Cordless drills

[Sybarite]

I have been using an 18v version a lot recently on a house project and I have been impressed by its stamina and strength.

Would it be possible, with the right tip/attachment to use one as a powered winch handle? This thought was inspired when I saw the price of a commercial powered W/H at €1750 - about 15 times the amount I paid for my drill.

 

[[70521]]

Could you fabricate an attachment? Without doing the maths I can't see it working.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I made some drill attachments for my battery drills some time a go and tried it but found the drill did not have the torque to finish the winching to the required load for halyard or gib sheet.

There is a battery drill that looks more like an angle grinder than a normal battery to seems to have enough torque but it is quite expensive.

This had been discussed before so a search of the fora may help

 

[ditchcrawler]

I tried my drill with a bit which I got from USA called the Wincher (do a google).But as stated by others the drill does not have enough torque.
I saw an item on the Miami Boat Show video called a WinchRite.It is a purpose made weatherproof cordless electric winch handle.They are now sold by many chandlers
in UK and are brilliant.Mine gets the main up fine and will go a week without charging.Cost £499, but for me with a bad back worth every penny.Some
of my friends were sceptical but now several have bought one and say that it is one of the best things they have bought.
No interest except a satisfied customer

 

[testmonkey]

18v tools are typically not strong enough. The right tool for the job is "Milwaukee 28v right angled drill" with a winch bit (winchbit.com)

here it is in action
http://youtu.be/D5_Nn2o-jBg?t=18s

 

[Sailfree]

18v tools are typically not strong enough. The right tool for the job is "Milwaukee 28v right angled drill" with a winch bit (winchbit.com)

here it is in action
http://youtu.be/D5_Nn2o-jBg?t=18s

I bought one - it works on my 43 with an extra heavy (charter use) mainsail. I sail effectively singlehanded when with SWMBO. I need to wake her 2 hrs outside Cherbourg so that she can shower etc. She is wonderful with mooring ropes!!

This Unfortunately is/was not available in UK. I imported mine from USA. When I investigated the Milwalkee had a torque of 600lbins and the nearest equivalent was a DeWalt at 320lbins IIRC - not sure whether any competitors have bought out versions with comparable torque in last few years.

 

[Sybarite]

Useful info everybody; thanks.