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Best Hand Winches

Updated January 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Camco 2000 lb hand winch
Camco
2000 lb hand winch
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Rugged Strength
Bottom Line

You'll have a hard time finding a winch that looks and works as well as this heavy-duty 2-way ratchet.

Pros

This model is ideal for boats and other jobs up to 2,000 lbs. The comfort grip takes the burden off your hands. The corrosion-resilient zinc keeps it sturdy and well-protected for years on end.

Cons

The included strap falls apart too quickly. No mounting hardware.

Best Bang for the Buck
TR Industrial 600 lb hand winch
TR Industrial
600 lb hand winch
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Best for Small Jobs
Bottom Line

The anti-slip surface safely secures your straps and steel cables and the large load they bear.

Pros

This affordable winch works well for ski boat towing and volleyball nets. Two-way ratchet adjusts to the job at hand. The curved handle with an anti-slip grip makes it easier to crank.

Cons

Some reports of the handle coming loose.

TYT 1200 lb Boat Trailer Winch with 8M Steel Cable
TYT
1200 lb Boat Trailer Winch with 8M Steel Cable
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Small Yet Durable
Bottom Line

This dark-black trailer winch with a versatile drum keeps holds small loads well out of the box.

Pros

Designed to resist standard wear and tear you find in nature. The ergonomic anti-slip handle makes cranking the unit feel comfortable and secure. It can be mounted out of the box.

Cons

People have a hard time installing the winch.

Favorite Trade 3500 lb hand winch
Favorite Trade
3500 lb hand winch
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Strongest Capacity
Bottom Line

This rugged, carbon steel winch with solid construction and a 2-way ratchet system displays every gear.

Pros

This winch's versatile design works for cars, boats, and yard equipment alike. The steel wire cable is included in the box. The anti-slip handle is extra long for more support as you go. Works 2 ways.

Cons

The included strap and hook are low quality.

Reese Towpower Compact hand winch
Reese Towpower
Compact hand winch
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A compact winch, 20-ft strap, and hook that holds up to 1,500 lbs with this rugged and powerful option.

Pros

The zinc-plated winch is built to keep its shiny finish longer. The comfort grip won't irritate your hands. Built to require minimal maintenance for years to come.

Cons

Buyers complain about the lack of proper nuts and bolts out of the box.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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33
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
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If you find yourself frequently needing to lift heavy objects, a hand winch is a good tool to have. It’s a device with a handle and a spool that has a thick cable with a hook at the end. You hook the cable onto the heavy item, crank the handle, and the rope pulls it up. Probably the biggest consideration when buying a hand winch is the weight it can handle. Heavy-duty winches can take up to 12,000 lbs., but most do 2000 lbs. or less. Most have a finish that’s meant to prevent corrosion. Some, but not all, hand winches include the cable. If you use a winch frequently, make sure to get one with an ergonomic handle.

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