Windlass
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The windlass is a type of horizontal winch used to move heavy weights, featuring a cylinder operated by a crank to wind a rope. While the core mechanism is a simple winch, larger, historical, or marit
Turnbridge windlass lifting road bridge over Huddersfield Broad Canal
Two Spanish windlasses on a bunch of sticks, in the starting position and tightened
Capstan (nautical)
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A capstan is a vertical-axled rotating machine developed for use on sailing ships to multiply the pulling force of sailors when hauling ropes, cables, and hawsers. The principle is similar to that of
Windlass
…and most European crossbows had one by the Late Middle Ages. Windlasses are sometimes used on boats to raise the anchor as an alternative to a vertical capstan (see anchor windlass). The handle used to open locks on the UK's inland waterways is called a windlass…
Tourists turn a capstan. The tensioned portion of the rope would fasten the ship to the quay, hoist a foresail, lift a spar into position on the mast or be used to transfer cargo to or from a dock or lighter.
Capstan
Anchor windlass
Diagram of Ruston Proctor Steam Capstan, 1883