This lightweight windlass weighing just under a kilogram has been designed with a reversible ratchet for raising the paddles and a separate integral socket for lowering them. There are a huge number of alternatives when it comes to lock keys and windlasses but we offer the standard universal lock key.
Canal windlass lock key long throw aluminium semi polished two year warranty.
Canal lock ratchet windlass. Welcome to the go windlass web site the go windlass is a canal lock key designed to ease the operating of lock paddles on the inland waterways across england and wales. Vintage canal lock windlass brass fixed handle pair different appertures. The handle of this ratchet windlass can be fixed in one of three positions.
Click collect hatton aluminium windlass canal lock gate key in style of dunton double. The lockmaster ratchet windlass is still very much in production and is doing well. The lockmaster windlass has a ratchet head to optimise the winding action of the user.
A windlass or lock key is the perfect tool for opening and closing the paddles on locks to get up and down the canal. If your windlass is aluminum or stainless steel though you d better be prepared to get wet or get a grappling hook. In addition during the winter months the carrying of coal bags is enhanced.
We have just launched our website www lockmasterwindlass co uk where you can find a lot of information including a list of stockists so if you wish to you can handle the ratchet windlass for yourself and try out how it moves between the different handle positions. Available in ratchet style for assistance in winding light weight aluminum or traditional steel. The go windlass is a ratchet windlass with an assured action which is strong easy to use and is designed to fit standard tapered spindles on the inland waterways see bottom of page.
I wasn t going to comment on the whole concept of a ratchet windlass per se because t seems that some people find them of use for clarity though i can t ever envisage being. The straight handle enables you to initially crack the lock paddle with ease. It s three position handle gives versatility to assist in the different phases of working the lock safely.
Kevin harding stated it can be really physically demanding raising the lock paddles with a conventional windlass especially if you find have difficulty with the 360. The more locks that are operated the more efficient and able the crew member becomes. What is also useful is a big magnet on a rope for attempting to retrieve windlasses when we drop them in.
The straight handle position is perfect for the tough job of initially getting the paddle open a small amount so that the flowing water doesn. About the go windlass team. We are leicestershire based narrowboat enthusiasts.
During our time cruising the canals we noted that inummerable people wrestled with opening and closing the lock paddles using a conventional windlass or canal lock key we were determined to find a solution to make boating a generally more pleasurable and less strenuous. Leaving the handle in the extended position you can gently pump the windlass by moving your hand up and down 45 degrees so the ratchet head does the work for you.
