Abstract: An improved winch is disclosed which possesses means for increasing the coefficient of friction on the surface of the spool only in an area substantially at the intersection of the drum and flange sections of the winch so that only the last turn of rope or line around the winch would contact the area of increased friction. Friction in this area can be increased by placing a rubber ring over a conventional winch which makes it self-tailing. As a further embodiment, the winch possesses a surface which is recessed, said recess containing radial projection elements for the support of friction increasing sections contained between said radial projection elements within the recess.