Double-Pull

One of the best pieces of equipment you can carry with you on a romp into the backcountry is a snatch block that accompanies your winch. A snatch block is simply a pulley with a side plate that swings open so you can feed a winch cable through to the wheel itself.

The snatch block is so valuable for two reasons: it changes the direction of pull and it doubles the power of the winch through mechanical advantage. Let’s break both of these down.

One of the biggest rules of winching is to winch directly forward as best as you can. This ensures that when spooling the winch, the cable lays evenly on the drum. If you are winching at an angle, huge stressors are being placed on the mount and the winch itself, and you can ultimately end up with all of your cable on one side of the drum which will cease operation due to binding. By using a snatch block in this scenario, you run your primary anchor in the direction you want to be, and use a second anchor point to attach the snatch block to in the opposite direction. Then you use the tension from the two offset anchor points to position the block directly in front of the vehicle. It’s tedious work, but it will get you on the path you need to be.

How to Rig a Double-Line Pull

To set up a double-line pull for self-recovery, start by scouting out a solid anchor point—think a hefty tree, boulder, or even a sturdy stump. The anchor must be able to withstand several tons of force, and it should be as low to the ground as possible for stability.

Attach a tree strap (or trunk protector) around your anchor, and then connect your snatch block to the strap with a shackle, making sure all your rigging is secure and properly aligned. Next, set your winch to free spool and pull the line all the way to the anchor, feeding it through the snatch block. Bring the winch line back to your vehicle and hook it to a strong recovery point using another appropriate shackle.

A good tip: place a winch line damper on each stretch of exposed winch line. This helps reduce snapback in case something fails.

Keep in mind, mechanical advantage comes with a price—more force on your vehicle’s recovery points. For example, if you’re running a 10,000 lb.-capacity winch, you’ll see up to 10,000 lbs. on the line going out to the snatch block and another 10,000 lbs. coming back, which means your bumper could be handling as much as 20,000 lbs. of force. Make sure your mounts and hardware are up to the challenge.

And as always, protect your hands: wear gloves when handling winch line, whether it’s steel or synthetic. Safety first—no shortcuts. This method of rigging can also be creatively used with multiple snatch blocks to do things like winching backwards or capturing the rear of the vehicle to pivot the vehicle in another direction on the spot by dragging.

Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect

Before you find yourself knee-deep in mud or perched on an awkward slope, it’s wise to get hands-on experience with the double-line pull method in a safe, controlled setting. Real-world recoveries can be stressful and complicated, and fumbling with gear under pressure is a recipe for headaches—or worse, accidents. By practicing ahead of time, you’ll get familiar with the feeling of the gear, the sequence of rigging, and the quirks of your winch and snatch block.

When the time comes and adrenaline is running high, that muscle memory will make the whole process smoother, safer, and far less intimidating. Plus, a little driveway dress rehearsal is a lot less dramatic than a trailside scramble.

Maximizing Winch Power: Rope Layers Matter

Here’s a key detail that often gets overlooked on the trail: the amount of winch rope left on your drum plays a huge role in how much pulling power you actually have. The winch is at its strongest when there’s only a single layer of rope wrapped around the drum. As you reel the rope back in and start stacking new layers on top of the first, you lose pulling strength—roughly 10% per additional layer.

So, let’s say you’re winching with most of your rope still wound up, with just a few feet extended. In that configuration, you’re nowhere near the full rated capacity of your winch (whether that’s 10,000 pounds or anything else from Warn, Smittybilt, or Superwinch). To really harness the maximum power your winch is built for, you’ll need to spool out most of your line—sometimes as much as 80 or 90 feet, depending on the drum and rope length.

This is another incentive to use those snatch blocks and creative anchor points: you can set up your recovery so you’re pulling from a nearly empty drum, getting every bit of muscle your winch can muster.

Maximizing Pulling Power

Here’s an essential tip for getting the absolute most out of your winch: always try to spool out as much rope as the situation safely allows. The reason is simple—your winch delivers its greatest pulling force when there’s just a single layer of rope left on the drum. Each extra wrap layered onto the drum actually reduces the winch’s power, sometimes by as much as 10% per layer. So, if you’re only pulling a short length, you’re not harnessing the full strength your winch can provide.

This is where the double-pull setup shines. By doubling the cable back with a snatch block, you not only increase your mechanical advantage but also use more rope—bringing you closer to that optimal, near-empty drum condition. More rope off the drum equals more grip for the winch’s gears, making tough recoveries a whole lot easier.

Safety Note: Always leave some rope around the drum—at least half a wrap for steel line, and a full wrap for synthetic—to ensure a secure anchor. And in those tight trail corridors where space is at a premium, the double-pull trick lets you stretch your line further, boosting your pulling muscle even when you’re short on real estate.

Another situation where a snatch block can be useful is when your winch simply is not up to the task of pulling you out of the mess you got yourself into, or you are assisting a vehicle that is simply bigger than yours. Thanks to mechanical advantage of a pulley doubling back to its origin, you can effectively double the pulling power of your winch at a cost of half the speed of recovery. You do this by placing the snatch-block at the anchor point, and looping the winch line through the pulley and back to an anchor point on the vehicle itself.

This technique is often referred to as a “double-line pull.” In a typical single-line pull, your winch line runs straight from your winch to an anchor point—simple and direct, but limited to the pulling power of your winch alone. When you need more muscle—say, for a heavier rig or a seriously stubborn obstacle—a double-line pull comes into play. By routing the winch line out to a snatch block at your anchor point and then back to your vehicle, you create a system that nearly doubles your winch’s effective pulling force.

There are a few trade-offs: you’ll use twice as much winch line, and your line speed will be halved because of the mechanical advantage. Still, this method can mean the difference between spinning your wheels and getting unstuck when the going gets truly tough.

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Choosing Safe Anchor Points and Double-Checking Your Rigging

When setting up for a double-line pull, your anchor point is your lifeline—literally. Look for something substantial, like a stout tree, a large boulder, or a deeply rooted stump. If you’ve got a buddy’s vehicle handy, that can work too (and you can often skip a tree strap for metal-to-metal connections). Be sure whatever you choose is sturdy enough to withstand several tons of force, and always attach your rigging low on the anchor to minimize leverage and prevent tipping.

Once your anchor is chosen, thread a tree strap securely around the base and connect your snatch block using a robust shackle. Double-check every connection—look for proper alignment and no signs of wear or damage. This is no time to be fast and loose; take a moment to make sure all your gear is up to snuff.

Keep an eye on the forces involved: with a double-line pull, tension is doubled. For example, with a 10,000-pound-rated winch, both the line running to the anchor and the line returning to your vehicle are loaded with up to 10,000 pounds each. The mounting point on your vehicle—like the bumper—could see as much as 20,000 pounds of force.

That means your bumper and winch mount need to be rated and, ideally, tested to withstand these loads. Aftermarket bumpers from trusted brands like ARB, Warn Industries, and Ironman 4×4 are designed for this purpose, often being tested to pull well above standard winch ratings. Always confirm the rated capacity of your equipment before you find yourself in a high-stress recovery—peace of mind is a lot better than a flying shackle.

With everything properly set up and safety checked, you’re ready to let the laws of physics (and a bit of mechanical advantage) help get you unstuck.

Safety Tips for Double-Line Pulling

Before you begin pulling yourself (or a buddy) out of trouble with a double-line setup, safety needs to take center stage. Here’s how to keep things on the right track:

• Glove Up: Whether you’re handling steel cable or synthetic rope, always wear sturdy gloves. Winch lines can have burrs, splinters, or unseen damage that can injure bare hands.
• Check Your Gear: Take a close look at your winch, snatch block, anchor points, and bumper before tensioning the line. High forces are involved—your front bumper, winch mount, and recovery points must all be rated for the load, especially since a double-line pull effectively doubles the strain at the front of your vehicle. Premium winch bumpers (think Warn Industries and the like) are often tested for this kind of stress, but it pays to know your own setup’s limits before you get started.
• Stay Clear: Once you’re happy with the rigging, make sure everyone stands well out of the line of fire. If something lets go, a winch line under tension can whip dangerously.
• Go Slow: With your double-line configuration set, proceed deliberately. Engage the winch clutch and take your time—a double-line pull moves half as fast as a single-line, but that slower speed translates into more control, less heat, and a safer recovery overall.

Some off-roaders swear by the double-line method every time, favoring its gentle pace and reduced wear on equipment, even if it adds a few extra minutes to the setup. Whatever technique you use, patience and attentiveness go a long way. Always follow established winching practices, double-check each step, and never rush the process—your safety (and your bumper’s) depend on it.

Choosing Between Synthetic and Steel Winch Ropes for Double-Line Pulls

When setting up for a double-line pull, your choice of winch rope plays a big role in both safety and performance, so a few key points are worth weighing.

First, rope retention is crucial: if you’re running steel cable, always leave at least half a wrap on the drum to maintain grip under load. If you’re using synthetic rope, play it even safer by leaving a full wrap. This matters even more with double-line pulls, since more rope gets pulled off the drum as you rig for extra pulling power, bringing you closer to your winch’s true capacity.

Next, consider compatibility with your recovery gear. For steel winch ropes, traditional swing-plate snatch blocks—like those from big names such as WARN—are dependable and built to handle the weight and abrasion of cable. Synthetic ropes, on the other hand, pair nicely with lighter, smooth-edged snatch rings and blocks designed specifically for softer lines.

Regardless of your rope type, make sure all your rigging—snatch blocks, shackles, straps—is up to the rated job. Soft shackles or tree saver straps might be on your list, and quality matters just as much as correct sizing.

The main takeaway: Match your snatch block to your rope, ensure your hardware is rated for the load, and always keep enough wraps on the drum to keep things safe and efficient. Your winch (and your sense of adventure) will thank you.