i was calling the shackle a "bow pin shackle" for some reason today which is wrong of course. It's a screw pin bow shackle lol! have no idea why I did that over and over, but I did.
@@JustinKingOffroad it's amazing to me how little lift JL's need to comfortably fit 35+ tires. I just finished putting in long arms and going from 6 to 7 inch so I can get 35's on my wife's ZJ for her without losing flex. My old Yj's a different story, but still. I love your wheels and ran those tires on my Yj for a while, really liked them. Your Jeep looks fantastic, take care of her.
I’ve got an X-Lock. It’s an incredible tool for professional recovery applications. When used properly, it’s breaking strength exceeds many other recovery items, making it an incredible piece of kit. It’s got many uses and can be an invaluable tool when you’re in an unusual situation. I’ve been asked several times “what’s that thing”, “why do you have that” or the like...and once people see its specific purpose, it often makes more sense to them. Most folks are extremely familiar with traditional recovery methods. This is simply a new tool for the advanced recovery toolbox, and is unfamiliar to many. It never hurts to think out of the box, and sometimes doing so can save the day. Well done Justin!
The videos are at least as valuable without a winch because any vehicle can exert pull. That's why I keep gear in all my trucks. BTW a truck can drive much faster than any conventional winch can spool. I use that advantage with long wire and synthetic ropes to preload then control tree falls by pulling them all the way down with my trucks, and between snatch blocks and sufficient length I'm nowhere near the tree when it drops. I also drag scrap vehicles and while I have some very nice industrial Ramsey winches it's usually faster to pull by vehicle.
Years ago I assembled rigging to pull stumps out of my yard, and was attracted to using dyneema winch line, but diverted due to a lack of slack tending with dyneema lines....this Lock opens my perspective to many more winching options! Thanks for demonstrating!
Justin thanks for all of your tips. Been 4 wheeling since I was 16 and I’m 48 now still going strong keep up the great work. Don’t let the “experts” get you down.
Thanks for the video. This clears up a lot of questions. I don't yet have a winch, but I'm trying to line out what accessories I want to pick up with the initial purchase. My rig is a light weight, stretched 48 Willys CJ2A. I know that I don't need a _lot_ of winch to recover myself, but my wife has a 2000 Discovery II. I need to equip the jeep to be able to recovery a vehicle that weighs as much as (or a bit more than) twice what mine does. Current setup is a 1948 Willys CJ2A stretched 24" from the dealership in Spokane Wa. in 1948. Powertrain is stock 48 with the exception of a '67 Dauntless 225 V6 and a '67 offset narrow-track Dana 44 rear on stock 5:38 gears. Tires are 235/85R-16s on stock 4.5" rims, Rancho 2.5 inch lift springs for a genuine dump-truck ride (OMFG I hate it. Wish I had OME springs) . With the stretch and oversize tires (to maintain breakover angle) the turning radius is about as good as a WWII aircraft carrier. I'm thinking about fabbing either individually lockable rear brakes for 'pivot steering' or low-budget rear steering.
That’s pretty cool! It’s like a Scarb rescue tool, we used that a lot for rope rescue. I can see why people get confused on how they work, I think if I didn’t have an understanding of how rope rigging, I’d be confuse too. I bet I can use that X lock for repelling too since it’s load rated! 👍
Thanks Justin! When I saw you use it on a recovery , I wasn’t quite sure why. Now I get it! This will make a great addition to my kit in my JK! Thanks for taking the time!!
The world is full of YT "experts" now days, 98.9% haven't had to do complex recoveries and 90% don't even own a 4wheel drive let alone a trail rig. You owe them no explanations imo. My wife and I are Colorado natives and have been running these trails for 20yrs, we've gotten people out of some ridiculous situations. They read the brochure on their newly bank broke Rubicon and think they know, but until you're there you really don't.
Went through that selling the last couple of 4wds, so many didn't know what lockers did, the difference between high and low on the x-fer case, etc ,etc.
Great info. Great to see actual technique and product use. Honestly, I didn't know that X-lock was out there. Looks like another tool to go into the recovery gear box. Safe-Xtract even has clear directions on how to setup also. Learn something new every day. Thanks.
I was trying to figure out how to shorten extension lines; you’ve readily answered my question! I’m trained in rope rescues and have some very distant commercial heavy recovery experience but couldn’t figure out how to do what you easily demonstrated! We use prussiks and secondary lines & anchors but I don’t think those techniques are viable with these lines and equipment. Thanks for two very clear and understandable videos on the topic!
woo hoo!! glad this helped. i had plans to make a 3rd version of this video with I4WDTA certified trainers and we were put on hold due to a corona virus exposure. hopefully we can do that soon...
@@brunoterlingen2203 I was sitting here wondering the same thing. I am no high end expert on knots but it seems that a sheep shank would serve the same function.
Justin - I bought this right after seeing part 1. Great bit of kit! Hope not to have to use it too often but really happy to have it in my kit. Would be great to see a demo of the manual belay. Part 3?! Thanks for sharing.
Don't let the internet keyboard warriors get to you. You explained this the same way my I4WDTA instructor explained it in a winch class I took several years ago. I'll take I4WDTA information over internet keyboard warriors any day. And the more subscribers you get the more keyboard experts you get....it's the TH-cam way.
Great explanation of the use and how it works. I like the xlock. And if people had paid attention in physics you would not have had to explain so much. I'm on 5th jeep and live in Montana for 33 years. Seen alot of crap by people who know better. Lol very well done
Thank you that was very helpful what I got out of it was your winch when it out at 100 foot only has so much pull in so when you put one of them shackles on it you strengthen your pole I’m new at this song watching a lot of videos
And keep doing what you do. You've had hours and hours of training, on-scene training and talk with now what is a trained eye and hand for the situation (scene). I'm a small town volunteer and we are working on growing our equipment and training. So I know what it takes to just be available to find the time to put in.
Thanks for the second video but I went and added an x-lock to my recovery after the first video. It is a wonderful piece to add to your recovery here in colorado.
I am also going to extend a massive thank you. I have been watching your videos only a little while (but have been four wheeling and training for an extended period) and they have made my extended recoveries much simpler and probably a lot, lot safer. I've also been watching a US Towie named Ron Pratt and his Midwest Truck recovery videos. Also, I had the wreck of a car removed (long, painful story) here on the weekend and the tow truck driver was seriously the work experience guy. He had NFI (No Idea. The F is said silently) literally none. I got my 4wd and winch out, moved the car into a spot were he couldn't fail, but somehow I had to end up doing THE LOT. It was embarrassing for the guy. So, THANK YOU. You would be welcome around my campfire at any time, mate!
Great video - I have a 12 ton Champion winch for a seasonal use rear hitch pull on my snow plow truck. The problem with a cheap winch (Champion or harbor freight) is that line pile up on a sideways retrieve will pile up and easily break the housing once it exceeds the diameter of the full spool. I need to minimize the retrieve line stacking diameter to avoid a major winch break down (broken housing). This tool will do it by putting most of the line off the spool. I am going to buy one. The housing repair parts were only $30 and about an hour of repair time, but having a broken winch when you have to pull yourself out backwards is a major inconvenience. I rebuilt my neighbor’s harbor freight winch front mounted winch for the same breakdown. Thank you.
Very detailed explanation, sad that too many still will not understand it, not to be mean just a fact. My only comment would be the shackle at the tree with a rope should have a centering spindle to keep the pull centered on the pin. I do not have spindles for my shackles either but I know I should. I hope you ignore the chaff you get from trying to educate people, most that learn from you will not comment and too many that do not really have a clue will comment because they need to complain. Stay safe, have fun Justin
Thanks for the video. I had never seen an X-Lock for winching. Very similar to a climbers figure 8, in a lot of ways. I'll keep my eyes open for one. And once I get rope winch line, I may actually get to use it. 🙂
Good info thanks. Only area where i could see an issue when bending your line over the shackle pin the pressure of the line if touchng the exposed threads could could damage your synthetic line. Those threads are course and tend to be sharp.
Too funny. Folks thought the rope was sliding through the x-block during a pull!!?! If that were the case I’d be more worried about starting a fire with it becoming red hot. Thanks Justin. We all learn this stuff but it’s always nice to see it “boiled down” to it’s most base level.
you are the ONLY person on youtube that say that "you lose 10% for each layer of winch line" Every i see on youtube they only use what the need, you are the only one that uses ALL of your winch line .....
It is FACT.... but... hypothetical using easy numbers I have a 3 ton truck, a 6 ton Winch. With a snatch block I can pull 12 ton... with your toy I can still only pull 6 ton.
@@Zraupp10 if you read the winch manufactures instructions it says so, my smittybuilt has the actual line pull for each layer on the winch, I guess Justin is one of the few on youtube who actually read the instructions
Great explanation. 1 point of improvement. If you put the looped end in first, you can place the single line thru exactly where you need it and minimize or eliminate the sliding that you've been doing in the last 3 or 4 videos.
You are correct on soft sling Justin. The Falcon 55 destruction tests, which can now be viewed online haters, actually proved your statement on proper knot placement. Nice explanation video.
you have all equipment to use is right, but if you don't have tree or rock around to hook the line to pull the car out mud or snow, what equipment you needs to whole the line to winch the car? did you think a bout the Anchor or pole drive? in this v d o you have the tree to hook the line . I care anchor home made and the drive pole + hand winch + ropes with me while I think I'm off the road alone .
Nice video and it explains it well. I am sure some sort of knot would be able to do the same thing albiet not as tidy. If it wasn't so expensive I would be all in. Gonna have to find that knot to get the job done otherwise.
Great explanation of x block( take I got up slack to you getting all available pull from winch) you and team are safe , methodical recovery team. Very impressed👍🏻🇺🇸
Ive used a small log( green 2 to 3 ich x 1 foot or so) in the same concept. Spiral wrap the main line and use the slack loop around the main and over the jeeps end and then do the same on the anchor end of the log. Bungee half of a tarp around it leaving the other half loose as a wind drag in case s$#/ lets loose. Good vid. Thanks stay safe!!
You just answered my dilemma . I have an old 7/8 nylon rope 100 foot long I use with my come along for recovery purposes. I want to replace the nylon rope with synthetic rope but not sure on which knots to use. That bow shackle is the answer I am looking for , Thank you.
And from the looks of it you could use the x-lock to divide the load between to smaller tree or even three depending on the situation. Where I'm from it's clear cuts and smaller trees
I've pulled trees out of the ground and some were just pulled over pulling others out with a blocked 12000 with tree savers and winch extensions. Thought about getting a Land anchor
So the mechanical advantage comes from the smaller diameter of the spool? Basically the X lock is like a strong sheep shank taking up slack and shorting the rope. ? Right?
Great video, after the last one I figured this was going to be in my tool box once I become a big boy and actually get a winch lol. This video should leave no questions to how and why this works.
Nice work, the question I have is... Why do you not drape a coat, canvas tarp or burlap bag in the middle of the working line. To slow it down, should it fail?
Thanks for a great video! I haven't needed to recover a vehicle but I can certainly apply this knowledge (and an X-lock) when gathering/cutting firewood.
Why dont you use a winch dampener blanket? yes, i know that when synthetic rope breaks it is suppose to just drop to the ground, but in reality there is always the chance that it could send a bow shackle or x link etc through your windscreen. In Australia we are regularly told to use a dampener blanket (or anything with weight to go over the line)
that is not going to stop anything flying back at you, all it does is hurl the damper too. why add the flying mass to the line? lots of videos out there showing dampers not working.
Nice job on the demo of the x lock....I would have put your Jeep on the frame in ruts of the mud bog on green ridge and showed a series of x- lock advantages over a pulley block but that idea literally went up in flames!
Good demo, I’ve never been in that situation but I can see how useful it could be. I carry an extra winch rope but I’ve never considered how I would deal with the extra slack in the line.
Justin, you did a great job!!! Good clean demo, nice tone, CLEAR WORDING, good video. I have been a truck restorer in Iowa('67-'72 Chevy/GMC 4x4's) for 35 years, nearly 350 body-off-framers done.Dealt with usage and install of hundred and hundreds of winches mounted EVERYWHERE(except cab roof) LOL. This is a CHEAP and great little device you have. Gonna order one(or two) right now. One thing I saw wrong and one thing only in your vid. Buddy you have to ALWAYS and this is the main take-away of the day use a line suppressor, damper, absorber, whatever ya want to call it. If that winch line ---I don't give a damn if it's made of bamboo strips ever snaps and has a flesh covered object(human or animal) in it's way----it's dead or would hope to be !!!!!!! Saw one accident ---don't want to see another!!!! Thumbs up!!!! Jim
We have done pretty extensive testing with winch line dampers and they don't do anything. The line still recoils your best bet is to not be anywhere near it.
@@JustinKingOffroad Years ago I spoke to the actual Dyneema engineer in Holland and there is no need for a dampening device: if the Dyneema rope breaks, it falls to the ground "like a broken woman's stocking" (his words).
Thank You for this demonstration. Such a simple yet complex tool. I definitely plan to get one. Question: I’ve never used the soft shackles, been wheeling for many many years and only used the “d-rings” as us Texans call them. Have you ever had the soft shackles fail or come loose under load?
i have not had one fail but i also stay inside their "WLL" (aka Working Load Limit). i've wondered about them coming loose but i've never had that happen either. seems to be a pretty solid product. the 2 you saw in the video today are my primary use shackles, they have some wear on them and have held up fantastic.
Nice instructional video. Not seen one of those before. A stake in the ground would have proved to the doubters that the x thing didn't move. Only observation I have from both of your videos is I find I get a better grip on the Leatherman type tool if i don't open the pliers and just put the points in the eye of the shackle. I do lever in the same direction just so I am not bending the tool sideways. If really stuck I have put a smaller shackle in the eye and a bar in the smaller shackle. Even without a winch these would be good to have for any use where the ability to shorten the rope quickly and easily is an advantage.
The only winch I have is on my tiltbed trailer. But I use steel cable. I don't have enough experience with rope and I don't use the winch on a regular basis. Watching your recovery vids, takes some guts driving the GOAT TRAILS you do recoveries on. Great vids. Thank you for this vid.
steel on a trailer is probably just fine cause the loads are very small. synthetic rope is stronger (at smaller diameters) and much safer to work with. if you do ever get a winch on a vehicle, highly recommend rope over steel just from the ease of working with it (and safety).
I liked the first video, but if some didn't understand that one, I think this video should clear it up for them. Keep up the good work! Oh, I haven't bought one yet, but the X-lock is still on my list.
great question and yes you nailed it. the drum on a winch is like the front (pedal side) gears of a bike. the smaller the sprocket the easier it is to pedal. the larger the diameter of the rope stacking on the drum, the harder it is for the winch to work to free you.
Brilliant! Effectively making an anchor rope variable length. A 300 foot long anchor rope can theoretically be reduced to 100 feet over multiple pulls using the same rope and winch line without ever having to disconnect. Just relocate the X-Lock between pulls..
if our ever in a bind and don't have a enough space even to just use your strap fully extended you can basket your strap and make it shorter to. also a strap in a basket configuration around a tree with ends meeting a shackle around sturdy enough object works amazingly well to
sooo instead on attaching the slack to the same point. could you attach the slack to a second point to share the load eg if that one point wasnt stong enough 1 tree looking abit weak to risk pulling on so you use 2 weak trees
in regards to the multiple lines coming off the x-lock back to the vehicle, probably not. but you can move the whole re-direct to a tree if you needed to lighten load on your bumper when pulling. it's situation specific. if you are recovering yourself 2:1, you have to go to yourself otherwise you just have a 1:1 on a redirect.
I don't even own a winch but recovery videos are interesting and this thing is pretty cool. But I'm a little confused, is the point of this thing over a snatch block in the case that your winch line won't reach the anchor point and then come all the way back to a second anchor (ex. your rig or another tree or something)? Otherwise if you're having trouble getting out would a snatch block not provide more power (especially if you doubled up on pulleys)?
That is a sensational video. All of the information was very clear and makes perfect sense. (Only because I can't wrap my head around the loss of power per wrap. Like, I understand the physics and the equations, but it's still not siting. It will come to me - likely at 2am after a solid lubrication session around a campfire - but it's not there yet :) )
If you understand gears and how larger tires affect power you can think of the drum as a gear getting larger or as each wrap is on it is a larger size tire.
I don’t 4x4 myself. I do have experience rigging stuff for crane lifts. I don’t know how someone would thing that recovery rope could possibly move during recovery. That x ring is pretty slick.
Great video, thanks for explaining why the hell I need an x lock. I’m really sorry you have to deal with some of mindless folks that feel the need to make comments when they should stick to crayons.
After watching you last Video I shorten my Winch Cable from 90 to 50 feet... I so hate dealing with 90ft of Rope on the Spool... Made total sense regarding Winch Load, and 90% of the time I’m pulling myself off a Rock five feet😳... I then bought 50 feet of Winch Extension Cable to use when needed 👍 ... I’m having a tough time finding the X Lock ... Thoughts 🤔
I designed a dual spool winch that would eliminate the need for any of this rigging. First spool has three wraps second spool winds the line. Downside was difficult to freespool and the size was a bit larger than most would want to deal with.
May not b a good question no need for a big video but i see you use poly rope instead of wire in the winch. One thing I know for sure is weight matter but what is the different of the strength. Thx for the videos I don't have to pay for training lol.
The higher strength synthetic rope lines (HMPE, or High Modulus PolyEthylene-based line in particular) can be stronger than steel cable of the same diameter when comparing the same strength rating.
Definitely a nice thing to have for a worst case scenario. 99% of the time nobody would ever need this but that 1% time you get stuck along way from anything you'd be glad you had it. It don't take up any space.
also I forgot to mention if you can and if companies will give them to you use industrial straps and the reason behind this is those 100% have to be rated for that lifting capacity on the plastic tag only reason you should turn on down is if it's already frayed on the outsides or in the in-pieces are showing also kudos to you for un-loosening your shackle after you tightened it amazing how many people over tighten them then cant get them off after putting a good size load on them
Hi Justin, I've really enjoyed your recovery videos but I have a question about your winch line and the minimum bend radius math. You mentioned the minimum bend radius is 1.5 x rope diameter which is the same as what Samson Rope recommends but they state it as a minimum bend diameter being 3x the rope diameter (equivalent to radius of 1.5x rope diameter since 2x radius = diameter). To meet the minimum bend diameter for 5/16" winch line would require a shackle pin diameter of 15/16" but you said you were using a 3/4" shackle. It sounds like the pin diameter may be a little undersized for your winch line. You should probably be using a bow shackle with a 1" pin, not only to meet the minimum bend diameter for you winch line, but to also increase the safety margin of the bow shackle relative to your line strength.
there is a big difference between overhead lifting ratings and recovery. The I4WDTA trainer states 1.5 times the diameter of the rope for offroad rigging retains 90% of the pull rating of the rope. so that needs to be calculated into the recovery equation as well. 7/16 = .4375, * 1.5 = .565 inches, which is under .75 pin size of a shackle.
i was calling the shackle a "bow pin shackle" for some reason today which is wrong of course. It's a screw pin bow shackle lol! have no idea why I did that over and over, but I did.
Just curious about your tire size/lift?
Right now its a Mopar 2 inch lift but I'm looking at changing that out. Tires are 35s.
@@JustinKingOffroad it's amazing to me how little lift JL's need to comfortably fit 35+ tires. I just finished putting in long arms and going from 6 to 7 inch so I can get 35's on my wife's ZJ for her without losing flex. My old Yj's a different story, but still. I love your wheels and ran those tires on my Yj for a while, really liked them. Your Jeep looks fantastic, take care of her.
Always called it a clevis hook myself.
Just shackle will do.
I’ve got an X-Lock. It’s an incredible tool for professional recovery applications. When used properly, it’s breaking strength exceeds many other recovery items, making it an incredible piece of kit. It’s got many uses and can be an invaluable tool when you’re in an unusual situation. I’ve been asked several times “what’s that thing”, “why do you have that” or the like...and once people see its specific purpose, it often makes more sense to them. Most folks are extremely familiar with traditional recovery methods. This is simply a new tool for the advanced recovery toolbox, and is unfamiliar to many. It never hurts to think out of the box, and sometimes doing so can save the day. Well done Justin!
I don't even have a winch and these are fun to watch and learn from.
🤦
I thought I was the only one...lol
The videos are at least as valuable without a winch because any vehicle can exert pull. That's why I keep gear in all my trucks. BTW a truck can drive much faster than any conventional winch can spool. I use that advantage with long wire and synthetic ropes to preload then control tree falls by pulling them all the way down with my trucks, and between snatch blocks and sufficient length I'm nowhere near the tree when it drops. I also drag scrap vehicles and while I have some very nice industrial Ramsey winches it's usually faster to pull by vehicle.
A very good demonstration of the mechanics involved in correct winching practices. Well done Justin 👍
thanks!
Thanks for clearly describing the use of X-Lock. This is the first time I've seen its use demonstrated
Glad it was helpful! a very handy piece of equipment to have in the bag!
Years ago I assembled rigging to pull stumps out of my yard, and was attracted to using dyneema winch line, but diverted due to a lack of slack tending with dyneema lines....this Lock opens my perspective to many more winching options! Thanks for demonstrating!
I know nothing about shackling and towing - yet I could follow and understand all of it! - Great vid mate, very well narrated keep it up!
Justin thanks for all of your tips. Been 4 wheeling since I was 16 and I’m 48 now still going strong keep up the great work. Don’t let the “experts” get you down.
Thanks for the video. This clears up a lot of questions. I don't yet have a winch, but I'm trying to line out what accessories I want to pick up with the initial purchase.
My rig is a light weight, stretched 48 Willys CJ2A. I know that I don't need a _lot_ of winch to recover myself, but my wife has a 2000 Discovery II. I need to equip the jeep to be able to recovery a vehicle that weighs as much as (or a bit more than) twice what mine does.
Current setup is a 1948 Willys CJ2A stretched 24" from the dealership in Spokane Wa. in 1948. Powertrain is stock 48 with the exception of a '67 Dauntless 225 V6 and a '67 offset narrow-track Dana 44 rear on stock 5:38 gears. Tires are 235/85R-16s on stock 4.5" rims, Rancho 2.5 inch lift springs for a genuine dump-truck ride (OMFG I hate it. Wish I had OME springs) .
With the stretch and oversize tires (to maintain breakover angle) the turning radius is about as good as a WWII aircraft carrier. I'm thinking about fabbing either individually lockable rear brakes for 'pivot steering' or low-budget rear steering.
That’s pretty cool! It’s like a Scarb rescue tool, we used that a lot for rope rescue. I can see why people get confused on how they work, I think if I didn’t have an understanding of how rope rigging, I’d be confuse too. I bet I can use that X lock for repelling too since it’s load rated! 👍
Love my scarab, super easy and skookum as hell
@@09vanjes any chance ' skookum as.....' is an AvE reference...?
Thanks Justin! When I saw you use it on a recovery , I wasn’t quite sure why. Now I get it! This will make a great addition to my kit in my JK! Thanks for taking the time!!
The world is full of YT "experts" now days, 98.9% haven't had to do complex recoveries and 90% don't even own a 4wheel drive let alone a trail rig. You owe them no explanations imo. My wife and I are Colorado natives and have been running these trails for 20yrs, we've gotten people out of some ridiculous situations. They read the brochure on their newly bank broke Rubicon and think they know, but until you're there you really don't.
ROFLOL!!! That was an excellent response.
Went through that selling the last couple of 4wds, so many didn't know what lockers did, the difference between high and low on the x-fer case, etc ,etc.
@@Sumitso if someone doesn't know what lockers are, they probably shouldn't be anywhere you may need them lol.
yjjeeper1 o
Great Video. Great explanation of how and why.
Great info. Great to see actual technique and product use. Honestly, I didn't know that X-lock was out there. Looks like another tool to go into the recovery gear box. Safe-Xtract even has clear directions on how to setup also. Learn something new every day. Thanks.
Awesome Justin. I watched the first episode and was confused. This video EXPLAINS it better and now I understand the use better.
yeah the first one was pretty fast and didn't really explain anything in detail, just showed it's use in a quick config.
I was trying to figure out how to shorten extension lines; you’ve readily answered my question!
I’m trained in rope rescues and have some very distant commercial heavy recovery experience but couldn’t figure out how to do what you easily demonstrated! We use prussiks and secondary lines & anchors but I don’t think those techniques are viable with these lines and equipment.
Thanks for two very clear and understandable videos on the topic!
woo hoo!! glad this helped. i had plans to make a 3rd version of this video with I4WDTA certified trainers and we were put on hold due to a corona virus exposure. hopefully we can do that soon...
Use of a "sheep-shank" will shorten any line.
@@brunoterlingen2203 I was sitting here wondering the same thing. I am no high end expert on knots but it seems that a sheep shank would serve the same function.
Justin - I bought this right after seeing part 1. Great bit of kit! Hope not to have to use it too often but really happy to have it in my kit.
Would be great to see a demo of the manual belay. Part 3?! Thanks for sharing.
i like your thinking!! i'll need a helper for part 3. i'm sure i can find one!
@@JustinKingOffroad I'd be happy to help. Seriously. And, I'm local to you.
That's a really nifty piece of gear, thank you for sharing.
My friend use to be in vehicle recovery learned alot about this stuff. Great video
Don't let the internet keyboard warriors get to you. You explained this the same way my I4WDTA instructor explained it in a winch class I took several years ago. I'll take I4WDTA information over internet keyboard warriors any day. And the more subscribers you get the more keyboard experts you get....it's the TH-cam way.
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! so true. so very very true!
OPIEON ARE LIKE ASS HOLE EVERYONE GOT ONE AND THEY ALL STINK, I THANK U DID A GOOD JOB
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos much appreciate it I’m learning a lot.
Great explanation of the use and how it works. I like the xlock. And if people had paid attention in physics you would not have had to explain so much. I'm on 5th jeep and live in Montana for 33 years. Seen alot of crap by people who know better. Lol very well done
Thank you that was very helpful what I got out of it was your winch when it out at 100 foot only has so much pull in so when you put one of them shackles on it you strengthen your pole I’m new at this song watching a lot of videos
And keep doing what you do. You've had hours and hours of training, on-scene training and talk with now what is a trained eye and hand for the situation (scene). I'm a small town volunteer and we are working on growing our equipment and training. So I know what it takes to just be available to find the time to put in.
i got invited to another training on October 4th, and this time the maker of this X-lock will be there! it's going to be awesome!
@@JustinKingOffroad you've got me very interested in their products. It should be awesome.
Thanks for the second video but I went and added an x-lock to my recovery after the first video. It is a wonderful piece to add to your recovery here in colorado.
I am also going to extend a massive thank you.
I have been watching your videos only a little while (but have been four wheeling and training for an extended period) and they have made my extended recoveries much simpler and probably a lot, lot safer. I've also been watching a US Towie named Ron Pratt and his Midwest Truck recovery videos.
Also, I had the wreck of a car removed (long, painful story) here on the weekend and the tow truck driver was seriously the work experience guy. He had NFI (No Idea. The F is said silently) literally none. I got my 4wd and winch out, moved the car into a spot were he couldn't fail, but somehow I had to end up doing THE LOT. It was embarrassing for the guy.
So, THANK YOU. You would be welcome around my campfire at any time, mate!
Great video - I have a 12 ton Champion winch for a seasonal use rear hitch pull on my snow plow truck. The problem with a cheap winch (Champion or harbor freight) is that line pile up on a sideways retrieve will pile up and easily break the housing once it exceeds the diameter of the full spool. I need to minimize the retrieve line stacking diameter to avoid a major winch break down (broken housing). This tool will do it by putting most of the line off the spool. I am going to buy one. The housing repair parts were only $30 and about an hour of repair time, but having a broken winch when you have to pull yourself out backwards is a major inconvenience. I rebuilt my neighbor’s harbor freight winch front mounted winch for the same breakdown. Thank you.
Gotta love the You Tube experts, they must spend hours googling things trying to find the GOTCHA!!!! moment.
No kidding
Very detailed explanation, sad that too many still will not understand it, not to be mean just a fact. My only comment would be the shackle at the tree with a rope should have a centering spindle to keep the pull centered on the pin. I do not have spindles for my shackles either but I know I should. I hope you ignore the chaff you get from trying to educate people, most that learn from you will not comment and too many that do not really have a clue will comment because they need to complain. Stay safe, have fun Justin
Thanks for the video. I had never seen an X-Lock for winching. Very similar to a climbers figure 8, in a lot of ways. I'll keep my eyes open for one. And once I get rope winch line, I may actually get to use it. 🙂
I like that. That link opens up a lot of possibilities
Good info thanks. Only area where i could see an issue when bending your line over the shackle pin the pressure of the line if touchng the exposed threads could could damage your synthetic line. Those threads are course and tend to be sharp.
Too funny. Folks thought the rope was sliding through the x-block during a pull!!?! If that were the case I’d be more worried about starting a fire with it becoming red hot. Thanks Justin. We all learn this stuff but it’s always nice to see it “boiled down” to it’s most base level.
Hum I got it the first video, but you the Man for explaining it again for others, Thank You
TU Justin, I appreciate your effort in making this video. I am going to add an X-Lock to my recovery kit. I operate an RZR SXS.
Mechanical sheepshank - with a fixed minimum bend radius.
Old school rigging
Thats an awesome tool to use , saves alot of time of setting up and is so!! safe as well as being compacked and light
im a new guy on your sub, you did a great job showing us how it works. thanks I'm a subscriber now.
No questions just thanks for the video. Keep up the information that helps us all.
you are the ONLY person on youtube that say that
"you lose 10% for each layer of winch line"
Every i see on youtube they only use what the need, you are the only one that uses ALL of your winch line .....
you don't always need "all" of the line, but in my imaginary demo of being framed out in snow, we did today.
@@JustinKingOffroad but your still the only person that says you lose 10% of the winch capacity each wrap around the drum
well that's a fact jack lol!
It is FACT.... but... hypothetical using easy numbers I have a 3 ton truck, a 6 ton Winch. With a snatch block I can pull 12 ton... with your toy I can still only pull 6 ton.
@@Zraupp10 if you read the winch manufactures instructions it says so, my smittybuilt has the actual line pull for each layer on the winch, I guess Justin is one of the few on youtube who actually read the instructions
Good video, thanks for showing us the x- lock. This will come in handy.
Great explanation.
1 point of improvement. If you put the looped end in first, you can place the single line thru exactly where you need it and minimize or eliminate the sliding that you've been doing in the last 3 or 4 videos.
Your explanation is exquisite. Done a really good job!
Great video on using the winch and shortening tools.
This video was enough for me to buy a X-loc. Works great and keeps my recovery gear weight down in my SXS.
I can see a definite use for an X-Lock . Thanks for that I did not know about this particular product .
I understood completely its another tool in your box to use 🤔👍🏻🤩🇬🇧 But remember The Experts will always know better 😂 great video Sir 👏🏻👍🏻
Great information for Fire and Rescue personnel. Good training video.
Thx for explaining it so clearly.
A link to the x-lock would be very Helpful
You are correct on soft sling Justin. The Falcon 55 destruction tests, which can now be viewed online haters, actually proved your statement on proper knot placement. Nice explanation video.
Yep
you have all equipment to use is right, but if you don't have tree or rock around to hook the line to pull the car out mud or snow, what equipment you needs to whole the line to winch the car? did you think a bout the Anchor or pole drive? in this v d o you have the tree to hook the line . I care anchor home made and the drive pole + hand winch + ropes with me while I think I'm off the road alone .
Nice video and it explains it well. I am sure some sort of knot would be able to do the same thing albiet not as tidy. If it wasn't so expensive I would be all in. Gonna have to find that knot to get the job done otherwise.
Great explanation of x block( take I got up slack to you getting all available pull from winch) you and team are safe , methodical recovery team. Very impressed👍🏻🇺🇸
Ive used a small log( green 2 to 3 ich x 1 foot or so) in the same concept. Spiral wrap the main line and use the slack loop around the main and over the jeeps end and then do the same on the anchor end of the log. Bungee half of a tarp around it leaving the other half loose as a wind drag in case s$#/ lets loose. Good vid. Thanks stay safe!!
What a way to quiet the critics. Awesome repor and sportsmanship.
Good 👍Job...
Great Job! The first time around made sense! This was crystal clear!
woo hoo!
Why are people giving you shit about this? It seems to work as described. Great video and I appreciate your expertise on this subject.
I don't know lol!
You just answered my dilemma . I have an old 7/8 nylon rope 100 foot long I use with my come along for recovery purposes. I want to replace the nylon rope with synthetic rope but not sure on which knots to use. That bow shackle is the answer I am looking for , Thank you.
And from the looks of it you could use the x-lock to divide the load between to smaller tree or even three depending on the situation. Where I'm from it's clear cuts and smaller trees
i suppose you could actually! it's all a static line at that point so it won't move.
I've pulled trees out of the ground and some were just pulled over pulling others out with a blocked 12000 with tree savers and winch extensions. Thought about getting a Land anchor
I am amazed thank you another weapon in my recovery arsenal.
So the mechanical advantage comes from the smaller diameter of the spool? Basically the X lock is like a strong sheep shank taking up slack and shorting the rope. ? Right?
Pretty much!!!
Great video, after the last one I figured this was going to be in my tool box once I become a big boy and actually get a winch lol. This video should leave no questions to how and why this works.
it has more uses too! this is the one I use primarily. maybe part 3 can be a belay of a vehicle with it.
Nice work, the question I have is... Why do you not drape a coat, canvas tarp or burlap bag in the middle of the working line. To slow it down, should it fail?
it not needed with synthetic line. stay in the limits of the gear and everyone goes home.
So , could you do the same thing at the beginning of the extension instead of going all the way to the tail hold .
A wrap is one time around the drum,a lay is all of the wraps across the face of the drum until the next layer
correct, i realized i was calling each turn in a wrap, but it was each layer of wraps.
I enjoy ur stuff , I lurn new recovery methods with every video .keep up the good work
Thanks for a great video! I haven't needed to recover a vehicle but I can certainly apply this knowledge (and an X-lock) when gathering/cutting firewood.
Why dont you use a winch dampener blanket? yes, i know that when synthetic rope breaks it is suppose to just drop to the ground, but in reality there is always the chance that it could send a bow shackle or x link etc through your windscreen. In Australia we are regularly told to use a dampener blanket (or anything with weight to go over the line)
that is not going to stop anything flying back at you, all it does is hurl the damper too. why add the flying mass to the line? lots of videos out there showing dampers not working.
Nice job on the demo of the x lock....I would have put your Jeep on the frame in ruts of the mud bog on green ridge and showed a series of x- lock advantages over a pulley block but that idea literally went up in flames!
No kidding! Hopefully that area opens up soon. Might have to do it in snow this winter for more demo
Good demo, I’ve never been in that situation but I can see how useful it could be. I carry an extra winch rope but I’ve never considered how I would deal with the extra slack in the line.
Smaller drum wraps equals more torque applied to the pull. Much easier than pulleys and blocks and takes up less space.
Justin, you did a great job!!! Good clean demo, nice tone, CLEAR WORDING, good video. I have been a truck restorer in Iowa('67-'72 Chevy/GMC 4x4's) for 35 years, nearly 350 body-off-framers done.Dealt with usage and install of hundred and hundreds of winches mounted EVERYWHERE(except cab roof) LOL. This is a CHEAP and great little device you have. Gonna order one(or two) right now. One thing I saw wrong and one thing only in your vid. Buddy you have to ALWAYS and this is the main take-away of the day use a line suppressor, damper, absorber, whatever ya want to call it. If that winch line ---I don't give a damn if it's made of bamboo strips ever snaps and has a flesh covered object(human or animal) in it's way----it's dead or would hope to be !!!!!!! Saw one accident ---don't want to see another!!!! Thumbs up!!!! Jim
We have done pretty extensive testing with winch line dampers and they don't do anything. The line still recoils your best bet is to not be anywhere near it.
@@JustinKingOffroad Years ago I spoke to the actual Dyneema engineer in Holland and there is no need for a dampening device: if the Dyneema rope breaks, it falls to the ground "like a broken woman's stocking" (his words).
Thank You for this demonstration. Such a simple yet complex tool. I definitely plan to get one. Question: I’ve never used the soft shackles, been wheeling for many many years and only used the “d-rings” as us Texans call them. Have you ever had the soft shackles fail or come loose under load?
i have not had one fail but i also stay inside their "WLL" (aka Working Load Limit). i've wondered about them coming loose but i've never had that happen either. seems to be a pretty solid product. the 2 you saw in the video today are my primary use shackles, they have some wear on them and have held up fantastic.
Cool. I might try adding some to the mix. Thank You Sir
when they're cinched down upon themselves up against solid anchor point they cannot come loose unless the rope that they're made of is damaged
Nice instructional video. Not seen one of those before. A stake in the ground would have proved to the doubters that the x thing didn't move. Only observation I have from both of your videos is I find I get a better grip on the Leatherman type tool if i don't open the pliers and just put the points in the eye of the shackle. I do lever in the same direction just so I am not bending the tool sideways. If really stuck I have put a smaller shackle in the eye and a bar in the smaller shackle. Even without a winch these would be good to have for any use where the ability to shorten the rope quickly and easily is an advantage.
The only winch I have is on my tiltbed trailer. But I use steel cable. I don't have enough experience with rope and I don't use the winch on a regular basis. Watching your recovery vids, takes some guts driving the GOAT TRAILS you do recoveries on. Great vids. Thank you for this vid.
steel on a trailer is probably just fine cause the loads are very small. synthetic rope is stronger (at smaller diameters) and much safer to work with. if you do ever get a winch on a vehicle, highly recommend rope over steel just from the ease of working with it (and safety).
I liked the first video, but if some didn't understand that one, I think this video should clear it up for them. Keep up the good work! Oh, I haven't bought one yet, but the X-lock is still on my list.
Can someone explain how you lose winch capacity as it draws in? Is it because the drum increases in diameter?
great question and yes you nailed it. the drum on a winch is like the front (pedal side) gears of a bike. the smaller the sprocket the easier it is to pedal. the larger the diameter of the rope stacking on the drum, the harder it is for the winch to work to free you.
Brilliant! Effectively making an anchor rope variable length. A 300 foot long anchor rope can theoretically be reduced to 100 feet over multiple pulls using the same rope and winch line without ever having to disconnect. Just relocate the X-Lock between pulls..
Bingo!
if our ever in a bind and don't have a enough space even to just use your strap fully extended you can basket your strap and make it shorter to. also a strap in a basket configuration around a tree with ends meeting a shackle around sturdy enough object works amazingly well to
great video, love all the info as I piece together items for a gear kit!
Nice, good job. In the powerline industry we would just call that a giant set of slack blocks. Cheers.
Very useful info. Thanks for taking the time. Cheers Steve
Good demonstration, keep up the videos !!!
sooo instead on attaching the slack to the same point. could you attach the slack to a second point to share the load eg if that one point wasnt stong enough 1 tree looking abit weak to risk pulling on so you use 2 weak trees
in regards to the multiple lines coming off the x-lock back to the vehicle, probably not. but you can move the whole re-direct to a tree if you needed to lighten load on your bumper when pulling. it's situation specific. if you are recovering yourself 2:1, you have to go to yourself otherwise you just have a 1:1 on a redirect.
Where to buy a screw pin bow?
Amazon doesn't have it
Asked before but again, where do I order the X-Lock
www.asroffroad.com/ is a source for the x lock
Great explanation ! Thanks for tips on the X block ! Thanks for sharing !
Why out the transmission in neutral and apply the parking brake? I’ve never winched before but looking to buy one
That was for demo purposes. I didn't want to be dragging myself forward against the parking pawl.
I don't even own a winch but recovery videos are interesting and this thing is pretty cool. But I'm a little confused, is the point of this thing over a snatch block in the case that your winch line won't reach the anchor point and then come all the way back to a second anchor (ex. your rig or another tree or something)? Otherwise if you're having trouble getting out would a snatch block not provide more power (especially if you doubled up on pulleys)?
That is a sensational video. All of the information was very clear and makes perfect sense. (Only because I can't wrap my head around the loss of power per wrap. Like, I understand the physics and the equations, but it's still not siting. It will come to me - likely at 2am after a solid lubrication session around a campfire - but it's not there yet :) )
If you understand gears and how larger tires affect power you can think of the drum as a gear getting larger or as each wrap is on it is a larger size tire.
@@badgerpa9 that is a perfect analogy! Thank you!
@@petermiddo don't tell anyone I was nice usually grumpy growly.
Great video and info! Thanks for your time on this.
I don’t 4x4 myself. I do have experience rigging stuff for crane lifts. I don’t know how someone would thing that recovery rope could possibly move during recovery. That x ring is pretty slick.
Great video, thanks for explaining why the hell I need an x lock. I’m really sorry you have to deal with some of mindless folks that feel the need to make comments when they should stick to crayons.
After watching you last Video I shorten my Winch Cable from 90 to 50 feet... I so hate dealing with 90ft of Rope on the Spool... Made total sense regarding Winch Load, and 90% of the time I’m pulling myself off a Rock five feet😳... I then bought 50 feet of Winch Extension Cable to use when needed 👍 ... I’m having a tough time finding the X Lock ... Thoughts 🤔
www.asroffroad.com/sx-20000h-x-lock-20-000-lb-wll/
I designed a dual spool winch that would eliminate the need for any of this rigging.
First spool has three wraps second spool winds the line.
Downside was difficult to freespool and the size was a bit larger than most would want to deal with.
May not b a good question no need for a big video but i see you use poly rope instead of wire in the winch. One thing I know for sure is weight matter but what is the different of the strength. Thx for the videos I don't have to pay for training lol.
The higher strength synthetic rope lines (HMPE, or High Modulus PolyEthylene-based line in particular) can be stronger than steel cable of the same diameter when comparing the same strength rating.
Definitely a nice thing to have for a worst case scenario. 99% of the time nobody would ever need this but that 1% time you get stuck along way from anything you'd be glad you had it. It don't take up any space.
also I forgot to mention if you can and if companies will give them to you use industrial straps and the reason behind this is those 100% have to be rated for that lifting capacity on the plastic tag only reason you should turn on down is if it's already frayed on the outsides or in the in-pieces are showing also kudos to you for un-loosening your shackle after you tightened it amazing how many people over tighten them then cant get them off after putting a good size load on them
Hi Justin, I've really enjoyed your recovery videos but I have a question about your winch line and the minimum bend radius math. You mentioned the minimum bend radius is 1.5 x rope diameter which is the same as what Samson Rope recommends but they state it as a minimum bend diameter being 3x the rope diameter (equivalent to radius of 1.5x rope diameter since 2x radius = diameter). To meet the minimum bend diameter for 5/16" winch line would require a shackle pin diameter of 15/16" but you said you were using a 3/4" shackle. It sounds like the pin diameter may be a little undersized for your winch line. You should probably be using a bow shackle with a 1" pin, not only to meet the minimum bend diameter for you winch line, but to also increase the safety margin of the bow shackle relative to your line strength.
there is a big difference between overhead lifting ratings and recovery. The I4WDTA trainer states 1.5 times the diameter of the rope for offroad rigging retains 90% of the pull rating of the rope. so that needs to be calculated into the recovery equation as well. 7/16 = .4375, * 1.5 = .565 inches, which is under .75 pin size of a shackle.
Very well demonstrated and explained.
Where do you buy the short green snatch strap and the X-Lock? Thanks
that short ARB strap can be found lots of places, amazon too actually. the x-lock you need to get from safe xtract, very handy tool to have.