Windlass

A windlass is a mechanical device used to lift or move heavy objects by winding a rope, chain, or cable around a horizontal drum or cylinder. Turning the handle or applying force causes the drum to rotate, winding the cable and generating a pulling force. Windlasses are commonly used in maritime settings for raising anchors, as well as in construction and engineering applications to lift heavy loads efficiently. They leverage simple mechanical principles to multiply force, making it easier to handle substantial weights with less effort.