I drove 100 miles to my favorite lake last week only to discover my winch handle was missing. Luckily there was a walleye fisherman on the ramp that had a cheap pair of channel locks so at least I was able to launch (and power load at the end of the day). It was a racheting type handle so it had some value....$60 bucks to replace, but I can't imagine someone stealing it while parked in my drive way.
The alternative is somewhat terrrifying....it fell off on the freeway.
Anyone else ever lose one?

I lost a handle years ago but remember it only being a few bucks to replace.

The square spindle keeps stress off the nut but I always check it while reeling in the boat.

I can't wrap my head around the $60 for a handle.

Never lost one. 

I purchased an after market oversize unit (insert a couple of inches longer)

to make the job easier.

OE was 7 inches, this one's 12. 

It screws on & off.

I remove it after I launch, lock it in the truck

and replace it to recover my rig.

Takes 5 seconds to install.

Funny thing is, 90 % of the times & places I fish,

I'm the only rig in the lot.

Just trying to keep folks honest.

Does that ever work ?

A-Jay

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LKWZ37W/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

"I can't wrap my head around the $60 for a handle."

 

It acts as a rachet which to me is worth the 60.  The fact that I took a road trip without any tools adds to the embarrassment.

Actual price is $36.....rest is tax, shipping.

22 hours ago, Bird said:

I lost a handle years ago but remember it only being a few bucks to replace.

The square spindle keeps stress off the nut but I always check it while reeling in the boat.

I can't wrap my head around the $60 for a handle.

A good ratchet handle costs more than a regular winch.

I'll have to check mine when I get home later to see if its loose, or how easily it comes off.  If it can come off on its own, that seems alarming.

 

Generally, if there's value, someone could/would steal it.