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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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