Freedom winch line 3.0 from the Bleepin Guy

Got to give him credit though. They used the same marketing to convince folks that more connections are better in the same way that big mining companies came up with the slogan "CLEAN COAL".

There is no such thing as clean coal and fewer connections are always safer.

Now that I’m thinking about this, in what way is a safety thimble better than just a “loop” connection?

F6DCBAA6-6253-49AA-919D-8A8566748BA5.jpeg
 
Now that I’m thinking about this, in what way is a safety thimble better than just a “loop” connection?

View attachment 427349

For starters, that style thimble will damage the hawse fairlead when you suck the thimble into it. Gouges in the fairlead will destroy your synthetic rope. I already posted a picture for you showing how the Safety Thimble prevents that from happening.
 
Now that I’m thinking about this, in what way is a safety thimble better than just a “loop” connection?

View attachment 427349

For starters, that style thimble will damage the hawse fairlead when you suck the thimble into it. Gouges in the fairlead will destroy your synthetic rope. I already posted a picture for you showing how the Safety Thimble prevents that from happening.

This. And add to that most of those steel thimbles do a poor job of protecting the line and do not usually allow the use of a screw pin shackle.
 
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For starters, that style thimble will damage the hawse fairlead when you suck the thimble into it. Gouges in the fairlead will destroy your synthetic rope. I already posted a picture for you showing how the Safety Thimble prevents that from happening.

Adding to what @jjvw said, you also like your fingers right? :)

Is that the only reason?
 
Now that I’m thinking about this, in what way is a safety thimble better than just a “loop” connection?

View attachment 427349

Besides all the other reasons previously noted, that thimble is missing something. It needs a gusset to prevent collapsing under high loads:

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But, even with the gusset, it‘s still inferior to the safety thimble.
 
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Seems like the rope was stronger. If only there was method of connection that utilitized the rope as the eye.

I’m confused. The test report says it broke at over 47,000 lb. That‘s more than two times the breaking strength of most 3/8” synthetic rope…
 
Now that I’m thinking about this, in what way is a safety thimble better than just a “loop” connection?

View attachment 427349

I developed the Safety Thimble many years ago after watching a competition up in the PNW where a competitor had his spotter holding tension on the line while he spooled in. In the heat of the battle, two things happened, the solenoids stuck and the spotter forgot to let go of the Warn style hook. That sucked his hand through the roller fairlead and did some major damage.

I said to myself that there has to be a better way to prevent that from happening while not adding another connection inherent to the device.

My major flaw in all of this is I expected folks to recognize and understand safety and being more safe and clearly I was mistaken that it isn't as obvious as it should be.
 
I’m confused. The test report says it broke at over 47,000 lb. That‘s more than two times the breaking strength of most 3/8” synthetic rope…

I have to wonder at what point the number evens out with a larger diameter pin versus tearing out the holes?
 
I like my fingers more than you like yours.

I make a point of holding the rope in a way where I can let go. Learned that trick from walking the dog when I was little. Still have all 10 and I intend to keep it that way.

At least I don't have a small aluminum cannonball on the line if something does let go under load.
 
I make a point of holding the rope in a way where I can let go. Learned that trick from walking the dog when I was little. Still have all 10 and I intend to keep it that way.

At least I don't have a small aluminum cannonball on the line if something does let go under load.

Some risks are more acceptable than others.
 
I developed the Safety Thimble many years ago after watching a competition up in the PNW where a competitor had his spotter holding tension on the line while he spooled in. In the heat of the battle, two things happened, the solenoids stuck and the spotter forgot to let go of the Warn style hook. That sucked his hand through the roller fairlead and did some major damage.

Just picturing that makes me sick to my stomach. And that's before I even consider that my livelihood would be significantly more difficult less one usable hand.
 
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I developed the Safety Thimble many years ago after watching a competition up in the PNW where a competitor had his spotter holding tension on the line while he spooled in. In the heat of the battle, two things happened, the solenoids stuck and the spotter forgot to let go of the Warn style hook. That sucked his hand through the roller fairlead and did some major damage.

I said to myself that there has to be a better way to prevent that from happening while not adding another connection inherent to the device.

My major flaw in all of this is I expected folks to recognize and understand safety and being more safe and clearly I was mistaken that it isn't as obvious as it should be.

While we’re on this topic, what’s your opinion on kinetic rope/straps?

I’ve seen how useful they can be, but their use always make me uneasy, I’d much prefer controlled winching.
 
While we’re on this topic, what’s your opinion on kinetic rope/straps?
They are exceptionally dangerous when used properly.
I’ve seen how useful they can be, but their use always make me uneasy, I’d much prefer controlled winching.
There are many things you can't do with the average winch and rig. There are many things you shouldn't try to do because if you get a strong enough anchor and enough double line force, you can damage your own rig. That is when the kinetic rope comes out.

But, much like your piece of shit hi-lift, if you don't know what you are doing, leave it to someone who does.
 
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