Windlass

The windlass is a mechanical device with a horizontal axle which is used onboard vessels to multiply the force used by a seafarer, when pulling cables, chains, ropes and hawsers. Consisting of a drum that is powered either by steam, by electricity or by hand, it rotates around its axis to wind in the cable or chain, wrapping it around it. Windlasses work on the same principle as capstans, although the latter have a vertical axle as opposed to horizontal.