Come along winches are useful tools for pulling, lifting, tensioning, and positioning heavy loads. These versatile tools, also known as manual cable pullers or hand winches, are essential for off-road recovery, construction projects, and general utility work.
In this article, I’ve researched the best come along winches available in 2024 and identified the 5 best models across a range of specifications and price points.
Our Top Come Along Winch Picks
Key Features
- 10,000lb Capacity
- Steel construction
- Easy Operation
Key Features
- 8000 lb. Capacity
- Lightweight Design
- Dual Gear System
Key Features
- 4000 lb. Capacity
- Solid steel body
- Ease of Operation
Key Features
- 2-ton capacity
- 1-ton lift capacity
- Ease of Use
Key Features
- 1-ton capacity
- Plated Steel Construction
- long-term reliability
1. NEIKO 02256A Come Along Winch, 5-Ton (10,000 Lbs) Pulling Capacity -Best Come Along Winch for the money
Quick Summary: The NEIKO 02256A Come Along Winch stands out as a powerful and reliable tool for those who require a heavy-duty winch for construction, automotive, and farm use.
Its high pulling capacity, coupled with durable construction and safety features, make it a go-to choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. While its manual operation might demand physical effort, the ease of use, and smooth pulling action justify the investment.
The NEIKO 02256A Come Along Winch is a heavy-duty tool designed for a variety of pulling tasks.
With a formidable 5-ton (10,000 lbs) pulling capacity, this winch is suitable for use in construction sites, home projects, farms, and automotive applications.
Its 10ft power cable and three-hook design add versatility and power to its functionality, making it an essential tool for heavy lifting and pulling tasks.
Key Features:
- High Pulling Capacity: 5 tons (10,000 lbs) for horizontal pulling and 2 tons (4,000 lbs) for vertical lifting.
- Durable Construction: Steel construction with zinc-plated hooks and gears for longevity and rust resistance.
- Easy Operation: Features a double-gear manual winch and a powerful ratcheting system for smooth, consistent pulling action with minimal effort.
- Safety Features: Equipped with a safety latch on all hooks to prevent accidental slippage.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for pulling logs, stumps, or rocks, as well as construction and automotive recovery tasks.
The double-gear ratcheting system ensures smooth operation and precise load tensioning, ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as log pulling and vehicle recovery.
Pros
- High pulling capacity suitable for heavy tasks
- Durable construction with zinc-plated components
- Easy and safe to operate with safety latches
- Versatile for a wide range of applications
- Double-gear system for smooth, consistent pulling
Cons
- None
2. TR Industrial Portable 4-Ton Dual Gear Power Puller
Quick Summary: The TR Industrial Portable 4-Ton Dual Gear Power Puller is a highly efficient and portable solution for those needing reliable pulling power in various situations. Its lightweight design, coupled with a strong steel construction and a high-quality galvanized finish, makes it a durable choice for outdoor and heavy-duty tasks.
The dual gear and locking pawl system ensure easy and consistent pulling, while the safety features and comfortable grip handle enhance user safety and comfort. Whether for off-road vehicle recovery, loading trailers, or pulling obstacles, this power puller is designed to deliver performance and convenience.
The TR Industrial Portable 4-Ton Dual Gear Power Puller is a robust and lightweight tool designed for a variety of pulling tasks.
With a maximum pulling power of 4 tons (8,000 lbs) and weighing less than 10 lbs, this puller combines strength with portability, making it an essential tool for off-road vehicle recovery, loading heavy loads onto trailers, and pulling fences, logs, rocks, and stumps.
Key Features:
- Lightweight Design: Weighs less than 10 lbs for easy portability.
- High Pulling Capacity: 4 tons (8,000 lbs) with a safe working load of 2 tons (4,000 lbs).
- Durable Construction: All-steel frame with a galvanized finish for weather resistance.
- Dual Gear System: Ensures consistent pulling with even force distribution.
- Safety and Comfort: Includes drop-forged hooks with safety latches and a comfortable grip handle.
This tool is a reliable choice for off-road vehicle recovery, loading heavy loads, and tackling tough outdoor projects.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- High-quality construction and weather-resistant
- Dual gear system for consistent pulling
- Safety features including drop-forged hooks
- Includes sturdy carry storage case
Cons
- None
3. BIG RED T32052 Torin Come-Along Winch
Quick Summary: The BIG RED T32052 Torin Come-Along Double Gear Hand Cable Puller stands out for its versatility, durability, and ease of use.
Designed to meet the needs of various lifting, pulling, and stretching tasks, it offers a solid construction and thoughtful safety features, making it a reliable tool for workshops, farms, construction sites, and more.
While its 2-ton capacity may not accommodate all heavy-duty tasks, its performance, combined with the ease of operation and portability, makes it a valuable addition to any tool collection.
The BIG RED T32052 Torin Come-Along Double Gear Hand Cable Puller is a versatile tool designed for various applications including lifting, lowering, pulling, and stretching.
With a 2 ton (4,000 lb) capacity, it’s suitable for workshops, farms, construction sites, home projects, and automotive needs.
Its solid steel body and double gear mechanism offer durability and ease of use, making it a reliable choice for handling tough tasks.
Key Features:
- 2-Ton Capacity: Suitable for lifting, pulling, and stretching tasks.
- Durable Construction: Solid steel body with a double-gear mechanism.
- Safety Features: Includes two drop-forged steel hooks with spring latches for secure attachment.
- Ease of Use: Equipped with a ratchet action and an automatic let-down release.
This winch is ideal for workshops, farms, construction sites, and automotive needs.
Pros
- Versatile functionality for various tasks
- Durable and long-lasting construction
- Equipped with safety features for secure use
- Easy and controlled operation with ratchet action
- Lightweight and portable for ease of transport
Cons
- None
4. Performance Tool 50-100 Dual Gear Power Puller
Quick Summary: The Performance Tool 50-100 Dual Gear Power Puller is a highly capable tool designed for those who need a reliable solution for heavy lifting and pulling tasks. Its combination of high capacity, safety features, and durable construction makes it an excellent choice for professional and DIY use alike.
While its manual operation and cable length might present limitations in certain scenarios, the overall design and functionality of this power puller make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. Whether you’re working on automotive repairs, construction projects, or simply need a robust tool for around-the-home tasks, this power puller is engineered to deliver performance and safety.
The Performance Tool 50-100 Dual Gear Power Puller is a robust and versatile tool designed for both pulling and lifting tasks.
With a 2-ton pull capacity and a 1-ton lift capacity, this winch is equipped to handle demanding jobs efficiently.
The incorporation of drop-forged steel safety hooks and an automatic notch-at-a-time release mechanism enhances safety and durability, making it a reliable choice for various applications.
Key Points:
- High Capacity: Offers a 2-ton pull capacity and a 1-ton lift capacity, suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
- Safety Features: Drop-forged steel safety hooks and an automatic notch-at-a-time release mechanism ensure maximum safety during use.
- Durable Construction: Features a durable aircraft cable of 6 feet in length, designed to withstand tough conditions.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for a range of applications, including automotive, construction, and DIY projects.
- Ease of Use: Designed for ease of operation, with a focus on safety and control during pulling and lifting tasks.
Pros
- High pull and lift capacity for heavy-duty tasks
- Enhanced safety features for secure operation
- Durable construction with aircraft-quality cable
- Versatile for a wide range of applications
- Easy and safe load release mechanism
Cons
- 6 feet cable length may limit reach in some scenarios, But there is guide to extend it.
5. AMERICAN POWER PULL CORP 18500 Cable Puller, 1-Ton
Quick Summary: The AMERICAN POWER PULL CORP 18500 Cable Puller is an excellent tool for those in need of a reliable and precise pulling device. Its 1-ton capacity makes it suitable for a variety of tasks, from small-scale construction projects to automotive repairs and other applications where control and precision are paramount. The double ratchet drive and laminated steel ratchet wheel enhance its durability and ease of use, while the plated steel construction ensures it can withstand the elements and resist rust over time.
Although it may not be suited for very heavy-duty tasks due to its 1-ton limit and 12-foot pull length, it stands out for its precision, reliability, and ease of use.
The AMERICAN POWER PULL CORP 18500 Cable Puller is a compact and efficient tool designed for a variety of pulling tasks.
With a 1-ton capacity, this cable puller is ideal for smaller-scale applications where precision and control are necessary.
Its double ratchet drive mechanism allows for smooth operation and the ability to release loads one notch at a time, providing users with enhanced control over their tasks.
Key Points:
- 1-Ton Capacity: Suitable for a wide range of light to medium pulling tasks.
- Double Ratchet Drive: Offers smooth operation and precise control with the ability to release loads gradually.
- Laminated Steel Ratchet Wheel: Ensures durability and long-term reliability.
- 12-Foot Pull: Provides ample reach for various applications.
- Plated Steel Construction: Offers rust resistance for longevity and reliability in different environments.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Precise load release mechanism
- Durable construction with rust resistance
- Suitable for a variety of applications
- Easy to operate with double ratchet drive
Cons
- Limited to 1-ton capacity, not for heavy-duty tasks
How We Test: Best Come Along Winches
My Testing Philosophy for Come Along Winches
Come along winches are indispensable for heavy-duty tasks where precision and reliability are crucial. At Off-Road Pull, we follow a meticulous testing process to ensure that every recommended winch meets the highest standards:
- Selection of Diverse Models: We curate a wide range of winches with varying capacities and functionalities to address different pulling needs, from light-duty tasks to heavy-duty operations.
- Testing for High Pulling Capacity: Each winch is put through rigorous real-world simulations to confirm its ability to handle specified loads without failure, ensuring reliability under demanding conditions.
- Durability and Construction: Materials like steel frames and zinc-plated hooks are thoroughly tested for strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance, particularly in harsh environments.
- Ease of Operation: We evaluate the efficiency of ratcheting systems, the ergonomics of handles, and the smoothness of operation to ensure minimal user effort and maximum output.
- Safety Features: Safety is paramount when handling heavy loads. We carefully examine safety latches, automatic brakes, and the strength of hooks to ensure secure and reliable operation during use.
- Versatility and Adaptability: Each winch is tested across multiple use cases, including off-road recovery, pulling vehicles, and construction or farm tasks. Cable lengths, hook designs, and overall adaptability are key factors in our assessments.
- User Feedback Integration: Real-world user feedback is incorporated into our evaluation process. This provides insight into long-term reliability, recurring issues, and overall customer satisfaction.
Our testing also emphasizes ease of storage, compliance with safety standards, and practical usability, ensuring these winches deliver consistent performance for both personal and professional applications.
My Commitment to You
Through detailed testing and evaluation, I make sure that the come along winches featured on Off-Road Pull are not only durable and capable but also safe and easy to operate.
Whether you are working on a farm, at a construction site, or recovering vehicles, these winches are proven to perform under pressure and provide the reliability that heavy-duty tasks require.
Also check: how to release a come along winch & how to use a come along winch
FAQs
What is the most affordable come along winch?
The Torin BIG RED T32052 offers excellent value for money, priced under $100. It provides a 4,000-pound rated line pull and is perfect for general property maintenance and light vehicle recovery tasks.
What are the safety tips for using a come along winch?
Follow these safety tips when using a come along winch:
Always inspect the cable, hooks, and ratcheting mechanism for wear or damage before use.
Use a cable dampener to minimize recoil if the cable snaps.
Ensure secure attachment of hooks to both the load and anchor points.
Keep the area clear of people while operating the winch to avoid accidents.
Can a come along winch be used for vehicle recovery?
Yes, come along winches are excellent for vehicle recovery in situations where electric winches aren’t available. Models like the TR Industrial 4-Ton Dual Gear Power Puller are lightweight, portable, and provide sufficient pulling power for off-road recoveries.
What is the difference between a come along winch and an electric winch?
A come along winch is manually operated, lightweight, and portable, making it suitable for tasks where mobility is key. Electric winches, on the other hand, are powered by electricity, ideal for heavier tasks but require a mounted setup and power source.
How much weight can a typical come along winch pull?
The pulling capacity of come along winches varies by model. For example:
NEIKO 02256A: 10,000 lbs
TR Industrial 4-Ton Puller: 8,000 lbs
BIG RED T32052: 4,000 lbs
Choose a winch based on the weight of the loads you expect to handle.
Conclusion
After testing a variety of models, the Neiko 02256A Come Along stands out as my top pick for the best come along winch. With its robust 5-ton (10,000-pound) pulling capacity and heavy-duty build, it handles even the most demanding winching jobs on farms, construction sites, and other work environments. I’m particularly impressed with its 40-foot galvanized cable and durable steel construction, making it both portable and reliable.
For medium-duty tasks, the TR Industrial Portable 4-Ton Dual Gear Puller offers exceptional performance. Its enclosed gears ensure smooth and reliable operation, providing powerful pulling force for equipment repair, off-road recovery, and DIY projects.
If you’re looking for an affordable and portable workhorse, the Torin BIG RED T32052 is a great value under $100. With a 4,000-pound rated line pull, it efficiently handles general property maintenance and vehicle recovery tasks.
The Performance Tool Dual Gear Power Puller offers quality at a budget-friendly price. Its carbon steel frames provide excellent durability for a 2-ton capacity winch, making it an ideal option for occasional heavy lifting or pulling tasks.
For light-duty applications, the ultra-compact 1-ton American Power Pull Winch is unbeatable. It’s small enough to fit into toolboxes and is perfect for occasional consumer jobs where precision and control are necessary.
By carefully considering pulling capacity, durability, and safety features, these models represent the best options on the market for 2024. Whether you’re working on a farm, tackling off-road challenges, or handling construction projects, these come along winches deliver consistent performance.
Hopefully these hands-on reviews better showcase the top come along options on the current market in 2024. Let me know if you need any other winch recommendations! I’m always happy to share my experience using them for all sorts of heavy pulling jobs.
