Cable Winch Replacement (2022 Buyers Guide)
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The best winches are designed to serve off-roaders for years. Despite this, some parts like the winch line are more susceptible to damage than others. Whether the winch is a steel cable or a synthetic rope, the line isn’t safe from damage from small debris, load pressure, and drum heat during operation. Over time, these factors call for cable winch replacement.
Last update on 2025-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Choosing a Winch Cable
The winch cable world has loads of brands, products, and models competing for your attention. Often, it’s difficult to tell which winch is ideal and which is mediocre. Even worse, there are loads of factors contributing to winch line damage.
Not every rope is designed to handle potential damage. However, some winch lines are tough enough to rely on varied situations.
And since most times you’ll be using the winch in difficult situations, under the scorching sun, in muddy terrain, and in the rain, durability is critical.
Another important factor to consider is price. Although different winch cables come at different price points, we recommend determining your budget first and then using it as a guide when choosing a winch line. In many industries, the cost of a product is directly related to quality. But with winch lines, it isn’t always true.
You need not break your bank getting the most expensive winch line on the market. Some good and exceptional products and brands offer almost the same quality and durability as expensive products.
Note: Ensure your budget is reasonable. If you go too low, you might get a winch cable that breaks when you need it most.
To help you choose the best winch cable, we’ve created a list of affordable cables. They are viable options when you need a replacement.
But before we jump into the reviews, decide whether you prefer a steel wire cable or a synthetic rope.
This decision is mostly based on preference and experience with either option. If you are new to winching, read up on synthetic rope vs. steel wire cable [coming soon].
Best Winch Cable Replacements
Fulton WC325 0100 Winch Cable
Let’s kick off the reviews with a steel wire cable (more options for synthetic rope lovers below). The Fulton WC325 0100 is 3/16 inches thick and has 25 feet of galvanized cable. The galvanized cable is as strong as steel cables. The cable comes with a breaking strength of 4,200 lbs. as such, it’s ideal for small trucks and perfect for handling UTVs and ATVs.
Fulton knows they’ve created a high-quality product, so they’ve no problem backing it up with a 5-year warranty. Although the steel cable will last a lot longer than this, it’s always good to have a warranty in case something goes wrong.
Given that it’s a steel wire cable, we recommend using dampeners when winching. This way, even if you overload it and its snaps, no one gets hurt.
Unfortunately, this winch cable doesn’t feature eye loops. Despite being an easy-to-install cable, some people prefer cables with eye loops to make installation easier. Read our winch replacement guide to learn how to replace a winch cable.
- It comes with a hardy hook
- It’s tough
- Ideal for UTVs/ATVs or small trucks
- Doesn’t come with eye loops
Ucreative U-WL-156B Synthetic Winch Line
The Ucreative U-WL-156B is a synthetic rope with a higher breaking strength than the Fulton Steel Cable Fulton WC325 0100. The rope has a 0.25-inch diameter, is 50 feet long, and floats in water.
What is exciting about this rope is its affordability. Normally, synthetic ropes are more expensive than steel cables. The low price point is probably because it lacks the general protection from heat that other synthetic ropes feature. On the bright side, it has a 5-foot-long protective sleeve and is chemical and UV resistant.
It’s also worth noting that this rope gets damaged easily by traditional fairleads. For longevity, it’s best to use it with fairleads that have rounded edges.
- Strong
- Affordable
- Has eye loops
- It’s twice as long as the Fulton WC325 0100
- Doesn’t come with a hook
FieryRed Synthetic Winch Rope
This is another great synthetic rope from a popular brand. The FieryRed winch rope is 3/16 inches thick and 50 feet long. Although it has similar dimensions to the Ucreative U-WL-156B winch rope, it supports more weight. The polyethylene rope holds 8,200 lbs of weight. It features 12 strands of heat-treated material. This is probably why this synthetic rope is more expensive than the Ucreative U-WL-156B.
The synthetic rope is UV treated and is coated with high-temperature urethane. In addition to this, it features 5 feet of a protective sleeve that slides along its length. In the package are a connector ling and a hook which add to its ease of use.
One exciting feature the rope has is automatic tightening. This technology secures the rope on the winch drum, making it hard to slip off.
- Durable
- Strong
- Has eye loops on either end
- Has automatic tightening
- Supports heavier weight
- It’s a little pricey
B/A Products 4-38PS50LH Steel Winch Cable
This is another high-quality steel cable. It handles 3,700 lbs of strength is 3/8 inches thick and 50 feet long. It comes with a swivel latch hook and an eye loop for easier installation and use. In comparison to other steel cables, this is a decent product.
It’s easy to install, strong, durable, safe to use, and comes with a quality hook. With everything that it has going on, it’s expected to fetch a high price. If you love popular brands that have stood the test of time, then this is the winch cable to get.
- Has eye loops on either end
- It comes with a swivel latch hook
- Durable
- Strong
- Expensive
HOOAI Synthetic Rope
This synthetic top is durable, easy to handle, and affordable too. Comparing its cost to the value it offers, the HOOAI synthetic rope is a steal. Unlike most synthetic ropes on our list, this HOOAI rope is 48 feet long and 3/16 inches thick. It supports 6,000 lbs and has an eye loop for easier installation and hook attaching.
It comes with a 1.55-meter protective sleeve which is also heatproof. To protect your cable when not in use, you should ensure the sleeve is the top layer and covers the rope wound on the drum.
To show how much faith they have in their product, HOOAI provides its customers with a 90-day carefree return option. If you aren’t pleased with the rope, you can return it with no questions asked.
However, with the rope’s quality, this isn’t an option for most people. We love that it comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
- Durable
- Strong
- Has eye loops on each end
- Protective sleeve
- It comes with a swivel latch hook
- Expensive. But for its quality, it’s worth it.
Conclusion
With the above information, you have enough to purchase the best cable replacement. As you consider your needs, winch features, and budget, also factor in your preferences, especially when choosing between synthetic and steel cable.
Last update on 2025-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’m Ruiru Kibet, an avid writer and techie that has taken a keen interest in offroading. As I explore nature and troubleshoot with different offroad products and techniques, I’ll share them with you. The goal is dumb it down and help you experience the best of nature.