Best Come Along Winches – 2021 Complete Review

| Last Updated: October 20, 2022

Winch Central is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All of us have been through times when we needed to transport heavy objects. It just gets too hard to lift or drag them. So, what do you do at those times? 

The best solution to such problems is to use a come along winch. It helps you tie the objects to the drum of your vehicle and then drag them along. 

Here, we have given you some tips on how to choose a come along winch and reviewed some of the best on the market today. Hopefully, our guide will help you decide on one of these products. 

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • ¼ inch steel cable is aircraft-grade
  • Secure latch with a self-closing feature
  • Best overall and best 4 ton come along winch
View Latest Price →
  • Maximum lift of 12 feet extends the range
  • 3/16" diameter cable for greater strength and durability
  • Precision fitness of aluminum alloy makes it the runner-up
View Latest Price →
  • 35 feet long Amsteel winch
  • 3-ton puller is our editor's pick
  • Comes with double line pulling capacity
View Latest Price →
  • Zinc plating prevents corrosion and damage
  • Best 5 ton come along winch with two gears
  • 5-ton pulling capacity helps it serve multiple purposes
View Latest Price →

What is a Come Along Winch?

A come along winch is a kind of rope that has great tensile strength. You tie the rope to the drum of the vehicle, which helps you drag heavy items. Whether it is a giant tree or some heavy stuff, you can easily transfer it from one place to another. It is basically a hand-operated winch that uses synthetic fibers

What Purpose Does a Come Along Winch Serve?

A come along winch serves many purposes. It helps in so many ways and is a necessity if your job involves pulling or towing objects. Here are some common purposes of a come along winch;

Pulling Heavy Objects

The most common thing a come along winch is used for is to pull heavy objects. There are large trees that need to be moved when you are clearing off driveways. You may also have to transport Christmas trees and other timber-providing trees. And this is something that you cannot do without having a powerful source. So, get a come along winch and see how easy it becomes to pull such things.

Towing Away Cars

Old cars need replacements, and when they break down, you just have to get rid of them. It is not easy to remove them by dragging them on the roads. Cars are just too heavy to remove manually, so you need to have a come along winch since it helps you tow away cars easily. They are particularly good when you work with a tow-away company.

Removing Obstructions

Sometimes, there are heavy obstructions on your path and you have to remove them. They may be causing you uncalled for delays and you just do not have enough strength to remove them. However, this can be very easy if you have a come along winch.

How to Choose a Come Along Winch

To enjoy the best benefits of come along winches, you have to buy the right one. We have brought some features that you have to consider to choose the best one.  

Length

A come along winch becomes more helpful as its length increases. After all, what is the point of having a come along winch if it runs short while working? You can do fine with a longer winch than you need, but shorter ones won't do. So, make sure to get one which is long enough to satisfy your needs. 

Pulling Power

Now, the major reason for getting a come along winch is to pull heavy items. So, you need it to have the required amount of pulling power. It has to be strong enough to pull the load you tie on. Hence, you have to consider the tensile strength and pulling power before selecting a unit.

ABN Heavy-Duty Hand Puller with Cable Rope has 2 ton capacity.

Construction

The material of a come along winch matters a lot. The construction decides the kind of pulling power it will offer and its life. There are many synthetic winches and steel cables in the market. All of them have their own specifications, so go for one which will help you the most. 

Weight

The weight of the come along winch is an important factor, too. The lighter it is, the easier it is to carry it around. Lightweight winches also store lesser kinetic energy and are safer to carry.

Review of the Best Come Along Winches

Come along winches serve so many purposes that you need to get a great one. So, here is the ultimate review of some of the best ones we have liked. One of these will surely be the ideal option for you.  

Best Overall and Best 4-Ton Come Along Winch: 
TEKTON 5547

TEKTON 4 Ton Dual Gear Power Puller | 5547

PROS

  • Steel ratchet handle is 21 inches long
  • Cushioning of handle for a non-slip grip
  • Aircraft-grade steel cable is durable and lightweight
  • Galvanizing finish for making the steel corrosion-resistant
  • Even distribution of pulling force due to the locking pawls

CONS

  • Works well on softer material 
  • Ratchet and gears disengage often
  • The steel construction gets loose sometimes 

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have given different kinds of reviews. Some of them love the way its grip is so smooth and the ratchet handle is easily movable. They also like it for its long and practical handle. But, there have been reports of disengaged come along winches, too. However, the majority were happy with the purchase and would love to buy it again. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because of its ¼-inch steel construction. It makes the winch strong enough to use while keeping it lightweight. Its weight pulling capacity of four tons is also a great feature which makes us recommend it. In addition, the force distributes evenly through the handle and the body, as it has a dual gear.

Who Will Use This Most

The winch is for the people who are always in the thick of the things. It can pull up to four tons of weight quite easily and is very easy to use. It is a nice option for beginners too as it serves the purpose well without being complex to use.

Bottom Line

The bottom line on this is that it clearly distinguishes itself from other similar units in the market. The weight pulling capacity and the ease of usage are not that common. Also, it has a very firm grip for the handle, making it even easier to use.

Maasdam Pow'R Pull 144S-6 1 Ton Capacity Pow'R Pull USA Made

PROS

  • 1-ton capacity increases tensile strength
  • Highly dependable aluminum alloy ratchet wheel
  • Galvanized cable resists corrosion for a longer time
  • Trouble-free let down makes releasing tension easier
  • Plastic grip makes it non-slip and minimizes hand fatigue

CONS

  • Lowering the load gets difficult
  • Not for pulling very heavy materials
  • Other winches in the market have a greater weight pulling range

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have all loved this runner-up unit. Its lifting range of 12 feet helped them increase its range a lot. They also like it for its lightweight construction which stays safe, even when storing some kinetic energy. Buyers are particularly happy with the way it pulls without any strain.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It makes it to our list due to its high-precision aluminum alloy. It not only increases its efficiency but also increases its life. The aluminum frame fights off corrosion and does not lose its shine, making it look new all the time.

Who Will Use This Most

This come along winch is most useful for those who do not have to pull very heavy weights. It works perfectly fine for up to one-ton, but on exceeding the limit, the rope breaks off. This calls for repair more often, so buy it if you have a weight pulling need up to one-ton.

Bottom Line

To sum up, this Maasdam Pow'R Pull is a monster of a winch, but it works in a strict weight pulling range. Its life is quite long and you do not have to worry about its maintenance. So, choose this one if you want something for lighter usage.

Editor's Pick:
 Wyeth 3-Ton Ratchet Puller

3 Ton Ratchet Puller With 35' Of 5/16' Amsteel Blue

PROS

  • 6000 pounds deadlift due to double line pulling
  • 3/8-inch diameter makes its breakage less probable
  • 12000 pounds pulling strength gives greater strength
  • Comes with a long handle to improve the strength of the grip
  • Amazing strength and durability due to heavy-duty construction

CONS

  • Ratchet handle is sometimes hard to move
  • Hooks are heavier and slightly difficult to use

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers are in love with this heavy-duty come along winch. They love its diameter and incredible strength, which makes it ideal for carrying heavier loads. Customers like its handle too, as it is non-slip and has a user-friendly frame which helps them a lot.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The ABN Heavy-Duty Hand Puller catches our eye because of its mind-blowing weight pulling capacity. It can pull up to 12,000 pounds of weight like it is not a bother. The heavy-duty construction is also a huge plus as it does not need frequent repairing. 

Who Will Use This Most

This come along winch is one of those tools which is ideal for all conditions and all users. It has an extensive range of pulling weight, so both light and heavy users can use it. People who have to move heavy timber will find it very useful.

Bottom Line

All in all, the ABN Heavy-Duty Hand Puller is the star of come along winches. Its strength, weight pulling capacity, and construction are very impressive. The handle is also strong and smooth, so there is nothing to worry about once you get it. So, go for it with all your heart as it will not disappoint you at all.

Best 5-Ton Come Along Winch:
 Neiko 02256A

NEIKO 02256A Come Along Winch, 5-Ton (10,000 Lbs) Pulling Capacity, 10Ft, 3 Hook, Heavy Duty Power Cable Come Along Tool with Dual Gears, Hand Winch Cable, Automotive Hoist Winch Puller, Recovery Gear

PROS

  • High-stability with 3 hook system
  • Easier leverage with PVC-coated grip
  • Equal distribution of force with two gears
  • High-durability due to heavy-duty steel construction
  • Easier one-handed operation with a powerful ratcheting system

CONS

  • The wire rope detaches from the pulley
  • Slightly heavy for users to carry around

What Recent Buyers Report

People who started using it recently have very positive feedback for this amazing Neiko come along winch. They love how much weight it can pull without any tangles, strain, or kinks in the rope. Buyers also recommend it for its smooth grip, which has a PVC coating. It helps them use the handle easily in all weather conditions without losing their grip.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Neiko come along winch attracted us with its unbelievable weight pulling capacity. Pulling items over five tons is insane, isn't it? But this unit does it like it is not a big matter. The twin gear construction gives it an equally divided power, which helps in using the handle more smoothly.

Who Will Use This Most

Well, there is no limit as to who can use it and who cannot, as it helps everyone. The single-handed operation of the handle makes it great for even those who haven't used any such winch previously. But, this is most useful for those who want to carry heavier loads or tow away cars. It really supports that much weight, so why bother with any other unit?

Bottom Line

In our opinion, Neiko has come up with a highly useful come along winch this time. It has left a mark on previous buyers and it continues to get more popular in the market by the day. Moreover, it is packed with many great features and benefits. So, it is a must-have for all those who need to pull heavy loads.

5. ABN Heavy-Duty Hand Puller With Cable Rope

PROS

  • Steel ratchet handle is 17 inches long
  • Weight pulling capacity of 4000 pounds
  • Drop-forged hooks make it safer for use
  • 2 hooks enable several ways of application
  • Rubber cushioning makes the grip completely non-slip

CONS

  • Hooks have very thin catches
  • Breaks off easily, as it does not have heavy-duty construction

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have reported a very nice user experience. They love it for its low price and high-quality, which made them buy it in the first place. They are also fond of the tensile strength that the winch rope has. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It makes it to our list because of its weight pulling capacity of 4000 pounds. This is something that benefits most users who do not need heavy-duty usage. The winch is quite strong and you can use it in almost all weather conditions. We also like its grip, which has rubber cushioning to avoid slipping out of your hands. 

Who Will Use This Most

This is best for people who need to drag moderately heavy or light weights. The winch will work fine for a tree or two, but it will not be very useful for more than this. So, use it for dragging things around but keep things under the mentioned weight range.

Bottom Line

To sum up, the ABN heavy-duty hand puller is a great winch, particularly for beginners. It has a smooth grip with the rubber cushion, which makes its usage even easier. Thus, it is an amazing come along winch for newbies.  

How to Use a Come Along Winch

Well, you already know that a come along winch can help you out a lot. You also know the best options out there for a come along winch. And now you must be looking for how to use it, right? So, here are the steps you need to follow to use your winch properly.

  1. First, you have to put on some safety gloves if you are using a steel cable winch.

  2. Then, take the hooks of the winch and lock them into place. One of the hooks goes on the load and the other on the drum of your vehicle.

  3. Now, you have to look for the pawl adjacent to the handle. It locks the toothed wheel around the spool in place.

  4. When you pull the handle towards this pawl, it opens up and loosens the spooled rope.

  5. Now, you have to move the handle in the opposite direction. This will move the spooled rope.

  6. After that, flip the other pawl and lose the strain, so that the rope moves freely.

  7. Then, move the handle to its initial position and repeat the movement for further loosening the rope. 

  8. These steps are fairly easy to follow, as they involve simple techniques. Still, you can watch this video for further clarification on how to use it.

Conclusion

Wrapping it all up, come along winches are the most helpful tools for shifting heavy things. They are easy to store and are even easy to use as you can tie them to your vehicle manually. Moreover, they are quite cost-effective, as you have to invest in them only once. 

People Also Ask

Come along winches have the best usability when it comes to dragging or transporting large items. These are commonly used and people have many questions regarding their usage. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions to remove your confusion. 

How Much Weight Can A Come Along Winch Pull?

There are several come along winches in the market and each offers different weight pulling ranges. But, the ideal range for weight pulling is two to five tons. Still, it depends upon the material and construction of the winch, as it largely affects its tensile strength. And, in return, the tensile strength determines the amount of weight it can pull. 

Do Come Along Winches Require Maintenance?

Come along winches, like all other tools, need maintenance and repair at various intervals. But synthetic ones have very tightly knitted strands. They last for a long while and you do not need to repair them often. So, the need for maintenance depends on the kind of material it is made of.

How Do You Release Tension on a Come Along?

Releasing tension on a come along winch takes not much effort. All you have to do is have knowledge of how to safely do it. The best way is to pull down a widow maker. You just have to tie the hook safely and pull down the widow maker. It takes less energy and light tugs to remove tension.

I used to work in construction and landscaping, so I've seen my fair share of ratchet straps, winches, and similar rigging gear. I started Winch Central because I've seen some nasty accidents due to crappy rigging or poor practice. I wanted to be able to recommend good equipment that's SAFE and also provide resources for how its used. I handle the research side of things here as well as product selection for gear reviews.