Index Card 22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winch

• A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) or otherwise adjust the "tension" of a rope or wire rope (also called "cable" or "wire cable").
• In its simplest form it consists of a spool and attached hand crank.
• winches stand at the heart of machines as diverse as tow trucks, steam shovels and elevators. The spool can also be called the winch drum.
• The spool can also be called the winch drum.
• winches are used for towing cars, boats, or gliders.
• The rope is usually stored on the winch, but a similar machine that does not store the rope is called a capstan.
• Winches are frequently used as elements of backstage mechanics to move scenery in large theatrical productions.