I use the 2-ton Maasdaam's, available from Home Depot or whatever box store is around you for about 40 bucks. I also have a HUGE 4-ton Maasdaam that I special ordered from the Agway I worked at as a kid. I think it was 178 bucks. The 4-ton is incredibly powerful, but it only advances one click at a time for every stroke of the lever, unlike the smaller 2-ton, which will give you 3-4 clicks with each stroke of the lever. The result is that the 4-ton takes longer and is harder on your arms, but it makes up for it in pulling power.
I dont know the exact name of the knot I use to tie the line into the hook of the hoist (come-along) but it was described to me as a "Logger's Knot" when it was taught to me. It is basically a slip knot with a couple extra wraps, and the bight accentuated to go into the hook on the hoist. You tie it about 10 ft from the hook, and pull the running end of the knot out, closing the bight, taking the slack out of the line. Then tie the knot off and click away. If tied properly, after the load is released, the knot should slip right out like a slip knot.
I have not used the Maasdaam continuos-rope-puller, but I have been tempted to get one for a long time.
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