How To Use A Come Along: A Complete Step-by-Step Rigging Guide
A come along is a manually operated lever-pull hoist that uses a ratcheting mechanism and wire or synthetic rope to pull, tension, or lift heavy loads safely. Mastering this device requires understanding proper anchor rigging, maintaining a safe distance from the tension line, and inspecting the cable and pawl for wear prior to every pull.
Pre-Operation & Safety Inspection Checklist
Operating a hand-operated cable puller safely requires systematic preparation, proper site assessment, and strict adherence to mechanical capacity ratings. Using a come along beyond its structural limits risks catastrophic cable snap-back, anchor failure, or uncontrolled load descent.
- Essential Gear and Tools: Come along puller rated for the intended load, heavy-duty rated anchor shackles, industrial rigging straps or tree savers, heavy leather work gloves, and a designated wire brush for cable inspection.
- Prerequisite Knowledge & Standards: Familiarity with working load limits (WLL), standard rigging knots, and OSHA or ASME safety standards for manual lever hoists.
- Estimated Budget & Duration: Equipment investment ranges from forty to two hundred dollars depending on tonnage capacity, with a typical setup and pull duration of fifteen to thirty minutes.
Step-by-Step Rigging and Operating Procedure
Step 1: Inspect the Equipment and Cable Integrity
Examine the entire length of the wire rope or strap for kinks, bird-caging, fraying, broken strands, or corrosion before rigging the device. Test the manual release latch and ensure the dual-locking pawl mechanism engages the ratchet wheel cleanly without slipping or excessive play.
Warning: Never use a come along with a compromised cable containing three or more broken wires in any single strand, as this drastically reduces the working load limit and invites sudden failure.
Step 2: Anchor the Puller Securely
Connect the fixed end hook of the come along to a stationary, immovable anchor point, such as a large established tree, a heavy-duty vehicle recovery point, or a certified structural anchor. Ensure the anchor hook's safety latch is fully closed and the load sits squarely in the base of the hook, never on the tip.
Step 3: Attach to the Load
Run the pulling cable or strap to the object you intend to move, utilizing a choker hitch or rated shackle to secure the connection point. Minimize slack in the line by manually pulling the cable through the take-up mechanism while depressing the release lever, ensuring at least three full wraps of wire rope remain on the drum at maximum extension.
Step 4: Execute the Ratcheting Pull
Engage the forward lever and pump the handle in a controlled, steady motion to tension the line and move the load toward the anchor point. Monitor the travel path continuously, keeping all body parts clear of the tensioned cable and ensuring the wire winds evenly onto the drum without overlapping or binding.
Pro-Tip: Maintain constant situational awareness and never stand directly in line with the pull path; if the cable or anchor fails, the stored kinetic energy will cause the line to whip back along the exact axis of tension.
Step 5: Release Tension and Secure the Load
Once the load reaches its destination, secure it with secondary chains or straps before attempting to release the tension on the come along. To unload, carefully shift the mechanism to reverse and slowly walk the handle down, maintaining a firm grip on the lever to prevent it from spinning out of control.
CT102.501 Come along clamp | Cable pulling equipments | Ensto
Come Along Tonnage Capacities and Rigging Specs
| Puller Capacity | Cable Diameter | Recommended Application | Maximum Span Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Ton (2,000 lbs) | 3/16 inch | Light pulling, fence tensioning, small game loading | 5 to 10 feet |
| 2 Ton (4,000 lbs) | 1/4 inch | Vehicle recovery, stump pulling, machinery shifting | 6 to 12 feet |
| 4 Ton (8,000 lbs) | 5/16 inch | Heavy construction, structural alignment, large timber dragging | 8 to 15 feet |
Common Field Failures and Troubleshooting
- Ratchet Handle Slips Under Load:
- Root Cause: Debris, dried mud, or lack of lubrication inside the gear housing preventing the primary pawl from engaging the ratchet teeth fully.
- Actionable Fix: Clear all dirt from the mechanism using a brush and solvent, inspect the spring tension on the pawl, and apply a light machine oil to pivot points.
- Cable Binds and Crushes on the Drum:
- Root Cause: Pulling at an improper angle or failing to maintain initial tension on the line while winding.
- Actionable Fix: Release the load safely using secondary supports, unspool the tangled cable completely, and rewind it under a light load to ensure orderly layering.
- Anchor Hook Bends or Twists:
- Root Cause: Side-loading the hook or attaching it to an oversized anchor point that forces the load onto the tip of the hook rather than the saddle.
- Actionable Fix: Insert a rated shackle between the anchor and the hook to ensure straight-line pull dynamics and prevent off-axis stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a come along to lift heavy objects vertically?
Most standard cable come alongs are engineered exclusively for horizontal or angled pulling applications and are not rated for overhead lifting. Using a horizontal puller for vertical lifts violates manufacturer safety guidelines and lacks the redundant mechanical load brakes required for overhead hoisting.
How do I prevent the cable from kinking during a long pull?
Always maintain a slight tension on the wire rope when unspooling or rewinding the drum by hand to prevent loose loops from forming and overlapping. If a kink does develop, do not pull it tight under load; stop immediately, back up the mechanism, and carefully work the loop out by hand.
Can I use a snag block or pulley to increase pulling power?
Yes, you can rig a snatch block as a directional change or to create a mechanical advantage system that doubles your pulling capacity. Route the cable from the anchor through the snatch block attached to the load, and return it to a secure point near the original anchor, cutting the required pull effort in half while halving the maximum travel speed.
What is the difference between a cable puller and a strap puller?
Cable pullers utilize galvanized steel wire rope and offer longer working distances, making them ideal for recovery and construction tasks. Strap pullers use heavy-duty woven polyester webbing that resists kinking and is less likely to scratch painted surfaces, making them popular for marine and agricultural utility work.
Start your next rigging project with confidence by selecting the appropriate tonnage capacity and prioritizing safety at every step of your pull.
