[TowerTalk] Regarding Worm Gear Drive Winches

[Brad Pioveson W9FX]

Here's a question for the ME's.  Can a worm gear drive winch without a brake system safely be used on a telescoping tower - which tower does not have a latching mechanism to support the tower in the extended position?

In other words, can a worm gear drive winch be reverse driven such that the tower can fall in the absence of a braking mechanism?

I have a TriEx W-51 tower that came from the factory equipped with a worm gear drive winch.  When I received the tower, the winch handle was missing.  If I do not replace the handle, I can likely drive the tower up and down using a 1/2" low speed rt angle electric drill.  If, however, the handle needs to be there and if said handle needs to be locked in place to prevent self-unspooling of the cable, then I had best find a handle...

73

Brad, W9FX