Ratcheting Socket Drive

[Bill Balme]

Does anyone know if a 1/2" Socket driver will fit a winch (replace the winch handle)? I'm not at the boat so can't measure what square size would equal the octagonal star pattern.

(The manual override on my windlass is fitted with a winch type socket - and to avoid having to remove and replace the winch handle every half turn, I'd like a ratchet head to do the job...)

[leftbrainstuff]

Nope. More like an inch square. I'll have to measure mine tonight. I'm curious.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Bill Balme]

I was at the boat last weekend with a 3/4" driver - it was too big...

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Bill Balme

I was at the boat last weekend with a 3/4" driver - it was too big...

I think that the spline pattern of a winch will be hard to match unless you find a special socket or you don't care how well it's engaged. You can get hex sockets that would probably stick in there.

[Bill Balme]

Turns out it's "Int’l winch socket size is 11/16” eight point" and my windlass manufacturer (Lighthouse) has a modified 3/4" Ratcheting socket drive for sale... :-)

[colemj]

Our Maxwell windlass also came with a 1/2" socket to winch adapter. They probably sell them as spare parts.

Mark