it should be rated for max pull + 20%, so 9600lb. Which is the best way to figure required capacity and if none of these are sane, please educate me!
Second, I see a broad disparity in prices. For example, a WARN unit (19,000 lb rating) goes for about $60-$65 whereas a Smittybilt can be had for $25 or so (17,600 lb rating) and even more expensive WARN units for upwards of $150 or a mid-priced WARN (only 8000 lb rating) for $40 or so. Is this a name-brand issue or a quality issue? I don't mind spending money for quality and reliability and safety, but I prefer to do so as informed as possible.
What part of the picture am I missing? FWIW, the WARN winch is mounted to a 2004 Tacoma, curbs in about 3700lb and with me and gear probably hits about 4000-4100 (shell, ARB bumper, FROR rear bumper, tools, fuel).
Thanks!
First, how does one determine the weight rating you need? I'm thinking since using one halves the work by doubling the pulling power by the winch, that you'd need one rated for at least 50% of maximum winch capacity + safety margin (20%?), so .70 x max winch capacity. My winch is a WARN M8000, rated at 8k lb, so 5600lb.
But I'm also thinking if you run the line from winch -> block -> hardpoint on the bumper holding the winch that you've now distributed your forces in 3 places, so the block only needs to be 33% of max pull plus 20% safety margin. Or, if you wedge the snatch block, then you're doing a straight pull against it (potentially, prior to something failing/snapping), so it should be rated for max pull + 20%, so 9600lb. Which is the best way to figure required capacity and if none of these are sane, please educate me!
Second, I see a broad disparity in prices. For example, a WARN unit (19,000 lb rating) goes for about $60-$65 whereas a Smittybilt can be had for $25 or so (17,600 lb rating) and even more expensive WARN units for upwards of $150 or a mid-priced WARN (only 8000 lb rating) for $40 or so. Is this a name-brand issue or a quality issue? I don't mind spending money for quality and reliability and safety, but I prefer to do so as informed as possible.
What part of the picture am I missing? FWIW, the WARN winch is mounted to a 2004 Tacoma, curbs in about 3700lb and with me and gear probably hits about 4000-4100 (shell, ARB bumper, FROR rear bumper, tools, fuel).
Thanks!
