A winch assembly and method of manufacturing the assembly is provided. The winch assembly includes a drive assembly with a pinion gear and drive gear, the pinion is coupled to a drive axle rotatably coupled to a crank arm for rotating the pinion gear, and the drive gear. The winch assembly includes a spool assembly comprising a spool axle rotatably coupled to the drive gear. The spool axle includes first and second ratchet walls for supporting a pulling member during use. The winch assembly includes a locking assembly comprising a locking gear that is rotatably coupled to the drive axle. The locking assembly further comprises a lever, a cam wherein the lever is rotatably coupled to the cam, and first and second pawls.