Why Star vs Square Socket on Sail Winches?

[Scorpius]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

And what do they think the North Americans, Australians, and New Zealanders are? Enquiring minds want to know!

Ann

Canadian here. Abusers of the English language?

[RaymondR]

Over decades of pulling on ropes, cables and chains I've heard a plethora of folks use terms like "Winch that thing up." but cannot ever recall anyone saying "Capstan that thing up." ??

[CrispyCringle]

Some threads you just got to say "wow"...

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by CrispyCringle

Some threads you just got to say "wow"...

Could you explain this post to me, please. I don't get it

Jim

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by CrispyCringle

Some threads you just got to say "wow"...

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Could you explain this post to me, please. I don't get it

It's really just a typical thread where an OP with a single digit post count starts something that'll get all of us yakking about nothing that has any real or perceived meaning or value.
Pages will go by; nobody will learn anything more than they already knew and the OP seldom returns.
Just more fodder for the server to store.

[RaymondR]

If we're going to thread drift into semantics we may as well do it thoroughly.

[The Yacht Rigger]

In an attempt to bring the thread back on track...
The star shape allows for so many more positions that the handle will drop into, as opposed to only having two options n90 degrees opposed form each other.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by The Yacht Rigger

In an attempt to bring the thread back on track...
The star shape allows for so many more positions that the handle will drop into, as opposed to only having two options n90 degrees opposed form each other.

Doesn't the star present 8 positions, 45° apart, and the square 4 positions, 90° apart [a circle describing 360° of arc]?

[The Yacht Rigger]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Doesn't the star present 8 positions, 45° apart, and the square 4 positions, 90° apart [a circle describing 360° of arc]?

Doh. Correct. That's what I get for typing faster than I think...
But yeah.... far more positions!

[sinnerman]

Originally Posted by GordMay

An 8-point star [double square*] socket benefits from having more positions [than a square], for engaging the handle, in the winch.

* (2) x 11/16 inch/±17mm squares, superimposed at 45°.

Exactly!!!

[HeinSdL]

Wear and tear is much worse on the square fitting. Initially the force is concentrated at the very edge of the profile, after some use the handle square profile will deform and become rounded, not necessarily visible in first instance but it does happen and will become more prevalent over time. Eventually the square fitting will become almost rounded.

This happens to a far lesser degree with the 8 point fitting. In addition, closer inspection of the profile will reveal the forces at point of contact (8x) are much smaller. The same effect is seen when using a good quality spanner vs an adjustable wrench (which don't really deserve a place on a boat).

[billcrowley]

WestAus - I have a spare winch handle here in California that I would happily send you for the cost of the postage - but from previous experience, my guess is the cost of shipping, if you are in Australia, would exceed the value of the item ☹️

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by HeinSdL

Wear and tear is much worse on the square fitting. Initially the force is concentrated at the very edge of the profile, after some use the handle square profile will deform and become rounded, not necessarily visible in first instance but it does happen and will become more prevalent over time. Eventually the square fitting will become almost rounded.

I guess I'll have to tell a friend of mine to replace those old Merriman bronze winches that have a square stud sticking out the top.
They're at least 60 years old and the studs are still in excellent shape.
Although, the vertical wooden hand grips on the bronze handles could use some TLC.
PS, problems with adjustable wrenches are most always due to operator error in the orientation of the jaws vs. direction of force.
That and cheap junk brands.

[Jim Cate]

The same effect is seen when using a good quality spanner vs an adjustable wrench (which don't really deserve a place on a boat).

Why, this is heresy! I even have special Whitworth, Metric and Imperial adjustable wrenches on board to suit every fastener need. I'd be lost without them...

Jim

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

And what do they think the North Americans, Australians, and New Zealanders are? Enquiring minds want to know!

Ann

Damn colonials of course.