Windlass

From Free net encyclopedia

A windlass is an apparatus for moving a heavy weight. Typically, a windlass consists of a horizontal cylinder (barrel), which is rotated by the turn of a crank or belt. A winch is affixed to one or both ends, and a cable or rope is wound around the winch, raising a weight attached to the opposite end.

Windlasses are used in sailing, often to raise anchor on smaller vessels, wherever space is at a premium and a capstan would be too large. The windlass can be operated by handbrakes, allowing workers to stay in place and turn the barrel by pushing the seesawing bars up and down.

See also

• Anchor windlass, a specialized windlass that controls an anchor chain