Why should you use a come-along winch for fence installation? It’s safer, tightens wire fences quickly and easily, and saves hours of back-breaking labor. You should never be without a top-rated come-along winch when attempting any type of wire fence installation. A come-along winch in your tool arsenal is simply a must-have, and the advances in technology have made winches stronger, safer, more durable, and easier to use than ever.
What Is a Come-Along Winch?
Also known as a hand winch, a come-along winch is a tool that allows you to pull heavy loads using the power of a winch mechanism. Attached between the object to be moved and a stationary anchor point to pull against, a hand lever tightens the winch. It’s often used to move heavy equipment and pull vehicles out of a ditch or mud and a tried and true method for wire fence installation.
What Are the Hazards of Wire Fence Installation
Wire fencing is usually either a mesh, chain-link, or barbed wire and comes in a roll. The length of the wire fence has to be stretched between supporting posts, and if the wire is not tight enough, it will be floppy and defeat the purpose.
Also, the metal wire will expand in hot weather and start to sag if not stretched tight enough during installation. If not installed taut and near the ground, animals may burrow under it to get in or out of the fenced area. With a winch, you can tighten very long lengths of wire with less effort and keep your hands free of injury on sharp wire ends or barbs.
Even with a winch, it’s important to take proper precautions when working with such fences, like wearing long sleeves and trousers, and have strong shoes.
What to Look for in Modern Come-Along Winches
While the come-along winch mechanism hasn’t changed much, the materials, construction, and design have come a long way. First, consider your pulling needs and how much weight you need the winch to be capable of handling. You can find models rated for one ton, two ton, three ton, and higher.
As well, look for high-grade all-steel construction, preferably with a corrosive-resistant coating such as zinc. The cable should be at least 3/16” gauge braided steel. There are also synthetic cables that are equally strong but may need replacing more frequently. However, a synthetic cable won’t knot and break under high tension, causing injury the way a snapped, whiplashing steel cable can.
A single gear is standard, but there are double gear and double pawl models that offer extra stability and better load distribution. Try to find a longer ratchet handle with a comfortable grip for maximum ease and leverage.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Come-along Winch for Wire Fence Installation?
Delivers several tons of pulling power that could never be achieved by hand
Single person can erect several hundred feet of fence in a day
Avoids injury to hands and fingers by reduced handling of the wire
No power source is required
Suitable for all types of wire fence installation, including chain-link, barbed wire, or mesh of any size
Should fence start to sag, it is easy to stretch again using a come-along winch
Is a compact, portable tool that is easy to carry and easily fits in a toolbox or the trunk of a car
On The Fence About Fence Installation?
There’s a reason the phrase “mending fences” sounds difficult and painful. Fence building is hard work. That’s why leaving fence installation to a professional is a wise choice, saving you time, effort and frustration. Get in touch with One Man & A Toolbox today for a fence installation quote.