What should be done if a winch cable becomes bird caged?

When a winch cable becomes bird caged, it means that the strands of the wire rope have become entangled, which can significantly weaken the cable and pose safety risks. The most effective response in this situation is to replace the winch cable. This ensures that any potential risks associated with using a compromised cable are eliminated.

Using a damaged cable can lead to catastrophic failure during operation, which could result in accidents or injuries. Replacement provides the safest and most reliable solution. While other maintenance options, such as inspecting for rust, rewinding, or lubricating, may be useful for general cable care, they do not address the fundamental issue of the cable being bird caged. Therefore, outright replacement is the appropriate action to guarantee safety and optimal performance.