cindersailor
Member
Having broken my Simpson Lawrence Anchorman manual windlass/capstan, through what I considered until now normal use, I though I would pass on the wisdom which has dawned on me as a result.
I have always used the central bi-square socket to wind the windlass, assuming that the offset one was just there if a bit more leverage was required. This central socket is the one which also provides the necessary clutch action on the chain gipsy, but it always seemed to me that there should be no harm in using this for winding too as the clockwise turn simply increases the clutch engagement pressure. Not so! After years of this (what turns out to be) abuse, the central spindle of the gipsy carrier onto which the clutch nut threads has now sheared off (this is a substantial 20mm threaded bronze tube). On reflection it is obvious that this is why the offset bi-square socket is provided; the central socket is for clutch adjustment and the offset one for winding. I am possibly the only person who did not realise this, but in case there are others I thought this worth passing on.
However I have to add that having now checked the original manual, there is no mention of which socket should be used for winding!
I have always used the central bi-square socket to wind the windlass, assuming that the offset one was just there if a bit more leverage was required. This central socket is the one which also provides the necessary clutch action on the chain gipsy, but it always seemed to me that there should be no harm in using this for winding too as the clockwise turn simply increases the clutch engagement pressure. Not so! After years of this (what turns out to be) abuse, the central spindle of the gipsy carrier onto which the clutch nut threads has now sheared off (this is a substantial 20mm threaded bronze tube). On reflection it is obvious that this is why the offset bi-square socket is provided; the central socket is for clutch adjustment and the offset one for winding. I am possibly the only person who did not realise this, but in case there are others I thought this worth passing on.
However I have to add that having now checked the original manual, there is no mention of which socket should be used for winding!
