|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEE Installing a Vehicle-mounted Electrical Winch ?
A winch is a mechanical device that is used to wind up a rope or cable. In its simplest form it consists of a spool and attached crank. More elaborate designs have gear assemblies and can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives. Some may include a solenoid brake and/or a mechanical brake or ratchet that prevents it from unwinding.
Besides industrial applications (e.g. in cranes), winches are used for towing cars, boats, or gliders. There are several winches on almost every boat or ship where they are used to pull anchor or mooring lines, halyards, and sheets.
The rope or cable is usually stored on the winch, but a similar machine that does not store the rope is called a capstan.
Winches are frequently used as elements of backstage mechanics to move scenery in large theatrical productions. Winches are often embedded in the stage floor and used to move large set pieces on and off. |
