[TowerTalk] Your experience with rope capstan hoists or winches

[Richard (Rick) Karlquist]

I have been reading about how nice capstan winches are,
but I have no experience with them.  They seem very
dangerous since the line comes loose and the load
falls down in case the line handler's attention wanders
for a second. It seems especially dangerous to be
lowering a heavy load when the handler has to pay
out the line just fast enough, but not too fast.
A foot switch is suggested, but it doesn't work as
a dead man safety.  The winch stops but the line
still slips if not held back.

Seems like an accident waiting to happen, like free
climbing a tower.  Can someone with experience explain
how these capstans could possibly be safe?


Rick N6RK