Double Line Rigging

Lug-All Come Along Ratchet Winch Hoists are designed to provide the pulling power you need from a winch hoist, but many users might not know that most Lug-All winch hoists can actually achieve two different capacities through the use of single and double line rigging.

How to Use a Double Line
Single line rigging is the simplest way to use a Lug-All winch hoist. In this arrangement, you simply attach one hook to one object and the other hook to another object. However, when the job demands a little more from your hoist, you can use a third hook to set up a double line rig.

Most Lug-All winch hoists come with a third hook that is connected to a single pulley specifically for double line rigging. To use a double line, you simply take the hook at the end of the cable or web strap and attach it to the main frame of the winch hoist. Depending on which Lug-All model you use, the hook will either attach to an eye bolt or directly to the frame.

With the hook attached to the main frame, the hook-and-pulley assembly now acts as the second hook, and you can use the winch hoist in the same way as a single line rig.

There are two important differences in the way your winch hoist functions between single and double line rigging; those differences are the length of the cable or web strap and the winch hoist’s maximum capacity.

Double Line Rig
When you use a double line rig on a Lug-All come along, you can use it at its maximum rated capacity. For example, a Lug-All model 4000-20 is capable of handling 4,000 pounds when used as a double line rig.

However, the tradeoff for achieving maximum rated capacity is a shorter maximum pulling length. Because the line is folded in half to attach the hook to the frame, a double line only allows you to use half the total length. With a model 4000-20, a double line rig has 10 feet of lift or pull.

Single Line Rig
On the other hand, a single line rig reduces the come along’s capacity, but it allows you to use the full length of the line. With a single line rig, a Lug-All model 4000-20 is capable of handling 2,000 pounds, half of its maximum double line capacity. It is important to remember that a single line rig does not have the same capacity as a double line and should not be loaded to the winch hoist’s full maximum capacity.

Like double line rigging, a single line rig has a tradeoff between capacity and length. Unlike double line rigging, you can use the full length of the line with a single line rig. With a model 4000-20, a single line rig has 20 feet of lift or pull.

Safe Practices
When you use a double line rig, be sure to secure the third hook to the frame correctly. Hook it to the eye bolt if one is included, or place it through the side of the opening at the bottom of the frame if there is no eye bolt.

As with all come alongs and winch hoists, it is important to know the capacity of your equipment when using both single and double line rigging. Every Lug-All winch hoist is equipped with a capacity plate that shows the single and double line capacities. When using a Lug-All winch hoist, remember that the highest capacity rating is provided for double line rigging. A single line rig provides a lower capacity and should not be used at the full capacity. Refer to the capacity plate to avoid overloading your Lug-All winch hoist in both single and double line rigging.

All Lug-All come alongs are equipped with overload protection in the form of breakable stress links, breakable shear pins, or bendable handles. Whether in double or single line rigging, these features will warn you if an overload condition exists. Do not intentionally overload a winch hoist, and do not continue to use a winch hoist that has been overloaded.

The ability to use a double line rig is just one of the features that make Lug-All ratchet winch hoists so versatile. Whether you have a lighter job that can be done with a single line rig or you need the increased pulling power of a double line rig, Lug-All Come Along Ratchet Winch Hoists are up to the task.