Frequently Asked Questions
- Why doesn't the end of my synthetic winch rope fit my Factor 55 product?
- Why use a USA-made shackle?
- What size snap ring retains the double shear pin on Factor 55 shackle mount products?
- ProLink vs. FlatLink
- What's the problem with the conventional winch hook?
- Can I have Factor 55 items shipped outside of the US?
- Do Factor 55 Fairleads come with mounting hardware?
- Why can't I just run a shackle through the end of my winch line?
- Where are Factor 55 products manufactured?
- Why use a shackle over a hook?
1. Why doesn't the end of my synthetic winch rope fit my Factor 55 product?
In some rare instances, especially on imported winch lines, the rope tube thimble may be slightly too thick to fit into the thimble openings of our Winch Line Shackle Mount products. These non-standard imported thimbles simply need to be modified to fit. In most cases simply using a hammer to flatten the tubing ever so slightly is all that is needed to make the thimble fit. This procedure will not compromise the strength of your synthetic rope in any way since these tube thimbles are made of mild steel that is designed to bend under loading.
The use of a shop press may also result in clean compression of the thimble. You should be able to source a shop press at your local 4WD shop or Auto Shop if you do not want to purchase one.
If you need additional assistance with this process, feel free to call us and we can talk you through the process 208-639-1674
2. Why use a USA-made shackle?
Not all screw pin shackles are created equal. During the destructive testing of Factor 55 products, we also end up testing various shackles. What did we learn? All of the USA made shackles we tested showed no yielding up to the Working Load Limits (9500 pounds for common 3/4 shackles). Between 17,000 and 21,000 pounds, every 3/4 shackle began to show evidence of yielding - in some cases the screw pin could not be removed after the test pull. 21,000 pounds is typical for alloy higher strength 3/4 shackles with WLL of 13,000 to 14,000 pounds. Ultimate failures vary from 50,000 to 72,000 pounds. All of these numbers were generated in ideal straight line pulls. The low cost Chinese shackle failed at 38,000 pounds and stretched early – below 12,000 pounds.
Side loading a shackle can reduce both yield points and ultimate failures dramatically.
For us off roaders, most USA brands of 3/4 shackles will be sufficient since we perform horizontal loading. Basic rules: do not exceed the Working Load Limit and do not side load the shackle.
For those wanting extra strength and safety, alloy versions of shackles are available with higher working load limits. These are available from USA companies like Crosby and Columbus Mckinnon.
We don’t recommend saving a few bucks on cheap imported shackles. Do yourself a favor and buy shackles with “USA” embossed on them.
3. What size snap ring retains the double shear pin on Factor 55 shackle mount products?
If you have lost or broken your snap ring when installing your Factor 55 product, see below for replacement part numbers.
All Factor 55 Winch Line Shackle Mounts use a double shear pin. These pins are retained by INTERNAL SNAP RINGS. Here is a list of the internal snap ring sizes for your Factor 55 Winch Line Shackle Mount.
XTV: .453 Internal Snap Ring
STANDARD: .625 Internal Snap Ring
XXL: .777 Internal Snap Ring
These can usually be sourced locally through auto parts stores. If you have any issues and still need a snap ring for your shackle mount you can purchase a bag of 5 here Replacement Parts
4. ProLink vs. FlatLink
One of the prime causes of wear and tear when wheeling is front impact and scraping.
Synthetic rope is far more delicate than steel rope, and is at high risk of abrasion if it’s hanging exposed in front of the fairlead. Even rope Cordura abrasion guards are no match for the forces and abrasion caused by rock impacts. Avoid this damage, and potential safety risk by protecting your rope with the Prolink.
Go ahead, bash on the ProLink but keep your synthetic rope protected behind it.
5. What's the problem with the conventional winch hook?
To find out more about the shortcomings of the conventional winch hook CLICK HERE
6. Can I have Factor 55 items shipped outside of the US?
No. Unfortunately we do not ship internationally at this time.
7. Do Factor 55 Fairleads come with mounting hardware?
No. Fairleads DO NOT come with mounting hardware.
The reason for this is depending on your vehicle, bumper, and fairlead mounting thicknesses the shank length of the bolts may need to be longer or shorter to prevent the bolts from contacting the body of your winch. In most cases the mounting bolts that are supplied by your winch manufacturer are adequate in strength and length. In some cases longer bolts are required and 3/8" Grade 5-Grade 8 bolts in 1.25-1.5" shank length is a good starting point for fitment. 7/16" bolts may also be used. Please contact us for any specific questions.
8. Why can't I just run a shackle through the end of my winch line?
Most thimbles are designed to collapse under hard pulls. When this happens trying to run a standard 3/4 shackle pin through the end of your winch line is impossible.
The 5/8 titanium double shear pin that comes standard with our ProLink slides through with ease. Allowing your shackle to have a new safe and secure home on the front of your vehicle paired with our shackle mount.
The integrated EPDM rubber boot allows the ProLink to be snugged tightly to your Fairlead preventing rattles and protecting your Fairlead from a metal to metal impact. Properly stowing your winch line behind the Fairlead protects it from any vulnerability.
Max Load: 16,000lbs
Ultimate Strength: 40,000lbs
Made in the USA
9. Where are Factor 55 products manufactured?
Factor 55 products are manufactured in Boise, ID. Machining, powder coating, anodizing, and assembly all happens right here in the Treasure Valley.
10. Why use a shackle over a hook?
Smart off roaders have known for years that the most secure way to use your recovery winch is replace the hook with a common screw pin shackle. Unless you are competing, it’s worth it to spend the few extra seconds required to use a shackle versus a standard hook during a vehicle recovery.