How not to do a winch fairlead

I counted at least three things wrong on this winch mount I noticed in a parking lot in Tucson. First and worst, the chamfer on the edge of the fairlead opening is far, far too sharp, and will exert too much stress on a line dragged across it under load. Additionally, the owner has cranked the thimble and hook against the opening, visibly gouging the aluminum. These gouges will play hell with a synthetic line drawn across it. Finally, the sloppy installation of the cotter pin, with only one end bent over, not only compromises the security of the pin but has scratched the finish of the (poorly designed) fairlead. Both ends should be bent all the way over so there are no sharp bits sticking out.

While there is nothing wrong with the hawse fairlead in concept, a roller fairlead is a better choice for synthetic line, persistent myths to the contrary. The only caveat is to install a new fairlead if you are switching from steel to synthetic line, as the steel cable will have scored the rollers.