Unwinding winch cable Please Advise

I am in the process of cleaning up the winch I just got. I am going to unwind the cable to give it a good cleaning. I did a search and didn't see anything as far as how the cable is attached. Can a guy disconnect the cable? I don't want to go to all the trouble if the cable cannot be removed w/out cutting it. Please advise

Unwind it all. There is a set screw that connects the rope to the drum. Unscrew it, and the cable will come off.

Cable is attached with set screw. I attach the cable to a tree and back up until unwound. Set the parking brake a little and rewind making sure it layers. Then pour used oil over the cable to protect it from rust.

Thanks guys, just what I needed

Due to the acids and other corrosive compounds in used oil the Army stopped using used oil 20 years ago.

Given what a cable costs and the bad things that can happen when they fail, I'd get some winch cable and open gear lube and preservative from an industrial supply house. It's expensive but resists washing off and won't pick up as much dirt as oil.

NAPA has some good stuff in a spray can...Chain and Cable Lube. Goes on foamy and soaks in. Seems to last a long time on my chain binders, always in the weather.

current military proceedure is have some unlucky fellow stand about 15 foot from the winch with gloves, a rag, and a tub of grease to coat the cable as it is wound back in !

m52a2 said:

current military proceedure is have some unlucky fellow stand about 15 foot from the winch with gloves, a rag, and a tub of grease to coat the cable as it is wound back in !

Click to expand...

it was fun tho! even the little M37 that took part added to the party!
any pics?

FWIW, PS mag article:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/index....rope_care&name=gallery&include=view_photo.php