Fitting Chains and Ropes to Winches

To work properly, safely and reliably for a long time the chain (and to a smaller degree the rope) must be matched to the correct gypsy. If it is not the winch can jamb, slip, jump and just do nasty things, sometimes dangerous things, all of which are not good for either the winch or the rode on it.

How do I work out the correct chain sizing for my winch?

These days most manufacturers mark their gypsies well so that makes it quite easy. As a generally rule you will find this mark, usually cast into the gypsy, on the inside cheeks of the gypsy right next to where the chain sits.

The usual position of the number is shown on this photo but we have highlighted it so don't go looking for a red number.

The number format will vary between manufactures so you'll be looking for something like;

054
054C
7
RC3245
10mm
118
P 30

All a bit different and the above is only a tiny selection of what there is. Look hard and read well.

There are some old gypsies and even the odd new one that has nothing. In that case we would prefer to get the gypsy in our hands rather than guess.

If you know that number we can tell you exactly what the gypsy was designed for. It can also help to know the manufacturer and model of the winch.

The book says my winch will take 6, 7 and 8mm chain, so can I pick which one I want?

Yes and No.

Yes but only when you are ordering the winch.
No, as once you have a winch with a gypsy fitted you are stuck with that size chain UNLESS you change the gypsy.

Generally the manufacturers will make a winch that can run a ‘size range' i.e 6, 7 and 8mm BUT each gypsy will only take one of that size range of chains.

What Rope size do I need then and how do I find which one?

An easy one. Rope size on an Auto Rope to Chain Winch is dictated pretty much by the chain size. If you know what size chain the rope is easy.

As a general rule the following are good matches for strength and can be used as a guide for non-auto winches as well;

6 or 7mm chain to 12mm rope
8 or 9mm chain to 14mm rope
10 or 11mm chain to 16, 18 or 20mm rope (depends on which auto-winch)
12 or 13mm chain to 20 or 22mm rope.

So all pretty easy really. If in doubt please feel free to contact us and we'll see what we can do to help. 

If anyone has a question to add to this page chuck it at us and up it'll go.