Winch Bar Guide: Choose the Right Bar and Use It Safely
Winch Bar Guide
On a flatbed, the winches under the deck do a lot of work. But a winch cannot turn itself. You need a steel bar that fits into the winch and gives you leverage to pull the strap tight.
That tool is a winch bar. It looks simple, and it is. But choosing the right one and using it the right way makes a big difference in speed and safety. This guide covers both.
In This Guide
What Is a Winch Bar?
It is a long steel bar with a tip that fits into the holes on the end of a trailer winch. When you push or pull on the bar, it turns the winch. The winch winds the strap and pulls it tight across your load.
Most bars are between 30 and 40 inches long. A longer bar gives you more leverage with less effort.
Main Types
Straight Bars
A straight bar is the simplest kind. It has a tip on one end and a handle on the other.
Combination Bars
A combination bar has a tip shaped to fit winches on one end and a different shape on the other end, such as a bent or tapered tip. Many drivers like the extra uses. The Safe & Tie 2 pack combination winch bar is chrome-plated steel and 40 inches long.
Bent Tip Bars
Some bars have a bend near the tip so you can reach winches that are hard to get to, such as under a deck lip.
Finish
Chrome or zinc plating helps fight rust. Bright colors make the bar easy to find at night or in the grass.
How to Choose One
- Check the fit. The tip must fit snugly into the holes of your winch cap. A loose tip can slip.
- Pick a length. 36 to 40 inches is a common choice for flatbed work.
- Look at the material. Solid steel is stronger than a hollow tube.
- Think about grip. A rubber or knurled grip helps in rain and cold.
- Buy two. Bars get lost at job sites. A spare saves time.
How to Use a Winch Bar Safely
- Set the strap. Feed the strap into the winch, throw it over the load, and hook the far side.
- Wind up the slack by hand. Turn the winch until the strap is snug.
- Seat the bar fully. Push the tip all the way into a hole in the winch cap.
- Stand to the side. Keep your face and body out of the path of the bar.
- Pull down in smooth strokes. Use your body weight in a steady pull. Do not jerk.
- Let the pawl catch. The pawl clicks into the gear teeth and holds the strap.
- Move to the next hole. Pull the bar out, set it in the next hole, and pull again.
- Stop when firm. The strap should be tight enough that the load cannot shift.
- Check the pawl. Make sure it is fully seated before you walk away.
How to Release Tension
- Seat the bar in the winch cap.
- Pull down a little to take pressure off the pawl.
- Lift the pawl out of the teeth with your other hand.
- Let the bar rise slowly while you keep a firm grip.
Never knock the pawl loose on a tight strap. The winch can spin fast and throw the bar.
Common Mistakes That Cause Injuries
- Pushing up instead of pulling down. You have less control and the bar can slip.
- Standing over the bar. If it slips, it can hit your face or chest.
- Using a pipe for extra force. It can overload the strap or the winch.
- Using a bar with a worn tip. It can pop out of the hole.
- Working on ice or mud. A slip in footing can turn into a fall.
- Letting go with tension on the bar. Always keep both hands on it.
Wear gloves and safety glasses every time.
Care and Storage
- Wipe off mud and grease.
- Check the tip for wear and bends.
- Store the bar in a toolbox, a bar holder on the trailer, or behind the headache rack.
- Replace a bar that is bent or has a rounded tip.
Other Gear That Goes With It
Winch straps that match your winches, found in the straps collection
Sliding winches, such as the sliding C-track trailer winch
Edge protectors to save your straps on sharp corners, in the edge protectors collection
Final Thoughts
A winch bar is a simple tool you will use on almost every flatbed load. Pick a solid bar with a tip that fits your winches snugly, and keep a spare. Seat the bar fully, stand to the side, and pull down in smooth strokes. Release tension slowly with both hands on the bar. Those habits keep your loads tight and your hands safe.
Get a Bar That Fits Your Winches
Shop the 40" chrome combination winch bar 2 pack at Safe & Tie.
Shop Winch BarsFrequently Asked Questions
What length winch bar is best?
Many drivers use a bar between 36 and 40 inches. It gives good leverage without being hard to handle.
Will any bar fit my winch?
Most bars fit standard trailer winches, but check that the tip fits snugly in your winch cap holes.
Can I use a winch bar on a chain binder?
Do not use it as a cheater bar on a binder handle. Extra force can break the binder or throw the bar back at you.
Why should I pull down instead of push up?
Pulling down uses your body weight and gives you more control if the bar slips.
How do I know my winch is locked?
The pawl should be fully seated in the gear teeth. Give the strap a tug. It should not unwind.