The tech problem I see is I got the winch at science 90, but the first part that it can connect to seems to be the CC-R2 which is another node at science 160. this makes getting the winch at 90 useless until you unlock something to attach to. I do have CCT installed, but I don't see ether of these parts listed anyplace else in game.

Source : http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/92514-1-0-2-Kerbal-Attachment-System-%28KAS%29-0-5-2?p=1991722&viewfull=1#post1991722

Can't you still plug the winch into your EVA'd kerbal, allowing you to use it like a tether?