On Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:37:48 GMT, "BillM"
wrote:


"Ignoramus9168" wrote in
message
m...
As I mentioned earlier, I installed a Harbor Freight
"truck crane" on
my truck. When trying to lift a 300 lbs rotary table into
my truck,
using the crane, the winch jammed. It jammed because
somehow the drum
went off its axis by about 1-2 mm.

Its other problem is that the hub ot the Harbor Freight
winch was very
thin (less than 1 inch, for a 1/4 inch cable). As a
result, the cable
would not wind nicely around the drum and it was a mess
causing some
kinks.

After this jamming, I briefly considered fixing the winch,
but decided
against it.

Instead, I bought a McMaster winch 3644T53. I also bought
a cover for
it (shown on same page 1388). The price was $28 + $7.



If the McMaster winch turns out to be less than perfect,
take a look at
Dutton-Lainson brake winches. Holds a suspended load even
if
you let go of the handle. A little more money, but worth
it.

Can be considerably cheaper in the long run. Think 3 days in hospital
for orthopedic hand reconstruction after being hit by a runaway boat
winch handle. (Been there, done that!)