Roller Winch Fairlead for Steel Cable
The winch fairlead you choose for your wire or synthetic rope is important when it comes to protecting your rope from damage. The following guidelines will help you choose the right winch fairlead for your setup.
Fairlead Choices for Wire Rope
Wire rope should always be paired with a steel fairlead, preferably rollers. Steel cable will eat up an aluminum hawse. If you decide to use a hawse with steel cable, it must be a steel hawse, not aluminum. Some customers choose a hawse for the extra clearance, but rollers will treat your wire rope better.
Just like other equipment, roller fairleads wear out over time and need to be replaced. Keep an eye on the condition of the fairlead and replace as needed.
Fairlead Choices for Synthetic Rope
If you switch from wire rope to synthetic, get a new winch fairlead, preferably an aluminum hawse. Special roller fairleads are available for use with synthetic line as well. A steel hawse should not be used with synthetic rope. If the protective coating wears off, rust will form, and the rough texture of the rust will wear down the rope.
If you switch from wire rope to synthetic, you may also need to purchase a new snatch block. If the groove is roughed up by the wire rope, do not use it with your new synthetic rope, or you could damage the rope.
Aluminum Hawse Fairlead
Why Use an Aluminum Hawse?
Many of our customers have used new roller fairleads for their synthetic rope with no problems. However, roller fairleads are more susceptible to damage (such as weathering and rust), and if damaged, they can easily damage the rope. To protect your investment in your synthetic rope, we recommend using an aluminum fairlead. Buying a new fairlead is cheaper than buying new synthetic rope when your old fairlead chews up the rope.
You’ve probably heard the argument that synthetic rope can get pinched between the rollers. Possible? Yes, but only in extreme cases. In severe angle pulls, the line can get caught on the edge of the roller support up in the corner, causing the line to part under load, but this rarely happens. And if you redirect the line for a straighter pull (which we strongly recommend), it should never be an issue.
An argument that holds more weight is that damage to a steel roller can easily shred your synthetic rope. An aluminum hawse, on the other hand, can be sanded down smooth again if damaged. Other arguments for an aluminum hawse over steel rollers is that synthetic rope is smooth enough that sometimes it doesn’t even move the rollers; aluminum is lighter than steel; and a hawse does not stick out as far as a roller fairlead, allowing a better approach angle.
