The I.T.S.® gussets (pick-ups) and brackets (vans) form the stationary framework for the Work Winches®. They are aluminum extrusions which allow for very accurate dimensioning and positioning of holes. The bore for the winch shaft in these I.T.S. gussets and brackets is 1.660" +.005" -.000". A PVC bearing fits snugly inside the bore and the machined shaft of the winch rides in the PVC bearing. The winch body (the shaft and spool) are cast from aluminum alloy 356 T-6 which is an extremely resilient material commonly used for aluminum pipe wrench handles etc. Large stainless steel washers on both ends of the shaft prevent any aluminum-to-aluminum contact. The pawl, or latch, is counterbored to recess the head of the 5/16"; stainless steel clevis pin that it rides on. The clevis pin is inserted into the pivot hole on the bracket or gusset and is retained there by the inner flange of the winch spool. The entire assembly is retained in the gusset or bracket by a 1/4" stainless steel cotter pin through the winch shaft. The handle (also alloy 356 T-6), which is held by a quick release linch pin, is independent of the winch and can be kept in place on the shaft or kept separately in a toolbox. The operating end of the handle is cast with a hole that rides on the hexagonal end of the winch shaft. When hanging, the winch shaft will rotate within the round portion of the hole. The opposite end of the hole has 2 parallel walls that have been machined to a 1" opening so that they will engage the hex on the shaft like a wrench to tighten the strap.
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ALUMINUM ALLOY BODY The body of the Work Winch is cast from 356 aluminum alloy and then heat treated. Its breaking strength is over 10 times its rated capacity of 400 lbs. The shaft of the winch body is turned on a lathe to a diameter that is a few thousandths of an inch less than the inside diameter of the PVC bearing it rides in. |
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ALUMINUM HANDLE This special handle works better than the typical metal bar used in winches. It is always connected to the winch shaft and the keyhole incorporated in it is designed to both engage the hex on the winch shaft for tightening and to disengage from the hex for free rotation of the shaft. At the same time, it remains connected to the shaft for convenience so that you never have to search for it. |
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COTTER PIN This 1/4 x 2 stainless steel cotter pin retains the winch body in place in its bore. |
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QUICK RELEASE LINCH PIN This linch pin or tractor pin allows you to easily remove the handle from the winch shaft in should you want to store it separately. |
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PAWL The pawl is a carefully designed part that engages the ratchet wheel perfectly. Its pivot hole is countersunk so that the clevis pin is flush with the surface, allowing the flange of the winch body to hold them both in place. The pawl has a fingerhold built into it so it can be easily lifted off of the ratchet wheel when pulling out strap. It also incorporates an extension so that the pawl’s rotation is limited and cannot be inadvertently swung around out of position. |
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7½' x 1½” POLYESTER STRAP A 7½’ x 1½” polyester strap is used with our Work Winches because they have a higher tensile strength than nylon and undergo significantly less elongation in wet weather. They are more expensive than nylon but their performance and longevity makes them worthwhile. There is a vinyl coated hook on the end made from 3/8” tempered steel. |
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PVC BEARING The PVC bearing fits snugly inside the bore of an I.T.S. gusset or bracket. PVC is an excellent bearing material for this application. The shaft of the Work Winch is machined with a close tolerance to fit inside the PVC and rotate smoothly within it. |
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RATCHET WHEEL The ratchet wheel is a very precise extruded part that is mounted to the winch body. It has a large internal hex that fits over a corresponding large hex on the winch body and is welded there. The ratchet wheel is unique in that both sides of the teeth are undercut for the pawl to fit into. This makes it possible to install the Work Winch for either left or right hand operation. |
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STAINLESS STEEL PIVOT PIN This is a 5/16” x 2” long stainless steel clevis pin that retains the ratchet’s pawl and serves as its pivot. It fits into a 5/16” hole in the I.T.S. gusset/bracket and is retained by the inner wall of the winch body. |
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TAKE-UP WHEEL The take-up wheel is part of the winch body and has fingerholds incorporated in it. It allows for quick take up of loose strap. |
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WASHERS Two large stainless steel thrust washers handle axial movement and prevent aluminum to aluminum contact. A smaller stainless steel washer helps retain the handle on its shaft. |