If you can't tie a bowline, you need to learn. Easiest way is tie a slipping, poke the tail in the loop. Then pull the rope that slides the slipping and WOULD,untie it. But. The tail of the rope is through the loop and will fold as it passes thru the loop. Making the bowline , barges are tied together with it. Firemen use it, it's one of the world's most often used knots. No matter how much the load, it ALWAYS comes apart. That and the clove hitch.. You can get things done.

A decent hardware store will have woven rope. It works easier, is less abrasive, than spiral wound rope. I've seen some yellow, plastic/nylon rope that was so slick and stiff I didn't trust a knot to stay in it.

 I recently found a really good come along at O'Reilly auto parts. A one piece cable/ratchet drum, ratchet teeth on both ends, durable direction switch, $40.00,, I paid that for the one I bought in the 70's. I've got one I paid less for, but the cable drum/ratchet teeth ARE laminated and nothing about it feels like quality..
If you're needing a come along, well.. I didn't even NEED a new one, but I've been hunting for a quality product ,so IF I needed a come along, I have the option,, fix the cable on the old one, use the crummy Harbor Freight one,and I might, depending on the job, Use the junky one, or, grab my new one.. Lifting, New one, pulling,, probably grab the junk..