How many folks seriously ever think about what could happen if a winch cable would break in mid pull? I've seen it first hand it when a hook pin sheared and there were so many people standing around it was a miracle that no one got decapitated by that flying cable.

I just happened to think about this while browsing this and some other offroad forums and seeing some pictures of dangerous winching situations. I can't help but think about what I observed when that cable let loose and every time I use my winch I always stand way clear as far as I can. If I'm winching from inside the vehicle, the hood is propped up for protection and I also carry some heavy old blankets to lay over the winch line to dampen it's flight if it should break.

 

Wow interesting! Never heard about leavin hood open! Smart! Haha

 

That's why you use synthetic line. It's 30-50% stronger and doesn't store anywhere near as much kinetic energy. Even if it does break it doesn't present the risks that cable does.

 

A tool bag.
A blanket.
A couple heavy coats.
A dedicated cable weight.

Any of these make a great weight to hang on your steel cable.