Posted by Matt Wilson on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 at 02:15:42:
In Reply to: Re: Braden (probably knockoff) winches from Northern Tool posted by casebro on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 at 00:55:17:
Metallurgy is my concern, too. I have both kinds of winches out in my garage. I might do just what you were talking about, to find out what I can. My old one is so dinged up, I don't think it will matter if it has a shallow drill mark. And it probably doesn't matter with the new one either, if I do it in a low-stress area. If I do, I will post it.
Only trouble is, that will only tell me something about the exterior components, and nothing about the internals, such as bearings gears, shaft, etc. I think these things are probably far more sensitive to metallurgical practices than the housing or drum.
Anyway, if I come back from a trip minus my truck or my sanity (or both), due to winch failure, then I guess we'll have a data point.
One more note: I recall that when I bought the winch, I spoke with Mike Fleig (sp?) of Vintage Power Wagons. He said he had known a person(s) who had one these Rhino winches, and had worked it pretty hard with no trouble. Just thought I'd throw that in.
Matt