Thought I'd share another little neat idea. I didn't want my winch hook dangling around anymore but I didn't want to attach it to the frame or rack and chip the paint, so i made this:

great idea. i like the way it allows for some flex when you are winding it up tight.

I use a dogs kong on the cable and it sucks tight to the fairlead holding the hook firmly.

I used hockey pucks, but they would split after awhile. While changing the hockey puck, I looked at the synthetic rope, I started thinking maybe it was not a good idea to have it under constant tension, maybe that would wear the rope out quicker than if it weren't under load. So I fab this up, so that the hook clips on, then I winch in just enough line so that the rope has no tension and the hook can't come off.

I would suggest that you weld a u-bolt on the under side of the fairlead.
Then you can use it for securing your machine.

goes well with your hook holder.

What a neat idea. Can you make more, and maybe sell them? I'd be interested in one.

I don't know, I guess I could, but it would probably be cheaper it you brought the pic's to a machine shop out there.