Drill to power winches
- Thread starter Eric Mitterndorfer
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Make sure they make the shaft to the bit TRIANGULAR, so it doesn't slip in the chuck.
Well I fit the Cranker bit into my 3/8 right angle Ryobi this weekend. It was a tight fit, but made it. I tightened it and took it to the boat. The square end fit my Lewmar 40ST fine and spun it without a load no problem. I didn't have more time to play with it than that, but wanted to provide some update.
Got a DeWalt and a Cranker.
Runs the mainsail up pretty good.
Don't run the sail up and down a lot when I'm out, so the battery life is not really an issue.
Runs the mainsail up pretty good.
Don't run the sail up and down a lot when I'm out, so the battery life is not really an issue.
I've been looking at options to the commercial-made adapter bit. First thought: My local metal shop did not have a square bar stock, but could get it. He said one piece would be expensive to set up. More pieces, the cheaper per each. Second thought: Sears and others have an extension bar for 3/4-drive seckets. The shortest was $25, but a used one from a flea market would have to be somewhat cheaper. Grind the 3/4 square down to 11/16, cut off the socket end and grind the 3 flats onto it. Third thought: McMaster Carr has 11/16 square stock in a number of different metals. A foot-long piece can be had starting at 6 dollars or so. If you make a jig, you could grind down to round for 4 adapters- before cutting the stock.
Unfortunately, that appears to be poorly designed from an ergonomic standpoint. Most human wrists don't do very well resisting torque in the lateral plane as the wrist... and it would have made far more sense to have the handle be vertical rather than perpendicular to the winch.
I have to agree...
When I tried out my 3/8 right angle Ryobi it seemed like it would make a darn good winch handle even if the battery was dead. It is about 18 inches long. I think it will be good for everything but raising someone up the mast.
Yes, because the handle on the Ryobi is parallel to the winch drum axis, giving you fairly decent leverage when the drill tries to twist out of your grip.
I guess we'll soon see, it got high marks at the Miami boat show, winning the innovation award.
I would agree about the handle if you were standing over, on top of the winch, but the handle ergonomics make sense to me if you're off to the side of the winch, like in the cockpit.
I would agree about the handle if you were standing over, on top of the winch, but the handle ergonomics make sense to me if you're off to the side of the winch, like in the cockpit.
Dave—
Even if you're off to the side in the cockpit, the design is flawed. You have a lot more strength in your wrist perpendicular to the palm than you do working in the plane of it.
I'd also point out that the palm being oriented vertically is a more natural position for the hand than it is with the palm oriented horizontally. If you hold your arm by your side and the raise your forearm... the hand is oriented vertically—not horizontally.
As most cockpit winches are mounted on a horizontal surface... the WinchRite's grip is in the more unnatural of the two positions as well as using the weaker muscles of the lateral wrist. This is simple ergonomics—it is not well thought out. And IMHO, if they haven't bothered to do the basic ergonomic research, what else have they overlooked.
I'd also point out, that if the winch is heavily loaded, the torque on the WinchRite will tend to twist it out of your grip. If the handle were vertical it would try and move the handle, but it wouldn't be twisting out of your grip.
Even if you're off to the side in the cockpit, the design is flawed. You have a lot more strength in your wrist perpendicular to the palm than you do working in the plane of it.
I'd also point out that the palm being oriented vertically is a more natural position for the hand than it is with the palm oriented horizontally. If you hold your arm by your side and the raise your forearm... the hand is oriented vertically—not horizontally.
As most cockpit winches are mounted on a horizontal surface... the WinchRite's grip is in the more unnatural of the two positions as well as using the weaker muscles of the lateral wrist. This is simple ergonomics—it is not well thought out. And IMHO, if they haven't bothered to do the basic ergonomic research, what else have they overlooked.
I'd also point out, that if the winch is heavily loaded, the torque on the WinchRite will tend to twist it out of your grip. If the handle were vertical it would try and move the handle, but it wouldn't be twisting out of your grip.
Years of experience are reflected in the shape of handles. Cranks are made to allow the best transfer of muscle to handle, luggage handles are made for lifting but not for turning. Wrenches are made for efficient pulling, this tool has a luggage handle.
There are other pluses to the right angle drill approach too.
(1) You have a cordless drill on board for other tasks.
(2) You likely have other cordless tools you can use the 12V charger you bought for it for. In my case that means I can use a dozen different cordless Ryobi tools on board...and even more should I buy them. Some make a lot of sense on board, such as the vacuum, sander...etc...there is even a portable fan and a caulking gun. Probably don't need the chainsaw though, unless I need to cut the rig down LOL.
(3) If I drop it overboard I am out $130 for the drill and cranker bit plus the cost of a battery...say $180...or less than half of the dedicated unit.
(1) You have a cordless drill on board for other tasks.
(2) You likely have other cordless tools you can use the 12V charger you bought for it for. In my case that means I can use a dozen different cordless Ryobi tools on board...and even more should I buy them. Some make a lot of sense on board, such as the vacuum, sander...etc...there is even a portable fan and a caulking gun. Probably don't need the chainsaw though, unless I need to cut the rig down LOL.
(3) If I drop it overboard I am out $130 for the drill and cranker bit plus the cost of a battery...say $180...or less than half of the dedicated unit.
winchbit
Thanks,
John
Chuck. Im 66 and would be interested in the unit you describe. Where are you located and how much would you want for the unit?
Thanks,
John
I asked Sailology, the makers of the WinchRite about my concerns and here is their reply:
I'd point out that most cordless drills have an adjustable clutch, so you can easily limit the force that they can apply. I'd also point out that you can get a decent cordless drill for far less than $550 they're asking.
Translation, We know the handle design is lousy but this is how we explain it. Winches can be assembled to work in the other direction. My two speed winches require the handle to turn either way but the pawls only allow the drum to turn one way. Is this tool reversible for two speed winches?
I'll reserve my opinion until I have a chance to use it, I hate rushing to judgement before I give something a chance.
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