Hand Winches

A hand winch is a device for moving a load in the horizontal plane. The design includes a drum to which a rope is attached, providing contact with and pulling of the load. Products vary in load rating from 150 kg to 10 tons. The load capacity limit is marked on the housing or in the accompanying documentation.

Design

A winch consists of a drum, drive, and housing. Hand models use muscular force as the drive. Thanks to the absence of an electric motor or internal combustion engine, the product achieves compact dimensions.

A hand winch can be secured:

1. To ballast.
2. To an anchor.
3. With bolts.
4. To a special frame.

Winches mounted on a wall or floor are mass-produced. Eyelets or chain slots are installed for fastening. Steel wire ropes, straps, or ropes of the required length, fitted using a ratchet, can be wound onto the drum.

A winch consists of the following elements:

1. A sturdy metal frame.
2. Drum.
3. A gearbox with a reduction mechanism (worm or lever drive).
4. A component for stopping unwinding.
5. A lever for rotation.
6. Ratchet pawl.
7. Pulley.
8. Rope.

Types of hand winches

Three types of lever winches used for moving loads are mass-produced:

1. Drum. Consists of a frame, drum, lever, and worm or gear reducer. The drum is used for winding a strap or steel wire rope. Mechanisms with a worm reducer stop rope unwinding more easily, which improves operating safety. The worm-drive model has minimal dimensions and weight. A gear winch is easier to repair due to the availability of parts.
2. Lever. Used in mobile devices, by drivers, or in production. The design consists of a metal frame and a mechanism that allows the rope or cable to be pulled in by pressing. Due to the increased force applied to the lever, greater pulling force is achieved compared to other models.
3. Come-along winches.

Most models are not suitable for lifting.

Selection criteria

When choosing, consider the model’s design, the material it’s made of, the type of reducer, and other features of the device. Hoists are suitable for lifting. Hand winches are used for dragging loads in the horizontal plane. Criteria for selecting a mechanism:

1. Strength and reliability of the mechanism, which directly affects work safety.
2. For use with a vehicle, it is advisable to choose a model with a power margin, since operation is expected to be at an angle.

It is also worth evaluating the design, rope, or chain. The dimensions of the flexible element are chosen based on typical tasks in household or private use. For motorists, compact models that fit in the trunk are suitable.