Keep these tools in your ATV winch kit just in case.

Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst. If you’re lucky, you won’t need to use your ATV winch kit. But if Murphy has his way, you’d better throw these tools in your recovery winch kit just in case.

1. Tree trunk protector – A tree strap is made with tough nylon with a loop on each end so you can wrap it around an anchor point and secure the winch rope to it with a D-shackle. Although you can use a chain to connect to the anchor point, if you’re hooking up to a live tree, you should only use a tree strap. Chains can kill trees.
2. Gloves – Since the barbs in a wire rope can slice into your hands, we recommend keeping a pair of thick, heavy duty leather gloves in your winch kit. Use the gloves every time you handle winch cable.
3. Hook strap – Always use a hook strap to spool out cable. Never grab the winch hook itself. This keeps your hands free and clear of the winch and cable and prevents you from accidentally getting your fingers caught in the winch.
4. Snatch block – Need more winch cable out? Can’t find an anchor point straight on? That’s where a snatch block comes in handy. You can rig up a double line pull for more winch power or redirect an angle pull to spool the cable directly into the winch.
5. Shackles – A D-shackle (or clevis) connects your tree strap / chain to the winch hook. For safety, make sure the clevis is rated to the capacity of the pull.
6. Choker chain – Use choker chain to hook up to a sharp object (such as a rock) or another vehicle as an anchor point. Chains can kill or damage live trees, however, so use a tree strap if your anchor point is a tree.
7. Booster cables – If your battery dies while winching, you’ll need a set of booster cables to charge it back up. Booster cables also come in handy for roadside emergencies and helping out stranded motorists.
8. Toolbox – Bring along any tools you might need for minor repairs on the fly: wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and other tools.