How to Remove a Stump Using a Hand Winch

Removing a stump with a hand winch and mechanical advantage.
#stump #landscape #snatchblock #mechanical #pulley #diy #lawncare #landscaping #cable #removal

[@andrewbauer3792]

I'm more impressed that you used a come-a-long for the project. I hate those things! Great job!

[@jackmeyermakes]

This one was from harbor freight (got what I paid for). Thanks for watching

[@Moonshinedave1]

Thanks for the video, reminded me of a project I did quite a few years ago. Since I was cutting down the tree, so I had the option to leave about six foot of stump, to give me a leverage advantage on the stump. Like you I dug around the stump as much as I could and cut what roots I could get to. I connected a two ton come-a-long to the stump and to a solid tree. I then pulled as tight as I dare, then just left everything hooked up, I poured water around the hole I dug, around the roots. When I got home from work the next day, I would tighten the come-a-long a few more "clicks" (as tight as I dare) and then pour more water around the roots, In about three days it came loose. Took longer, but the end results were the same. Take care and God bless.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good approach thanks for sharing

[@raytry69]

Took longer but less effort.

[@logancarter2134]

Cool! Determined, focused work yields good results.

[@kitsurubami]

Pulling stumps is hard work, but thanks to your strategy and technique it is manageable.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@user-xn6tk5wm5i]

Hard work doing by hand but keeping the stump intact for future project is worth it. Everyone needs to learn how to use snatch blocks. They can help with lots of jobs.

[@mikemcdermott1026]

Fire wood

[@kfelix2934]

For future project I saved 3 nice big trunks for creating a "Hammerschlagen" game. I ever found a brewery that's technically a Texan German-Czech that I'm going to sell or donate it to.

[@JM-jd7yp]

Hi Jack...I do it pretty much the same way. That pop when the tap root goes it always a good moment. It always amazes me just before it fully goes what tiny roots still hold it in place. I respect what nature gives us and it is good to try and plant replacements somewhere even if it's not in your yard. I hope the project goes well.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Agreed on the tap root popping, makes you feel like you are finally making progress

[@dearthworm]

I hate working on my knees and trying to dig soil around roots, so I use a garden hose to blast out the soil around the roots. Do the initial digging with a spade but once I start hitting tangled roots, I start hitting it with the garden hose.it’s kind of messy and mucky, but I do it over a period of a few days, letting the water drain away each time. It saves a lot of backbreaking work, even though it turns into a multi day project.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good suggestion, anything to make it easier is a win

[@Cold_Hard_Truth]

I did the garden hose method once on a cedar stump. Roots went deeper than expected. I ended up with a backyard swamp. I half expected the gators and cottonmouths to move in. Never again!

[@hamishclayton347]

Wow dude solid effort i see you had three of those things by the end - I've removed a stump this way before and for the same reason. A good friend of mine is a cabinetmaker and he made a beautiful outdoor table with it. I must admit though, since then I've used stump grinders wherever possible 😅

[@jackmeyermakes]

Love it I'm sure the table looks great

[@Tom-Travels]

Jack, after I cut the first root apron, I fill the pit with water. Wait and hour. Then 8K of pressure is plenty. I also use a cheater bar/metal tube to give the hand winch lever 3 times the power (24,000 pounds).

[@jackmeyermakes]

I like that approach

[@yaykruser]

Ha! u wish, at 24k punds the cable is gonna break, I dont tven think it can output 8000 pounds, mor like 4000 with the pulley...

[@robertshank8412]

The winch was not designed to withstand the pressure that can be applied using a pipe on the handle. You'll kill the winch. I've done it.

[@cdoulis21]

Hard work pays off! That could make a really nice coffee table 😁😉

[@jackmeyermakes]

One vote for coffee table. Good idea

[@cdoulis21]

Excited to see what you make from them!

[@markbernier8434]

@@jackmeyermakes Small dining table? Invert, add a base. use the root structure to hold up the table top. Use something impressive for the top Maybe a pair of book matched planks?

[@NunnSkull]

If you make anything with the stumps, know that stump wood is extremely abrasive because of the embedded sand and grit in it.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Noted. I know most saw mills won’t touch them for that reason. I’ll probably rig up a flattening jig expecting to do some resharpening

[@johncandaux3590]

I find leaving several more feet of the trunk attached rather than cutting it off a foot or two above ground level gives much more leverage potential when winching the root ball out. Hard but satisfying work when you finally pull the root ball away from the hole.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Agreed on the additional leverage making it easier. These were cut years ago before I bought the house so had to work with what I had

[@Crazson34]

Yes. I had 36 trees cut down but left 5' of tree sticking out. A little digging and then I can pull out massive stumps with my backhoe. The leverage makes all the difference in the world.

[@russk5513]

Lastly, if you know you're going to remove some trees always leave a 4-foot Tall part of the stump. Do not cut it down to the bottom because you can use the leverage of the 4 ft to help break it out of the ground applying pulling chains to the other trees not yet removed. Take advantage of your existing objects/things around you to assist in efforts and with a little bit of pre-planning and leverage removing the tree stumps without mechanization.

[@jackmeyermakes]

These were cut before I moved in but completely agree the more leverage the better

[@philmoore71]

tks. it's always nice to know how long a project takes.... now back to my stump

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good luck!

[@tommcqueary7831]

My tree stump was near my driveway. My 4Runner with a 1 inch rope tied to hitch did the heavy pulling. Of course I still had to cut roots as you did.

[@jackmeyermakes]

That’ll get it done

[@mikeburke1993]

Bravo DIY. The thing most people would not even attempt. Good

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks Mike!

[@nedgoinggreen1592]

THANK YOU SO MUCH... ❤❤

[@fergusx]

Thanks for the lesson I have a good few of those to do.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good luck

[@heinrichgrabner8882]

I know this work, I did it myself in a similar way. It was quicker with a tractor than with a rope hoist. I sawed off my last stalk with the chainsaw at ground level and added soil on top. To make the stalk rot faster, I drilled holes and put stable manure on them.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good stuff, haven’t heard that trick before to make the stump rot faster

[@bjorn_moren]

I've removed a lot of large stumps on my property, but given how labor intensive it still is I can't say I've found an optimal way yet. Right when the tree is felled I try to cut away as much of the top as possible, ideally I level it with the ground. Then it takes around four years for nature to take its course and rot away most of the smaller roots, which will make it easier to pull out the larger roots later. At that time I dig out as much soil as possible around and below the stump with a hoe, takes about an hour. Then I take a chain saw and cut vertically into the stump to split it into four or more parts, as far down as I dare to go. This quickly wears out the chain, no way to avoid it. Then I take a large iron to break the stump apart with sheer force. I also use a sledge hammer to bash the various parts of the stump and roots. Takes around two hours to remove a stump. I've seen various clever tricks to remove stumps, but in my experience there is no easy way if you don't have access to machinery.

[@jackmeyermakes]

That's a great way to do it

[@jeremyjjet4909]

Stump can be pretty cool if you dry them clean them and leave them upside down for yard decor with the roots swirling around. You can even stain them.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I cut the bottom off one and plan on cleaning and finishing it to hang on a wall. I’ll make a video on it eventually but it is low on the list

[@grahamhall2662]

Nice one. Hard work but you got there succesfully, well done.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks 👍

[@cbdyna]

Good job. I have a big one that will need to come out soon, but going to leave the center section once below grade.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good luck

[@user-xn6tk5wm5i]

Several comments regarding wasted time and money. Likely you have less invested than a month of gym membership, you get to keep the stump and tools, and I would bet your body fat percentage and strength would beat any of theirs, Keep it up, there is value in hard work.

[@UncleMilty]

Such a great feeling when it finally comes out! Swinging an axe is hard (for me) have found it easier to use a reciprocating saw on all the roots. Still a hard job.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I like the workout but reciprocating saw is great too

[@shawnweaver7797]

nice job, very helpful

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@stevenrobinson9610]

10/10 video!!!

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks Steven!

[@tjplusproductions]

Good job!!

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@MemoWardwell]

This video should be mandatory for High School, multiple times !

[@jackmeyermakes]

Everyone should learn about snatch blocks and throw in some personal finance classes too

[@flagmichael]

It works as long as the tree does not have a tap root. I followed the progress of a neighbor removing a Silk Oak stump; he was almost entirely standing below ground level when he was able to cut the tap root with a chain saw. The tap root had tapered to barely a foot at that depth.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Sounds like a big stump I’m sure that was a ton of work

[@wfobaby9116]

The joke in forestry is Oak is no joke.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I bought a HF hand winch and it failed right out of the box. I noticed it operated really roughly. I replaced it with a more expensive model and wow, what a difference! You do get what you pay for.

[@jackmeyermakes]

That’s the truth. This winch barely made it through this job, the teeth started bending if I pushed it too far

[@mnmike6884]

I’m glad you wrapped a nylon web around the stump so the cable wouldn’t dig into it. Why not use the reciprocating saw earlier in the process to reduce or elinate the axe?

[@jackmeyermakes]

It’s tough to avoid dirt with the saw which dulls the blades quickly, figured I could save a few by only using it where the axe had trouble reaching

[@user-kn8xi3to6y]

​@@jackmeyermakesYou did right using the reciprocating saw. You wouldn't believe how many people who would've used a chainsaw, and instantly dull a $30-50 chain. Way more than a 10pk of harbor freight blades. ( I was waiting for you to break it out.

[@r.c.b.8087]

I simply drill deep holes in mine, soaked it with lighter fluid, and lit it up. Worked like a charm.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I wanted to preserve the stumps for some projects otherwise stump fire is a great approach

[@oliviercorre4429]

Hat off! I dont have any patience for this kind of tasks. I turn crazy within 10 minutes.

[@jackmeyermakes]

It’s a great feeling once it finally pops out

[@jamesvertrees5857]

Impressive!

[@jeffsim8664]

Great job.. nice work with the snatch blocks.. have you been off roading cause the 4 wheelers do this as well

[@jackmeyermakes]

Indeed handy off roading as well. I used that have a ‘98 wrangler we used to have a blast taking on some trails

[@seanjohn83]

But what did you anchor this to?

[@jackmeyermakes]

Two separate mature trees

[@tonycarfagna8591]

tc6935

[@armchairquarterback4529]

Good job!

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thank you 👍

[@deltasquared7777]

Diablo makes reciprocating saw carbide pruning blades in up to 12 inch lengths that stand up extremely well cutting roots in dirt that instantly destroys non-carbide blades

[@jackmeyermakes]

This is good to know. This regular set of blades was filling out very quickly

[@Merv-Bob]

Great, although your winch point and you are located at the apex of the 'triangle of death' and if something lets loose, cables, hooks and snatch block will sling-shot toward you.

[@wfobaby9116]

Can’t believe your this smart and bought a come along from Harbor Freight.

[@jackmeyermakes]

It survived this job but if I had been willing to spend more than $25 it probably would have gone faster

[@rubensanchez1797]

very smart & good job... thumb up

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks Ruben 👍

[@lessforloans]

Cut a notch against where the strap will be around the stump and you have to readjust as an upward angle will allow it to move with the force.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good idea

[@EricOnYouTube]

Wow, well done.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@michaelpace1075]

Nicely done!

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@wwhb4780]

I prefer a lever chain hoist. My one cost approx. 60 Euro and augments the force by 21x (2100 percent). It is very important to be familiar with the correct selection and use of chains and shackles. The chains which are meant to show where your private owned driveway begins might break at 100 kg.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I’d like to give this approach a try next time. I think you are right that it’ll go quicker

[@Cold_Hard_Truth]

I'm old and lazy. Cut a 55 gallon barrel in half with a grinding wheel or reciprocating saw. Ensure caps are off all ends. Drop a half barrel over the stump, throw in kindling and wood, light, monitor, and repeat if necessary. Smolder. Try to avoid underground gas lines. Just saying.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I wanted to save these stumps for future projects but if that wasn’t the case I’d either do this or grind them

[@MYBB90]

Ive worked at a stump for an hour or so a night for over a week and here you are 90% done within 1 hour. Feel like im an idiot

[@jackmeyermakes]

That was me on the first stump I took out

[@yaykruser]

Feel u, dug my first stumps out by hand, that took several 8 hour days...

[@badideaman]

In that opening between the roots, center stump, place a high-lift jack and Jack it out.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good point. I’ve read it takes much less pressure if you can lift straight up as opposed to pulling from the side

[@badideaman]

@@jackmeyermakes I've had as many as 3 of those lifting from different points.

[@bellinghamfpv]

A five foot mental breaker bar is my go to.

[@jackmeyermakes]

That’d be useful for sure

[@DCGreenZone]

You were stumped, but only for a short while. Hard work but worth it, just went through a similar ordeal. 👍

[@jackmeyermakes]

Agreed lot of work but very rewarding once it’s out

[@Cold_Hard_Truth]

Go back and watch the movie "Sorcerer" with Roy Scheider (Jaws). It came out around the same time the original Star Wars was released, so not much interest. He ended up blowing a path through a monster downed tree with Nitro Glycerine. Might violate the terms of your HOA, if you have one.

[@michaelallison1255]

my hat is off to you-my back would have lasted about 20 minutes!

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@scottberelson1380]

I’ve seen people put a car wheel in front of stump under strap which gives more uplift

[@jackmeyermakes]

I’ve seen that too. Cool approach, seems like when you get that upward pulling you don’t need as much tension

[@WILLIAMMORALES-gw1zz]

i used a sawzaw as well to cut the roots, then got 2 2x4 together and screwed then with 2 large large bolts to the trunk, then I used a floor jack under the boards to raise, then repeat on the other side etc. I'm sure there a million ways to skin this cat. It just thats all I had at my disposal in my back yard and no trees to winch from.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I’d like to give your method a shot some day

[@michaelbradford4444]

Is a hand winch the same as a come- along ? They look similar.

[@jackmeyermakes]

That’s right same thing

[@cmcnichols4]

Pressure wash all the dirt off the roots and remove as much bark as possible....flatten the top of the trunk as much as possible - use as a table base.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I’m thinking about making a coffee table like this with a glass top

[@Darth_Vader_Explains]

The ints will hate this man. Better not tell frodo.

[@KimberleyBeattie]

Hard work , but a job well done.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@SooperToober]

Archimedes would be proud of you! Could you share the specific pulleys and straps you purchased from harbor freight

[@jackmeyermakes]

Haulmaster 4000 lb cable winch puller Badland snatch block Haulmaster 6000 lb 2in recovery strap

[@user-kk7zp2dm5e]

Harbor Freight to the rescue as usual.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

I had a 50% bigger stump than this but nothing to attach to to winch it out (nor do i have a winch LOL). Dug it out as much as i could filled the cavity with charcoal and kept a fire burning for about 3 days,eventually managed to loosen it enough to pull it out after attaching ropes and a couple guys pulling it)

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good approach

[@unprofor9394]

Wait until the Ground is frozen. Drill a hole in the Ground, under the middle of the Stump, about a one and half feet deep. 100 grams of Dynamite. BOOM! Stump is done!😉

[@jackmeyermakes]

If the neighbors weren’t so jumpy I’d have given that a shot 🙂

[@unprofor9394]

@@jackmeyermakes Yeah. I’ve been doing the same method, too, by using blocks, and wires. But it’s taking too much effort. «Dynamite», is the «Reel Thing»!😀👍

[@puwazatza]

this video makes me send respect to all dentists who fight wisdom teeth.

[@kenwhitman1055]

So what year did you start stump removal 😉

[@jackmeyermakes]

Insert "Its been 84 years" Titanic quote

[@Jeff-Lynn]

Incredible

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@vinnybauer4205]

Greetings, I found it easier to leave the stump about 6 or more feet off the ground...more leverage. I did not use a pully...but will next time. Neck I'm 77. Chief Ken Bauer, USAF (Ret)

[@jackmeyermakes]

That's right the longer the lever the better. Love to hear you ripping stumps out at 77, keep it up 💪

[@stevefigueroa6716]

You need to use water as well to loosen soil.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Lots of suggestions for this I will give it a shot next time

[@tekinmoustafa8141]

when i bought my house there were 143 pine tree all arond the garden. i first cut rthe roos then used a tractor with a chain to pull them off the ground!

[@jackmeyermakes]

Well done, that must have been very rewarding to do all that yourself

[@tekinmoustafa8141]

yeah! it was much much cheaper too!@@jackmeyermakes

[@ronkistner2672]

pine trees are good wind breaks, why remove them?

[@tekinmoustafa8141]

@@ronkistner2672 i live in england and the garden was constanly wet wet wet. I built a bradstone wall with iron fenses and two double gstes with half moon driveway. I know have pears, quinces, laugats, apples, figs (all 12 of them) ,plums, ornemental trees and lots of fowers including lovely camelias and tree peonies . Before nothing would grow and the trees only gave a good privacy but nothingelse.

[@go5582]

hi handsome. I love your mathematics. could you write the formula you are using to get twice the force? to pull the stump out. I'm so excited to see the formula. thanks

[@jackmeyermakes]

SmarterEveryDay had a great video explaining how snatch blocks work. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2PaZIGQr7Wqha8&pp=ygUNU25hdGNoIGJsb2Nrcw%3D%3D

[@atulmytube]

This reminded me of Caption America, "I can do this all day!!"

[@Amy_McFarland]

Have you done anything with these stumps yet?

[@jackmeyermakes]

I’ve milled a cookie from the top of one of the stumps that I think will look nice hanging on a wall. I have a few projects on the list before I get back to it but hope to have a video on that up later in the year

[@Amy_McFarland]

​@@jackmeyermakes It's an amazing thing when I see a piece of wood, even your stumps or what others consider scrap, I can picture in my mind the possibilities of what can be made with it! I look forward to seeing what you do with these!

[@leastcoast5606]

I envy you, you have a good back. Lol. I am old so I can't complain. Great job, very informative.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@Jay-yy9ol]

Hi. You can damage the bark of you second tree. If bark is removed 180 degrees around, your tree will die over time as it’s water circulatory system is cut off. Thanks.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Valid point. I used a 4 inch wide strap around the anchor trees, no damage done

[@shannonstaab5136]

They would make cool side tables

[@jackmeyermakes]

Agreed I’d like to put a glass top on one

[@shaulkatzav2703]

Please wear safety goggles. Great job!

[@randygreen007]

I’ve racked my brain but I’m stumped as to what to do with those stumps. 😂

[@jackmeyermakes]

There aren't nearly enough stump puns in the comments, keep 'em coming

[@brendanriley5543]

Tensioned wire/ropes, always a potential for serious injury!!. Cut it down to near ground level and hire a stump-grinder..... quicker and safer.

[@LucMusicMan-ij3ck]

You can additionally dig a hole , deeper than the stump with a drain from the stump to that hole , and then just flush it away with water. And think this is a simpler solution.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good suggestion

[@pinecedar180]

forgot to show the most important thing. Where did you tie it to?

[@jackmeyermakes]

I anchored to two mature trees in the yard

[@tonycarfagna8591]

@@jackmeyermakes No Pics of anchor trees Did I miss

[@etaoinshrdlu7247]

If your friend Shane had been visiting your place, this would have gone much faster.

[@terry_willis]

Trees are amazing animals. Even after death they still put up quite a fight.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Very true

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Make a coffee table or slice it up for gussets in a boat floor to side wall braces !

[@jackmeyermakes]

First vote for stump gussets I like it

[@andrewmunoz4388]

Have a massive oak in the backyard that we are thinking of removing and dread the stump

[@jackmeyermakes]

that may be one you just burn for a few days, can't imagine trying to take a big stump out by hand. Good luck

[@robertmoore9998]

Before cutting the tree do the block and pulley higher up the trunk. Not only will you get the mechanical advantage of the block and pulley system you also get the advantage of the angle pulling downward toward the pulley anchor point. I have done this a few times with a tree about 12 inches in diameter and works great. First a couple of days in advance I use a pressure washer to blast away as much soil as possible. Once it has dried I use a shop vac and trowel to expose as much root material as possible. Then attach the pulley system ( I use an extra pulley to get greater mechanical advantage) as high as possible and then start applying tension. When nothing happens start using a rip saw on the roots on the opposite side , cutting everything in site. Apply more tension until it seems stuck and then look for more roots to cut. Time consuming but no stump left behind,!

[@nickwest1476]

You didn't show the other tree set up

[@beatnik155]

Upside down glass table using the stump as supports.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I think I will do this. It’s towards the bottom of the project list but one day

[@hallodan23]

you coud make a king fisher burrow from the stumps

[@jackmeyermakes]

Admittedly had to look up what a kingfisher is… I like the suggestion

[@danialkhan199]

Good job. 4 hours if toil and hardwork.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Thanks for watching

[@michaeldinh3561]

👍💪

[@jackmeyermakes]

✌️

[@jeremyjjet4909]

You also need to pull up from One Direction and then change your set up and pull it from another direction. It will pull way faster.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I thought about this but didn’t have any other good anchors in the yard. I think you are right it would have gone faster

[@petercurrell9344]

When I remove a stump I dig a hole close and use a jet wash to clear the roots.

[@jackmeyermakes]

A few people suggested that, sounds like much less effort required

[@tren380]

How are those steel toe boots doing when chopping towards your feet? Oh wait you don’t have steel toe boots on. Nice.

[@jackmeyermakes]

I kept a distance between root and boot that was well within me and my 10 toes' risk tolerance.

[@andrewtarquinio6788]

Not sure why i was waiting for it to suddenly go flying across the yard at high speed the whole time

[@jackmeyermakes]

Would have made for a much more entertaining video

[@gangcai2876]

These stumps would be my work-out target. I would spend 30 minutes every day using ex without other tools.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Great workout

[@jimthomas1989]

I had a stump bigger than that one , I burnt out with the limbs of the same tree , Got rid of the stump and limbs at the same time , Cost - ZERO

[@jackmeyermakes]

Efficient

[@Hannadayflo]

Would that tree holding the winch not be damaged? I'd like to have seen the trees stay in place ultimately.

[@jackmeyermakes]

The straps distribute the pressure on the anchor trees causing no damage, same as the strap on the stump itself

[@venugopalmuthiyal]

Fantastic. But why?

[@jackmeyermakes]

I’ll be building something with the stumps. Potentially glass top coffee tables and some wall art

[@herbnalis3723]

If people left the TREE TRUNK intact, the TRUNK will give a lot of LEVERAGE for removing the whole tree.

[@jackmeyermakes]

Yes you are right. Could have saved me from a lot of digging

[@nateb4543]

Expose those roots with a pressure washer. Little messy but very effective

[@jackmeyermakes]

Good suggestion I’ll give this a shot next time

[@user-ro7sd5ib2c]

In what grade class in the US do you learn about pulleys?

[@jackmeyermakes]

Maybe around 10th grade physics we covered lines under tension. Everyone should learn about them

[@drivventodrumm1]

I had 3 big stumps so I built a fire on each one and they were gone in hours

[@jackmeyermakes]

That’s a good way to do it

[@jollyroger1711]

Hmmmm....I wonder what you'll make out of these. I"m stumped!

[@jackmeyermakes]

Puns always welcome