How to Taper the End of a Synthetic Winch Line for a Smooth Install

If you’re upgrading your winch setup with synthetic line—especially HMPE like AmSteel or our own Yankum HMPE—you’ll quickly find that getting the rope through the drum can be a tight squeeze. One simple trick that makes installation way easier (and protects your investment) is tapering the end of your line.

Whether you're installing a 1/4" winch line on a UTV winch or a thicker diameter on a full-size rig, tapering helps the rope feed through the winch drum hole cleanly without fraying or bunching. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to taper the end of a 1/4" synthetic winch line the right way.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Sharp scissors or a hot knife
  • Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
  • (Optional) A stiff wire, pen casing, or small fid to help with feeding

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Measure Your Taper Zone

Start by measuring 7 inches back from the end of the rope. This section will gradually lose strands to form a cone-shaped taper.

Step 2: Pull and Remove Strands

Working from the tip toward the 7-inch mark, begin removing about half the strands in the rope. Don’t yank them all out at once—go slow and alternate sides:

  • Pull 1–2 strands at a time
  • Cut each strand flush with the rope surface
  • Space out your strand removals every 1–1.5 inches

Once complete, your rope should taper down smoothly like a cone.

Step 3: Trim the Tip

Snip the very end of the rope at an angle so it comes to a subtle point.
Optional: carefully melt the tip with a lighter or hot knife just enough to prevent fraying. Don’t scorch it—just seal the fibers lightly.

Step 4: Wrap the Taper

To hold everything together and make feeding easier, tightly wrap the last 1–2 inches of the rope with electrical tape.
You can also use heat shrink tubing—just slide it on and shrink it down for a clean, low-profile finish.

Step 5: Feed Through the Winch Drum

Now push the tapered end through the drum hole. If it gives you trouble, a stiff wire or bent paperclip makes a great fish tool.

Taper Guidelines for Other Rope Sizes

The tapering method works across the board for other HMPE diameters. Here’s a quick guide:

Rope Diameter Taper Length
1/4" 7 inches
5/16" 9 inches
3/8" 12 inches
7/16" 15 inches
1/2" 18 inches

Pro Tip from Yankum

If you’re switching from a steel cable, inspect or replace your fairlead before installing your new synthetic line. Steel cables chew up aluminum fairleads—scored surfaces will damage synthetic line fast.

Need high-performance HMPE winch line or installation gear like soft shackles and fairleads?
Shop Yankum’s winching lineup now

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