Manual winch or hand winch

A winch is a highly versatile tool that can be used for all sorts of jobs, including vehicle recovery and construction work.

Both hand winches and electric winches are designed to pull, lift or tension objects using a cable or rope that is wound onto a drum or spool.

The main difference between hand winches and electric winches is how they're powered: hand winches use a handle and physical effort, whereas electric winches use an electric motor or battery.

There are pros and cons to both options, which is why we've put together this buying guide to help you decide what type of winch will work best for you.

Hand winch

Hand winches (also known as manual winch) are powered by manual labor. The operator must crank the handle to wind the wire or rope onto a spool/drum and this generates enough force to move the load in question.

This type of winch is typically used in construction work and recreational settings such as off-roading to lift or pull machinery, cars and other heavy items.

Hand winch pros:

-Lower price point. Hand winches are generally cheaper to buy than electric winches as they are less sophisticated.

-Can be used anywhere. Hand-operated winches are ideal for situations where there's no power source available. If you're planning to work in a remote area, or if you need a winch that you can depend on in emergency situations, this type of winch may be preferable.

-Easy to maintain and repair. Unlike their electric counterparts, manual winches don't require expensive electrical repairs and maintenance.

Hand winch cons:

-Lower weight capacity. Because their power relies on the physical strength of the operator, hand winches may not be suitable for maneuvering heavier loads.

-Slower and less powerful. If you're likely to be using your winch several times a week, it's probably worth investing in an electric winch as this will save you time and energy over a manually-operated model.