Winches Used With

Web Tie Downs

©2015 Web Sling & Tie Down Association

© Web Sling & Tie Down Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
produced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Web
Sling & Tie Down Association. This publication is circulated subject to the condition that it shall
not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, sold, hired out or otherwise circulated without
WSTDA's prior consent.

This recommended standard specification has been formulated as a guide to users,

manufacturers, industry and government to insure the proper design, testing, inspection,
operation and maintenance of Winches Used With Web Tie Down assemblies. The existence of
this recommended standard specification does not, however, prevent members of the Web Sling
& Tie Down Association, Inc. and other manufacturers from manufacturing or selling products
not conforming to the standards.
 FOREWORD
This Recommended Standard Specification applies to winches designed to accommodate web tie downs for
the purpose of securing cargo. This standard recommends construction as well as identification and marking of these
winches. In addition, it gives important practical advice on the use, maintenance and inspection of these winches.

The exclusion from this Recommended Standard Specification of winches designed to accommodate web tie
downs of different materials and capacities is not intended to preclude their use and shall not be interpreted in this
manner.

Winches made from materials or construction other than those detailed in this Recommended Standard
Specification shall be used in accordance with the recommendations of the winch manufacturer or qualified person.
The specifications contained in this Recommended Standard Specification for Winches used with Web Tie Downs
were compiled under the auspices of the Web Sling & Tie Down Association, Inc. This Recommended Standard
Specification is intended to assist users in specifying the proper winch for their particular requirements. To serve as a
guide to the industry in the construction and use of winches, and to serve as a guide to governmental and other
regulatory bodies responsible for the proper use and inspection of winches used with web tie downs.

Safety is the paramount consideration involved in the use of any winch designed to accommodate web tie
downs for the purpose of securing cargo. This standard does not purport to address all safety concerns, if any,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
practices and determine the applicability of the regulatory limitations prior to use. The appropriate winch shall be
selected by the user for their specific application. Users of winches designed to accommodate web tie downs for the
purpose of securing cargo shall have knowledge on the proper method of cargo securement. Also users shall be
knowledgeable about federal, state, provincial, local and industry regulations applicable to cargo securement.

Figures shown in this standard are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent usage,
design or manufacturing processes.

MANDATORY AND ADVISORY RULES

Mandatory rules of this standard are characterized by the use of the word “shall”
or “must”. If a rule is of the advisory nature, it is indicated by the use of the word
“should,” or it is stated as a recommendation.

WEB SLING & TIE DOWN ASSOCIATION, INC.

9 Newport Drive, Suite 200,
Forest Hill, MD 21050

Phone (443) 640-1070

Fax (443) 640-1031

Email: wstda@stringfellowgroup.net
Website: www.wstda.com

First Published and Copyright 1998

First Revision 2007, Second Revision 2015
 Contents
Chapter 1.0 TERMINOLOGY & DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Purpose................................................................... 1

Section 1.2 Configuration of Web Winches.................................. 1
Section 1.3 Definition of Terms................................................... 2-3

Chapter 2.0 CONSTRUCTION OF WINCHES

Section 2.1 Purpose................................................................... 3

Section 2.2 Winch Components.................................................. 3 -4
Section 2.3 Design Factor........................................................... 4
Section 2.4 Rated Capacities....................................................... 4
Section 2.5 Identification / Marking Requirements....................... 4

Chapter 3.0 STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR TESTING WINCHES

Section 3.1 Purpose................................................................... 4
Section 3.2 Type of Tests............................................................. 4
Section 3.3 Test Procedures To Determine Breaking Strength......... 5

Chapter 4.0 RECOMMENDED OPERATING PRACTICES

Section 4.1 Purpose................................................................... 7

Section 4.2 Proper Selection....................................................... 7
Section 4.3 Use And Care........................................................... 7 -8
Section 4.4 Environmental Considerations.................................. 8
Section 4.5 Inspection................................................................ 8
Section 4.6 Inspection Records..................................... 8
Section 4.7 Removal From Service.............................................. 9
Section 4.8 Repair of Winches.................................................... 9
 CHAPTER 1.0
TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 PURPOSE
1.1.1 This chapter provides a description of winches designed to accommodate web tie downs for
the purpose of securing cargo and definitions that apply to such winches.

SECTION 1.2 CONFIGURATION OF WEB WINCHES

1.2.1 SIDE MOUNT - designed to be located on an outward facing surface of a vehicle

1.2.1.1 Weld-On / Bolt-On - Permanently mounted outward in a fixed position on the side, front
or rear frame of the vehicle.

1.2.1.2 Portable - Flexible outward mounting to the side, front or rear frame is accomplished with
a bracket that may contain one or two set screws.

1.2.2 UNDER MOUNT - designed to be mounted beneath the vehicle.

1.2.2.1 Weld-On / Bolt-On - Permanently mounted in a fixed position below the deck of the
vehicle.

1.2.2.2 Portable - Flexible below deck mounting is accomplished with a bracket and one or
two set screws.

1.2.3 SLIDING - Designed to slide along the length of the vehicle to a desired location along the
track or rail.

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 WEBBING - A fabric, woven of high tenacity yarns offering suitable characteristics for use
in the manufacture of web tie downs. Reference the WSTDA Recommended Standard
Specification for Webbing used for Tie Downs WSDTA-T-4.

WEB TIE DOWN - An assembly fabricated of webbing, with or without hardware, for the
purpose of securing cargo. Reference the WSTDA Recommended Standard Specification for
Web Tie Downs WSTDA-T-1.

WINCH - A tensioning device, which is mounted directly to a vehicle for tensioning synthetic
web tie downs used to secure cargo.

WINCH BAR - A lever designed to fit into the end cap that provides leverage to tension or
release the tie down.

WIRE ROPE - A rope formed wholly or chiefly of wires.

WORKING LOAD LIMIT (WLL) - The maximum allowable load assigned to each winch by
the manufacturer.

WRAP - One revolution of the load bearing portion of the webbing around the mandrel.

CHAPTER 2.0
CONSTRUCTION OF WINCHES
SECTION 2.1 PURPOSE
2.1.1 This chapter provides an outline of materials and construction characteristics of winches
designed to accommodate web tie downs for the purpose of securing cargo.

SECTION 2.2 WINCH COMPONENTS

2.2.1 Winch components are normally fabricated from steel plate and then welded together to form
a winch. Other materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel are also utilized, as well as
alternate assembly techniques that do not involve welding.

2.2.2 Basic winch components consist of an end cap, frame, sprocket, mandrel, pawl and pawl pin.

2.2.3 The end cap is typically fabricated from steel tubing and then affixed over the end of the
mandrel.

2.2.4 Typically a winch frame is made from steel plate which undergoes a forming process that
creates holes through which the mandrel fits and a smaller hole for the pawl pin

2.2.5 The sprocket is attached to the mandrel and is positioned to ensure proper alignment and fit
with the pawl.

2.2.6 The mandrel is typically fabricated from steel to accommodate tie downs. The mandrel
should be fabricated to prevent cutting of the tie downs.

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 SPROCKET

Figure 1

SECTION 1.3 DEFINITION OF TERMS

BREAKING STRENGTH - The load in pounds or kilograms at which point any load bearing
part of the winch fails.

DEFORMATION - Visible damage, distortion or misshaping of any of a winch component.

DESIGN FACTOR - The ratio of the breaking strength to the working load limit (WLL) for
each winch.

DESIGNATED PERSON - Selected or assigned by the employer or employer's representative

as being a competent person who is knowledgeable of regulations, standards, capable of
assessing risk, identifying predictable hazards and is authorized to take corrective action.

END CAP - A sleeve containing a minimum of two (2) holes 180 degrees apart, on one or
both ends of the mandrel to accommodate a winch bar.

FAILURE - A breakdown in any winch component whereby additional load may not be
applied.

FRAME - The base structure that supports the other winch components. See Figure 1.

MANDREL - The component of the winch to which webbing or wire rope is secured for
tensioning the tie down. See Figure 1.

PAWL - The component that locks the winch sprocket. See Figure 1.

PAWL PIN - A fastener that attaches the pawl to the frame. See Figure 1.

SPROCKET - A gear that is attached to the mandrel that is engaged and locked by the pawl.
See Figure 1.

TENSILE LOAD - The force being applied expressed in pounds or kilograms.

VEHICLE - Any conveyance for carrying goods or equipment, such as a truck, trailer, van or
otherwise.

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2.2.7 The pawl shall be properly aligned and fitted with the sprocket to ensure the contact is
optimized and is free-floating and pivots or falls into the proper position.

2.2.8 The pawl pin shall be of sufficient strength to retain the pawl to the frame and allow free
movement of the pawl.

2.2.9 Winches should be coated to prevent corrosion.

SECTION 2.3 DESIGN FACTOR

! WARNING
Never exceed the working load limit (WLL) of any winch. The loading of any winch beyond
its WLL can result in severe personal injury or death. The winch design factor is based on
destructive, laboratory controlled testing conditions, which will not be exactly duplicated
during actual loading conditions.

2.3.1 The design factor for winches shall be a minimum of three (3) when tested in accordance
with Chapter 3 of this Standard Specification.

SECTION 2.4 RATED CAPACITIES

2.4.1 The working load limit (WLL) of a winch shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of its breaking strength.

SECTION 2.5 IDENTIFICATION / MARKING REQUIREMENTS

2.5.1 Each winch shall be durably marked with the following information to provide a method to
positively identify a winch source of manufacture:
a. Name and/or trademark.
b. Working load limit (WLL) in pounds and kilograms.
c. Lot code or user-identifiable mark for traceability.

2.5.2 The required markings shall be visible when the winch is in use with a web tie down.

2.5.3 Use of the letters lb to designate pounds and the letters kg to designate kilograms and WLL to
represent working load limit are acceptable. Example:
WLL 5,000 lb / 2270 kg shall indicate a 5000 pound, 2270 kilogram working load limit.

CHAPTER 3.0
STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR TESTING WINCHES
SECTION 3.1 PURPOSE
3.1.1 This chapter provides standard procedures for testing of winches designed to accommodate
web tie downs for the purpose of securing cargo.

SECTION 3.2 TYPE OF TESTS

3.2.1 Qualification Test - Testing of a preproduction winch shall be performed to establish the
breaking strength.

3.2.2 Acceptance Test - Testing of a production winch shall be performed for the purpose of
verifying the breaking strength.

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SECTION 3.3 TEST PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE BREAKING STRENGTH
3.3.1 Qualification Testing
3.3.1.1 Destructive tests for each winch design shall consist of a minimum of five (5) preproduction
winches. The breaking strength shall be the average of the tensile load failures.

3.3.2 Acceptance Testing

3.3.2.1 Destructive tests of two (2) production winches from each lot of two thousand (2000).
The breaking strength shall be a minimum of three (3) times the manufacturer's specified
working load limit.

3.3.2.2 If one of the two winches fails the test, test two more. If those two pass then the production
lot shall be accepted. If either of the second set of two winches fails the test the production
lot shall be rejected.

3.3.3 Testing shall be done with fixtures which simulate the load path direction for the specific
winch being tested. The fixture will simulate direction of load application.

3.3.4 Winches shall be installed on applicable test fixtures. See figures 2 and 3.

3.3.5 Winches normally installed by welding may be attached to test fixtures via clamps.

3.3.6 Portable style winches with set screws should be tested with screws tightened in accordance
with manufacturers recommended installation procedures.

3.3.7 Sliding winches shall be tested in a track or channel that simulates a vehicle track or channel
for which they have been designed.

3.3.8 Winches that have been painted, plated or otherwise coated during the finishing process
should be tested after the coating has been applied.

3.3.9 The webbing used for testing shall have a higher breaking strength than the winch. A
minimum of 72.00 inches (1830mm) of webbing should be used for testing. The mandrel
shall have a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of four (4) wraps of webbing.

3.3.10 The tensile load shall be applied at a rate of 2 to 10 inches (50 to 250mm) per minute or 100
to 1000 lbs (45 to 450 kgs) per second until failure. The tensile load at failure is the breaking
strength. Failure is the point at which additional load can not be applied.

3.3.11 Test results shall be kept on file.

3.3.12 The winch manufacturer or an independent testing laboratory shall perform the testing.

3.3.13 The test machine shall be certified annually to ASTM E4 or equivalent.

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 Figure 2 - SIDE MOUNT

Figure 3 - UNDER MOUNT

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 CHAPTER 4.0
RECOMMENDED OPERATING PRACTICES
SECTION 4.1 PURPOSE
4.1.1 The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidelines to end users and enforcement personnel
for proper selection, use and care, environmental considerations and inspection of winches
used with web tie downs. These guidelines are not intended to replace proper
training, experience and learned knowledge regarding proper tie down procedures when
using winches.

SECTION 4.2 PROPER SELECTION

4.2.1 Select a winch having suitable characteristics for proper attachment to the vehicle. The winch
shall have sufficient strength to properly secure the load.

4.2.2 Identify the working load limit (WLL) marked on the winch by the manufacturer. If the required
markings are illegible or missing, remove from service. Read all warnings and/or instructions
provided by the manufacturer.

! WARNING
Before using winches, users must be properly trained. The use of winches by untrained
personnel is potentially hazardous.

SECTION 4.3 USE AND CARE

4.3.1 Winches shall not be loaded in excess of the working load limit (WLL) provided by the
manufacturer.
4.3.2 Winches shall be attached to the vehicle in accordance with the installation instructions of the
winch manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer.
4.3.3 Winch track designed to accommodate sliding winches shall be installed per the winch track
manufacturer and the vehicle manufacturer instructions.
4.3.4 Winches shall be installed and positioned so that the pawl is free-floating and pivots into the
sprocket by gravity. A properly installed and positioned winch shall allow the user to see the
pawl to ensure proper engagement.

4.3.5 When using any winch, the winch mandrel shall have a minimum of two (2) and a maximum
of four (4) wraps of webbing. Two to four wraps will appear like four to eight layers of
webbing. Less than two wraps may result in strap slippage; more than four will place
unnecessary strain on the winch. Excessive wraps of webbing on the mandrel may reduce the
working load limit (WLL) of the winch and may interfere with proper operation.

4.3.6 Before operating any winch the user shall secure his footing on the ground to prevent slipping
or falling. In adverse weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, additional caution
should be exercised.
4.3.7 Only winch bars designed to be used with winches shall be used to tension and release tie
down assemblies.

! CAUTION
Exercise caution during tensioning to ensure the winch pawl fully engages into the
sprocket before releasing pressure on the winch bar. Releasing a winch bar without the
pawl being properly engaged can cause serious injury.
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4.3.8 When using a winch bar designed to utilize the holes in the end cap of a winch, the tip of the
winch bar shall be inserted through two holes to prevent the tip of the winch bar from slipping
or damaging the winch.
4.3.9 Any device, commonly known as a cheater bar, that extends the length of a winch bar shall
not be used.
4.3.10 Winches may require re-tensioning during transit to maintain proper tension.
4.3.11 Winches shall be used inspected and adjusted periodically during the transportation of cargo
per applicable federal, state, provincial, local and industry regulations.
4.3.12 Set screws on portable winches are designed to position the winch while the tie down
assembly is being tightened. They shall only be snug tight. Over tightening of screws may
cause the bracket to bend, weakening the winch and causing it to fail.
4.3.13 Portable winches with or without set screws shall be removed from the vehicle frame when
not being used to tension a web tie down.
4.3.14 Winches designed to secure cargo shall not be used for lifting, lowering or suspending cargo
or for towing.

SECTION 4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.4.1 Winches are subjected to dirt, mud, snow, ice, road salt, cleaning solutions, etc. Winches shall
be periodically inspected, cleaned and lubricated to ensure the winch pawl will drop freely
between the sprocket teeth by gravity. If this maintenance procedure does not result in the
pawl dropping freely into the sprocket teeth, the winch shall be removed from service.
4.4.2 Winches that can be removed from the vehicle, when not in use, should be stored in a dry
location.

SECTION 4.5 INSPECTION

4.5.1 Type of Inspection
a. INITIAL INSPECTION A designated person shall inspect every winch before it is placed
in service to ensure that the correct winch is being used and to determine that the winch
meets the requirements of this standard specification.

b. FREQUENT INSPECTION The person handling the winch each time it is used shall make
this inspection.

c. PERIODIC INSPECTION A designated person shall conduct this inspection. Frequency of

a periodic inspection shall be based on, but not limited to:

i. Frequency of use
ii. Severity of service conditions
iii. Experience gained on the service life of
winches used in similar applications

SECTION 4.6 INSPECTION RECORDS

4.6.1 The user(s) of winches should establish written inspection records to be kept on file. These
records should show a description of the winch, the condition at the time of the inspection,
the date stamp on the winch if present, the date the inspection was performed, the vehicle
unit number the winch is presently on and the person who performed the inspection.

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SECTION 4.7 REMOVAL FROM SERVICE
4.7.1 A winch shall be removed from service if any of the following conditions exist:

a. Working Load Limit (WLL) is illegible

b. Mandrel is not free to rotate when the pawl is released
c. Pawl is not free to drop into the sprocket by gravity
d. Excessive corrosion
e. End cap is deformed and will not permit use of winch bar
f. Distorted or deformed components
g. Cracks, broken or malfunctioning components
h. Cracked winch welds
i. Cracked weld at winch attachment point
j. Deformed or worn winch track
k. Any other visible damage which causes doubt as to the strength of the winch or winch
track
SECTION 4.8 REPAIR OF WINCHES
4.8.1 No repairs of winches, winch components or winch track shall be permitted.

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 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

U.S. Department of Transportation California Administrative Code:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Office of Public Affairs or
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Commercial Vehicle Section
(FMCSRs) 392.9, Safe Loading; 393.100 ~ 393.136 California Highway Patrol,
Subpart 1 - Protection Against Shifting or Falling Cargo Enforcement Services Division
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE PO Box 942898
Washington, D.C. 20590 Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
Telephone (800) 832-5660 www.chp.ca.gov
www.fmcsa.dot.gov

ASTM International
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) 100 Barr Harbor Drive
North America Standard Out of Service Criteria (OOSC) PO Box C700
6303 Ivy Lane, Suite 310 West Conshohocken, PA
Greenbelt, MD 20770 19428-2959 USA
Phone (301) 830-6143 Phone (610) 832-9585
Fax (301) 830-6144 www.astm.org
www.cvsa.org

In Canada Contact:
Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association The Ministry of Transportation
5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 200 In Each Province.
Centreville, VA 20120
Canadian Council of Motor
Telephone (703) 698-0291
Transport Administrators
Fax (571) 722-1698
223 St. Laurent Blvd.
Email: info@scranet.org
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4J8
www.scranet.org
Telephone: (613) 736-1003
Fax: (613) 736-1395
In Mexico Contact: Email: ccmta-secretariat@ccmta.ca
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO Canadian Ministry of Transportation
Mauricio Hinojosa Queen’s Park / Minister’s Office
Director General Adjunto de Supervisión 7 Wellesly Street West
Autotransporte Federal Ferguson Block, 3rd Floor
Czda. de las Bombas No 411, Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Z8
10 Piso Col. Los Girasoles, Telephone: (416) 327-9200
C.P. 04920 Delegación Coyoacan,
México D.F.
WEB SLING & TIE DOWN ASSOC., INC.
Telephone: +52-55-54824100
9 Newport Drive, Suite 200
Fax: +52-55-46849628 Forest Hill, MD 21050
ohinojos@sct.gob.mx Phone: (443) 640-1070
http://dgaf.sct.gob.mx/ Fax: (443) 640-1031
Email: wstda@stringfellowgroup.net
Website: www.wstda.com

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 OTHER WEB SLING & TIE DOWN ASSOCIATION PUBLICATIONS
Recommended Standard Specifications: Recommended Standard Specifications:
Printed Books PDF Files On CD
Synthetic Web Slings WSTDA-WS-1 All Standards CD - (All Standards on CD) WSTDA-ASCD
(Spanish) Synthetic Web Slings WSTDA-WS-1S
Synthetic Polyester Roundslings WSTDA-RS-1
High Performance Yarn (HPY) Roundslings WSTDA-RS-1HP Recommended Test Methods:
Webbing for Synthetic Web Slings WSTDA-WB-1
Strength & Elongation Test Method for WSTDA-TM-1
Sewing Threads for Slings & Tie Downs WSTDA-TH-1
Sling & Tie Down Webbings
Web Tie Downs WSTDA-T-1
(Spanish) Web Tie Downs WSTDA-T-1S
Winches Used With Web Tie Downs WSTDA-T-3
Synthetic Webbing Used for Tie Downs WSTDA-T-4
Load Binders Used with Chain Tie Downs WSTDA-T-6
All Standards In A Three-Ring Binder WSTDA-ASB

Operating & Inspection Manuals

Synthetic Web Slings WSTDA-WS-2 Synthetic Web Slings WSTDA-WS-2PS (pocket sized)
(Spanish) Synthetic Web Slings WSTDA-WS-2S Synthetic Polyester Roundslings WSTDA-RS-2PS (pocket sized)
Synthetic Polyester Roundslings WSTDA-RS-2
Web Tie Downs WSTDA-T-2

Illustrated Wall Chart

Inspection of Web Slings & Roundslings WSTDA-WSWC-1
Video
Synthetic Web Sling Care & Inspection WSTDA-WSV-1-CD
UV Degradation Reports
Summary Report UV Degradation WSTDA-UV-Sling-2003
UV Degradation Mini Manual WSTDA-UV-MM-2005
UV Degradation Report WSTDA-UVDR-1981 (Revised 2005)
Training CD-Rom
North America Cargo Securement Standard WSTDA-CD-TP-2003
Warning Labels Safety Bulletins
Web Slings WSWT-1 Web Slings WSSB-1
Tie Downs TDWT-1 Roundslings RSSB-1
Roundslings RSWT-1 Tie Downs TDSB-1
All WARNING LABELS and SAFETY BULLETINS are available
in three languages; English, Spanish and French
For ordering information and prices, contact the association office or visit our website:
Web Sling & Tie Down Association, Inc.
9 Newport Drive, Suite 200
Forest Hill, Maryland 21050
Phone (443) 640-1070
Fax (443) 640-1031
Email: wstda@stringfellowgroup.net
Web Site: www.wstda.com