my new heavy duty winch has a removalbe handle. it’s already fallen off one time unloading the boat. if we forget it on the trailer, it’ll be gone forever.
of course i can get a back up.
or i can install a chain with a snap
OR i can GLUE it on with Marine Goop or a silicone equivalent, not an epoxy.
What have other people done? I’ve observed the collection of handles available for sale at Evert’s so I know I’m not alone…
All of my removable winch handles have been held on with a threaded nut.
But I’m from Iowa
Loosen nut-remove handle
Replace handle-tighten nut 
Just curious … why would you want to take the handle off ?
this, AND the ones at Evert’s don’t come with a threaded nut…
the only reason i can see for removing the handle is if you are working in tight quarters. Might be important then.
I’m thinking that if i use goop., at least if i NEED to remove it, i can use a screw driver to pry it off…
MIne actually has a high and a low gear that requires me to remove the handle. Mine simply has a spring loaded collar thingy that I struggle some to even get it off. I see your concern though.
Small drill, drill through handle and shaft (top-down). Use a cotter pin or key.
Or, drill and tap the shaft from the end. Use a bolt and washer, add some loctite.
1.Tack it on with a wire feed welder.
2.Drill a hole through it and install a pin.
This is a high/low gear model. There isn’t enuf shaft to use a cross/cotter pin, but i was considering drilling/threading and using a fender washer.
My boat is ‘heavy’ so i don’t plan on using the high gear option. Do you use yours??
MAYBE some of the ‘spares’ at Everts have better springs in them…?
Drill and tap the handle where it fits on shaft and install 3/16 bolt with a wing so you can hand tighten against shaft.
Lots of MacGyver’s on here… 
I actually only use the high gear and have never had a problem with it coming loose. I’ve had it for about 2 years now. I’ve got a crestliner fish hawk 1750. Did you get it from fleet farm?
Your plan sounds like the best option to me.
Come to think of it, the only problem I’ve had was getting that clip fully seated. Once seated, it fits tight enough where I don’t think it’ll come off.
“Mine actually has a high and a low gear that requires me to remove the handle. Mine simply has a spring loaded collar thingy that I struggle some to even get it off. I see your concern though.”
My prior boat/trailer had that same setup. Never had a problem in thirty years of use. Not to say that you won’t. I did worry about losing it and being “up a creek” so to speak. Might not be a bad idea to have a spare.
I’ll bet the silicone would be your best “non-permanent” method of securing it.
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