Originally Posted by
ShyTorque
No-one mentioned the cable "catastrophically failing".
If the cable "birdcages" it will probably not be possible to rewind it back onto the winch drum and depending on the circumstances might have to be physically cut by the winch op. Winches have a cable cutting guillotine device to allow this to be done in an emergency situation.
Agree that "catastrophically failing" is not the best term, "permanently damaged" or "rendered unusable" would be better.
In any case no matter which way you look at it not having a bearing could lead to a number problems, my thought on cable torsional spring wind up/release interactions being just one of them.
Another question for those who do know.
Have there been any cases of having to use the cable cutting guillotine while hoisting a person?
That would be the ultimate hard decision to have to make. Gives me a queasy feeling just thinking of it.