Technical Foundation
What Is a Push Puller?
A push puller (commonly called a come-along) is a hand-operated ratchet mechanism that draws a hook or cable end toward a fixed anchor point in incremental strokes, used to tension, position or drag a load without powered equipment. The ratchet gear provides mechanical advantage — rated pull capacity is a fraction of the effort applied at the lever — and most units offer both a load-side pulling mode and a free-spool mode for quickly paying out cable before engaging the ratchet.
Rated capacity is specified as a working load limit (WLL), separate from breaking strength, and is set by the weakest link in the system — the ratchet mechanism, the cable/strap, or the hooks. Wire rope units suit rugged rigging and higher capacities; web strap units are lighter and gentler on the load surface but rated lower and more susceptible to abrasion cuts than wire rope.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Working Load Limit (WLL) | Rated safe pulling capacity, distinct from breaking strength | Exceeding WLL risks sudden mechanism or cable failure under load |
| Cable Type | 6x19 wire rope vs. woven web strap | Wire rope suits higher capacity/rugged use; strap is lighter and load-surface friendly |
| Cable Length | Working length of cable/strap paid out from the drum | Sets maximum single-pull travel distance before re-anchoring |
| Mechanism Type | Ratchet-lever (come-along) vs. lever hoist | Determines pull speed, mechanical advantage and typical duty cycle |
| Hook Rating | WLL rating of hooks at each end, matched to the tool | A mismatched hook can be the weak point even if the puller itself is rated higher |
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Applications
Where Push Pullers Get Used
Push pullers are specified anywhere a load needs manual tensioning or incremental positioning without powered lifting equipment.
Rigging & Load Positioning
Ratchet pullers used to draw loads into final position during equipment installation and alignment.
Fencing & Wire Installation
Fence stretchers tensioning wire mesh and cable fencing to specification before securing to posts.
Tree Care & Land Clearing
Wire rope come-alongs used to control fall direction and clear fallen material.
Automotive & Trailer Recovery
Portable pullers used for light vehicle winching and load repositioning without powered winches.
Construction & Utility Work
Cable pullers tensioning guy wires and drawing conduit or cable through runs.
General Maintenance & Rigging Shops
Stocked as a manual load-positioning tool where powered hoists aren't practical or available.
FAQ
Push Pullers Questions, Answered
How is a push puller's capacity rated?
As a working load limit (WLL) — the manufacturer's rated safe pulling capacity under normal conditions — which is distinct from and always lower than the breaking strength of the cable and mechanism. Never load a puller beyond its stated WLL, and inspect cable, hooks and the ratchet mechanism regularly for wear.
Wire rope or web strap — which should I choose?
Wire rope units generally handle higher capacities and rugged, abrasive rigging environments better. Web strap units are lighter, easier to handle, and gentler on the load surface (useful for tie-downs or finished surfaces) but are typically rated for lower capacities and more vulnerable to cuts and abrasion than wire rope.
What's the difference between a come-along and a lever hoist?
Both are manual ratchet-mechanism pulling tools, but a come-along (push puller) is generally built for horizontal or angled pulling and positioning, while a lever hoist is typically rated and configured for vertical lifting duty. Check the manufacturer's rated orientation before using one for the other's job.
Can I use a push puller to lift a load overhead?
Only if it's specifically rated and certified for lifting/hoisting duty — most push pullers (come-alongs) are rated for pulling and positioning, not overhead lifting, and using one for overhead lifting without that rating is a serious safety hazard. Confirm the specific product's certification before any overhead use.
How do I know when to retire a cable or strap on a puller?
Follow the manufacturer's inspection criteria — for wire rope, that generally means retiring at a specified number of broken wires per strand length, visible kinking, or corrosion; for web strap, any cuts, fraying, or abrasion through the surface fibers. When in doubt, replace the cable/strap rather than continue using a worn one.
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