Best Manual Winches of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Feb 2, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Manual winches are a versatile and reliable tool for a variety of tasks. These devices are designed to help lift and move heavy loads, making them ideal for use in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial settings. Manual winches are easy to operate and require no external power source, making them a cost-effective solution for businesses and individuals alike. With a range of sizes and weight capacities available, there is a manual winch to suit any application. Whether you need to lift a few pounds or several tons, a manual winch can help you get the job done safely and efficiently.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

FITHOIST Come Along Winch 2T Cover #TOP 1
FITHOIST Come Along Winch 2T
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FITHOIST 2 Ton Dual Gear Come Along Winch Cover #TOP 2
FITHOIST 2 Ton Dual Gear Come Along Winch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
YATOINTO 1000 LB Portable Drill Winch Cover #TOP 3
YATOINTO 1000 LB Portable Drill Winch
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Manual Winches

#TOP 1

FITHOIST Come Along Winch 2T

FITHOIST Come Along Winch 2T Cover
FITHOIST Come Along Winch 2T Pulling Capacity 7FT Steel Cable 2 Hooks Heavy Duty Ratchet Power Puller Tool with Dual Gears Hand Winch Cable Automotive Hoist Winch Puller

The FITHOIST Winch Tool is designed for heavy-duty tasks with its high-quality 7-foot steel cable, providing strength and reach for moving equipment or securing loads. Its dual gear ratchet system allows you to operate it with one hand, making it easy to pull heavy items with minimal effort. With a robust load capacity of 2 tons, this winch can handle significant weights, giving you confidence in its performance. Safety is prioritized with features like a larger handle for better leverage and secure hooks to prevent slips, ensuring you can work efficiently and safely.

What We Like
Heavy-duty steel construction
One-handed operation
High load capacity
Enhanced safety features
#TOP 2

FITHOIST 2 Ton Dual Gear Come Along Winch

2T-2D-New
2T +Lift Sling
FITHOIST 2 Ton Dual Gear Come Along Winch Cover
FITHOIST Come Along Winch Ratchet Tool 2 Ton Pulling Capacity 2 Hooks Steel Cable Dual Gear Power Puller with Two 1"x8FT Lifting Straps Hand Winch Cable Automotive Hoist Winch Puller Recovery Gear

The FITHOIST Dual Gear Winch is built with a strong, rust-resistant steel cable that measures 5 mm in diameter and 7 feet long, giving you the strength and reach needed for moving heavy items or securing loads. Its dual gear ratchet system lets you operate it with one hand, making it easier to pull heavy objects without much effort. The winch can handle up to 2 tons (4400 lbs), thanks to its durable steel construction and powerful ratcheting mechanism, ensuring you can tackle tough jobs safely. Plus, it features a larger, slip-resistant handle for better grip and extra leverage, so you stay comfortable while working.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant steel cable
Dual gear ratchet system
2-ton heavy-duty capacity
Slip-resistant large handle
#TOP 3

YATOINTO 1000 LB Portable Drill Winch

Gray
1000LBS(Grey)
YATOINTO 1000 LB Portable Drill Winch Cover
YATOINTO Portable Drill Winch 1000 LB Pulling Capacity with 40 Feet Alloy Steel Wire Rope, Hand Winch for Dragging(Gray)

The YATOINTO Portable Drill Winch is both lightweight and powerful, making it easy for you to carry and operate alone. With a pulling capacity of up to 1000 lbs and a 40-foot steel wire rope, this winch is perfect for various tasks, whether you need to lift vertically or pull horizontally. The user-friendly design features a free-clutch knob that allows you to easily switch between locking and free rotation with one hand. Additionally, the built-in visual window lets you monitor the wire rope's status, ensuring safe operation while you work. With a flexible fair lead and a sturdy drive shaft, this winch meets various traction needs with ease.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Easy one-handed operation
Visual monitoring window
Versatile traction applications
#TOP 4

FITHOIST 2-Ton Dual-Gear Come Along Winch

2T-2D-New
2T-New
FITHOIST 2-Ton Dual-Gear Come Along Winch Cover
FITHOIST 2-Ton Come Along Winch Heavy Duty 11ft Steel Cable Come Along Cable Puller with Two 1"x8FT Lifting Sling 2 Hooks Dual-Gear for Vehicle Rescue & Automotive Hoisting

The FITHOIST 2-Ton Winch comes with an 11-foot steel cable made from high-quality twisted strands, giving you strong and durable pulling power without worrying about tangles or slack. Its heavy-duty design can handle up to 4,400 pounds, making it perfect for tough jobs. The unique dual-gear system provides smooth, steady pulling, so you can control the load easily and safely. Plus, the two hooks have safety latches to keep everything secure, while the larger rubber handle offers a comfortable grip and extra leverage, making your work easier and safer.

What We Like
Strong steel cable
High load capacity
Dual-gear smooth pulling
Safety latch hooks
Comfortable rubber handle
#TOP 5

YATOINTO 2-Ton Heavy Duty Come Along Winch

2 Ton
2 Ton
YATOINTO 2-Ton Heavy Duty Come Along Winch Cover
YATOINTO Come Along Winch Heavy Duty 2-Ton with 11FT Steel Cable & 2 Hooks - Dual Gear Come Along Manual Winch for Vehicle Recovery & Automotive Hoist

The YATOINTO 2-Ton Winch is a powerful manual tool that can pull up to 4,480 pounds, making it ideal for tough jobs like vehicle recovery. Its 11-foot steel cable is built to last and won’t get tangled or slack, saving you time and hassle. The dual-gear ratchet system lets you operate the winch smoothly with one hand, giving you strong pulling power without much effort. Plus, the winch comes with two safety hooks that lock securely to prevent slipping, and a comfortable rubber handle that helps you grip better and work longer without discomfort. This winch is designed to make heavy pulling tasks easier and safer for you.

What We Like
High 2-ton pulling capacity
Durable 11-foot steel cable
Dual-gear smooth operation
Secure self-locking hooks
Comfortable slip-resistant handle
#TOP 6

BIG RED 4 Ton Come Along Winch

T32054-1
4 ton
BIG RED 4 Ton Come Along Winch Cover
Big RED 4 Ton Come Along Winch: Heavy Duty Power Puller Tool with Dual Gears, Hand Winch Cable (12ft) and 3 Hooks, Red

The BIG RED Come Along Winch is a powerful tool designed for lifting, lowering, and pulling heavy loads with ease. Its sturdy steel construction ensures durability, making it ideal for various applications, from automotive needs to farm work. The winch features a hand-crank ratchet action that allows you to control the load precisely, while the automatic let-down release provides added safety during operation. With a double gear system, moving the mechanism becomes effortless, and the three included safety hooks ensure secure attachment to your load, giving you peace of mind while you work.

What We Like
High load capacity
Durable steel construction
Easy to operate
Multiple safety hooks
#TOP 7

JOYANALL 5 Ton Portable Come Along Winch

JOYANALL
JOYANALL 5 Ton Portable Come Along Winch Cover
JOYANALL Come Along Winch,5 Ton Capacity Portable Power Puller with 11.5FT Steel Cable,Heavy Duty Come Along Tool with Dual Gears,3 Hooks,Hand Winch Tool

The JOYANALL 5 Ton Winch is a powerful tool designed to help you handle heavy pulling tasks with ease. Its 5-ton capacity means you can confidently use it for vehicle recovery, loading heavy items, or pulling tough objects like logs and rocks. The winch features an 11.5-foot aerospace-grade steel cable that resists corrosion and twisting, ensuring durability and smooth operation. With an integrated double gear system, you get a steady and stable pull every time, while the double-locked anti-reversal gear keeps your load secure and prevents accidents. This makes the winch both reliable and safe for your tough outdoor jobs.

What We Like
5-ton heavy duty capacity
Durable corrosion-resistant cable
Stable integrated double gear
Safety anti-reversal gear
#TOP 8

YATOINTO Portable Drill Winch 1000LB

YBW-1000-R
1000LBS
YATOINTO Portable Drill Winch 1000LB Cover
YATOINTO Portable Drill Winch 1000LB Pulling Capacity with 40 Feet Alloy Steel Wire Rope, Hand Winch for Lifting & Dragging

The YATOINTO Drill Winch is a lightweight and portable tool that lets you handle heavy loads with ease. Weighing just 11 pounds, it’s simple to carry and operate solo, making lifting and dragging tasks much more manageable. Its strong pulling capacity, up to 1000 pounds, allows you to move items both vertically and horizontally with confidence. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-use clutch system, which lets you quickly switch between free spinning and locked modes with just one hand. Plus, the winch is designed with safety in mind, featuring a clear window to monitor the wire rope and a flexible fair lead for secure operation. This makes the YATOINTO Drill Winch a reliable choice for various pulling jobs around your home or workshop.

What We Like
Lightweight portability
Strong pulling capacity
Easy one-hand clutch control
Safety monitoring window
Flexible fair lead
#TOP 9

BIG RED Heavy Duty Manual Winch 1600 lbs

ATRT1161CR-2
1600 lb
BIG RED Heavy Duty Manual Winch 1600 lbs Cover
Big RED Heavy Duty Manual Hand Crank Winch: 32.8ft Nylon Strap for Boats, Trailers, Trucks, ATVs, 1600 lbs. Capacity, Silver

The BIG RED Manual Winch offers reliable strength with its ability to handle loads up to 1600 lbs, making it perfect for securing boats, trailers, and more. Its hardened steel gears and galvanized finish protect against rust and harsh weather, so you can trust it to last. You’ll appreciate the efficient 5.1:1 gear ratio, which makes winding the 32.8-foot nylon strap faster and easier. Plus, the ergonomic 4-inch handle is designed to reduce hand fatigue by 75%, letting you operate smoothly and comfortably. With forward and backward ratchet control, you have full flexibility for various tasks.

What We Like
High load capacity
Rust-resistant finish
Efficient gear ratio
Ergonomic handle design
#TOP 10

Dutton-Lainson Winch with Automatic Brake - 800-Lb. Capacity

DLB800A
Dutton-Lainson Winch with Automatic Brake - 800-Lb. Capacity Cover
Dutton-Lainson Winch with Automatic Brake - 800-Lb. Capacity

This towing winch features a 1 7/8in. drum diameter and a bronze powder-coated finish. It can crank in and out under load, making it a convenient tool for vertical lifting. The self-locking winch does not freewheel, ensuring safety and stability during operation.

What We Like
Convenient tool for vertical lifting
Self-locking feature for safety and stability
Bronze powder-coated finish for durability
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Manual Winches

Introduction

Manual winches are an essential tool for a variety of applications, from hoisting and pulling to tensioning and securing. Choosing the right manual winch for your needs can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider and a wide range of options available on the market. In this article, we will explore some key considerations and provide some practical tips for choosing the best manual winch for your needs.

Types of Manual Winches

One of the first things to consider when choosing a manual winch is the type of winch you need. There are several different types of manual winches, each designed for specific applications and operating conditions.

Hand Winch

A hand winch, also known as a hand crank winch, is a small, portable winch that is operated by turning a hand crank. These winches are ideal for light-duty applications where portability and ease of use are important. Hand winches are available in a variety of sizes and lifting capacities, and can be used for hoisting, pulling, and tensioning operations.

Ratchet Winch

A ratchet winch is a manually operated winch that uses a ratcheting mechanism to provide high torque and powerful pulling force. Ratchet winches are typically larger and more powerful than hand winches, and are commonly used for heavy-duty applications such as towing and vehicle recovery.

Worm Gear Winch

A worm gear winch is a type of manual winch that uses a worm gear drive system to provide high torque and smooth operation. Worm gear winches are typically used for applications where precision and control are important, such as in construction and manufacturing.

Capacity and Lifting Height

Another important factor to consider when choosing a manual winch is the capacity and lifting height. The capacity of a winch refers to the maximum weight it can safely lift or pull, while the lifting height refers to the maximum distance the winch can lift or pull a load. It is important to choose a winch with a capacity and lifting height that is appropriate for your needs, as overloading or exceeding the winch's capabilities can result in damage or injury.

Material and Construction

The material and construction of a manual winch are important factors to consider, as they determine the winch's durability and performance in different operating conditions. Steel is the most common material used for manual winches, as it is strong and durable. However, stainless steel and aluminum winches are also available for applications where corrosion resistance is important. In terms of construction, it is important to choose a winch with a robust, heavy-duty design that can withstand the stresses of lifting and pulling heavy loads.

Additional Features

When choosing a manual winch, it is also important to consider any additional features that may be useful for your specific application. Some common features to look for include:

  • Brake systems: A brake system is essential for controlling the speed and position of a load when it is being lifted or lowered. Look for a winch with a reliable, easy-to-use brake system.

  • Load holding: Some manual winches are equipped with a load holding mechanism, which allows the winch to hold a load in place without the need for continuous cranking. This can be useful for applications where the load needs to be kept stationary for extended periods of time.

  • Automatic load-lowering: Some manual winches are equipped with an automatic load-lowering mechanism, which allows the winch to automatically lower a load at a controlled rate. This can be useful for applications where precise control over the lowering speed is important.

Conclusion

Choosing the right manual win ch for your needs can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider and a wide range of options available. By taking into account the type of winch, capacity and lifting height, material and construction, and additional features, you can select the best manual winch for your specific application. With the right manual winch, you can tackle any hoisting, pulling, or tensioning job with confidence and ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much weight can a hand winch pull?

A hand winch is capable of pulling heavy loads, with some models able to handle up to 600 lbs. They feature a steel cable rope and a hand crank for easy use.

2. Do hand winches work in both directions?

Yes, hand winches are designed to move loads both horizontally and vertically, making them versatile tools for various lifting, securing, and pulling operations.

3. What is a manual winch used for?

Manual winches are used for lifting, handling, securing, and pulling operations. They come in different types, such as lifting winches, bracket winches, gear winches, and worm gear winches, to meet specific needs.

4. What size hand winch do I need?

The size of the hand winch you need depends on various factors, including the weight of the load and the specific requirements of your application. However, a commonly used ratio is 2 to 1, where the winch capacity is half the weight of the load.

5. How big of a winch do I need to pull a car on a trailer?

For car hauler and tilt trailers, a 9.5k winch is typically recommended. For gooseneck, pintle, and heavy tilt trailers, the 12k or 17.5k winches are more suitable.

6. Can a 2000 pound winch pull a car?

A 2000 or 2500 pound winch can usually pull a car effectively, especially if the car is smaller and lighter. However, it is important to follow the recommendations provided with the winch and consider the specific guidelines for towing vehicles.

7. Why can't you use a winch as a hoist?

Using a winch as a hoist is not recommended because it can lead to potential risks. The load could slip, and the gears of the winch could become damaged, resulting in failure. Hoists are specifically designed with mechanical braking systems for safer lifting operations.

8. What should you not do with a winch?

When using a winch, it is important not to operate it with less than the recommended number of wraps of rope around the drum to ensure proper load attachment. It is also crucial to avoid using a winch as a hoist or to suspend a load.

9. What is the mechanical advantage of a hand winch?

The mechanical advantage of a hand winch can vary depending on factors such as the number of cable layers on the drum. For example, a single-speed hand winch with one layer of cable can have a maximum mechanical advantage of 49:1, which can decrease to 15:1 as the cable winds around the drum.

Editor's Notes

During our manual winch research, we found 24 manual winch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,405 customer reviews through our big data system to write the manual winches list. We found that most customers choose manual winches with an average price of $35.64.

The manual winches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of manual winches, including FITHOIST, YATOINTO, BIG RED, JOYANALL, Dutton-Lainson. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 222 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.