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10 Best Hand Crank Winches 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Goldenrod Dutton-Lainson Company Worm Gear Winch (WG2000) with 7" Ergonomic Handle - Rust-Resistant Finish for Heavy Equipment, Lifting & Trailers - 2000 lb Capacity, 40:1 Gear Ratio, Manual Use

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,376
Load Capacity
Gear Ratio
Handle Length and Ergonomics

Most important from
257 reviews

Load Capacity
Built tough and reliable, this winch handles moderate to heavy loads with ease and outperforms basic ratchet-style winches thanks to its worm-gear design that prevents back-driving by gravity.
Gear Ratio
Built tough and reliable, this winch handles moderate to heavy loads with ease and outperforms basic ratchet-style winches thanks to its worm-gear design that prevents back-driving by gravity.
Handle Length and Ergonomics
The ergonomic 7-inch handle with a molded grip makes cranking comfortable even during extended use, enhancing overall user experience.

The Goldenrod Dutton-Lainson WG2000 is a solid choice if you need a hand-crank winch capable of handling heavy loads up to 2000 pounds. Its load capacity is suitable for many towing, lifting, or hauling tasks, making it a practical tool for outdoor or automotive use. Laminated high carbon heat-treated gears and permanently lubricated driveshaft bearings ensure durability and smooth operation, contributing to consistent performance.

The winch features a 7-inch handle with an ergonomic molded grip, which offers comfortable cranking during extended use. Its black powder-coated finish protects against rust and wear, adding to the product’s longevity. Weighing about 10.5 pounds and with compact dimensions, it is fairly portable without sacrificing strength.

With a solid build quality, this winch is a dependable tool for those needing manual winching for moderate to heavy loads. Buyers should consider their specific needs regarding cable length, material, and braking features before purchasing.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,376
Load Capacity
Gear Ratio
Handle Length and Ergonomics

Most important from
257 reviews

Load Capacity
Built tough and reliable, this winch handles moderate to heavy loads with ease and outperforms basic ratchet-style winches thanks to its worm-gear design that prevents back-driving by gravity.
Gear Ratio
Built tough and reliable, this winch handles moderate to heavy loads with ease and outperforms basic ratchet-style winches thanks to its worm-gear design that prevents back-driving by gravity.
Handle Length and Ergonomics
The ergonomic 7-inch handle with a molded grip makes cranking comfortable even during extended use, enhancing overall user experience.
#2

Dutton-Lainson Company (WG1500) Worm Gear Winch - 1500 lb. Load Capacity

Rating
9.7
Load Capacity
Cable Length and Material
Brake System

Most important from
257 reviews

Load Capacity
The winch's worm-gear design provides superior holding power that gravity can't overcome, making it ideal for safely securing loads without slipping.
Cable Length and Material
Excellent construction and materials ensure a strong, hardy tool that stands up to tough use and long-term wear.
Brake System
Automatic brake system offers peace of mind by securely holding the load even when the handle is released.
Handle Length and Ergonomics
The ergonomic handle and solid build make it comfortable and manageable to operate during demanding jobs.

The GOLDENROD Dutton-Lainson WG1500 is a solid hand-crank winch designed for tasks that need pulling or lifting up to 1,500 pounds. It features a 30:1 gear ratio, meaning you turn the handle 30 times to rotate the drum once, which offers good control and makes lifting heavy loads easier. The winch has a strong alloy steel build with a powder-coated finish, helping it resist rust and wear. Its 7-inch handle includes an ergonomic molded grip, making it more comfortable to use during longer or tougher jobs.

One of its standout features is the automatic brake system that holds the load securely even when you let go of the handle, adding safety and convenience. Weighing a bit over 10 pounds, it's sturdy but still manageable to move around. This winch suits general horizontal pulling or vertical lifting needs where a reliable, medium-capacity tool is required. It provides dependable performance and a user-friendly design, though those needing higher load capacity might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.7
Load Capacity
Cable Length and Material
Brake System

Most important from
257 reviews

Load Capacity
The winch's worm-gear design provides superior holding power that gravity can't overcome, making it ideal for safely securing loads without slipping.
Cable Length and Material
Excellent construction and materials ensure a strong, hardy tool that stands up to tough use and long-term wear.
Brake System
Automatic brake system offers peace of mind by securely holding the load even when the handle is released.
Handle Length and Ergonomics
The ergonomic handle and solid build make it comfortable and manageable to operate during demanding jobs.
#3

Stainless Steel Hand Winch with Manual Brake and Stainless Steel Cable and Hook

The Endurance Marine Stainless Steel Hand Winch is built with durable materials, featuring a stainless steel body, cable, and hook that resist corrosion and are ideal for marine or outdoor use. It offers a 1,400-pound load capacity, which suits small to medium tasks like pulling boats or trailers. The cable length is a generous 50 feet, giving good reach for most typical pulling needs. A manual brake system is included, providing safety and control when handling loads.

Weighing 10 pounds, the winch is relatively easy to handle and is straightforward to operate without requiring batteries, making it reliable in various conditions. This model is a solid choice for users needing a corrosion-resistant, manual winch for moderate loads, especially in marine environments, but those expecting heavy-duty or specialized features might want to consider additional options.

Buying Guide for the Best Hand Crank Winches

Hand-crank winches are versatile tools used for lifting or pulling heavy loads. They are commonly used in various applications such as boating, off-roading, and construction. When choosing a hand-crank winch, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the right model for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure the winch performs effectively for your intended use.
Load CapacityLoad capacity refers to the maximum weight the winch can safely lift or pull. This is a crucial spec because it determines the winch's ability to handle the weight of the objects you need to move. Load capacities can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds. To pick the right load capacity, consider the heaviest item you plan to lift or pull and choose a winch with a capacity that exceeds this weight to ensure safety and efficiency.
Gear RatioThe gear ratio indicates the relationship between the rotational speed of the handle and the drum. A higher gear ratio means more mechanical advantage, making it easier to lift heavier loads with less effort. Gear ratios can vary widely, from low ratios like 3:1 to high ratios like 10:1. If you need to lift very heavy loads, a higher gear ratio will be beneficial. For lighter loads, a lower gear ratio may suffice and allow for faster operation.
Cable Length and MaterialCable length and material are important for determining how far you can pull or lift an object and the durability of the cable. Common materials include steel and synthetic fibers. Steel cables are strong and durable but can be prone to rust, while synthetic cables are lighter and more resistant to corrosion but may wear out faster. Choose a cable length that suits the distance you need to cover and a material that matches your environmental conditions and usage frequency.
Brake SystemThe brake system ensures that the load remains securely in place when the winch is not in operation. This is vital for safety, especially when lifting heavy objects. There are different types of brake systems, such as automatic and manual brakes. Automatic brakes engage when the handle is released, providing immediate security, while manual brakes require the user to engage them. For frequent and heavy lifting, an automatic brake system is recommended for ease of use and safety.
Handle Length and ErgonomicsThe handle length and ergonomics affect the ease of use and comfort during operation. A longer handle provides more leverage, making it easier to crank, while ergonomic designs reduce strain on your hands and wrists. Handles can vary from short and simple to long and padded. If you plan to use the winch frequently or for extended periods, opt for a model with a longer, ergonomic handle to minimize fatigue and improve efficiency.

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