Winch

This winch dates back to the 18th century and is an example of a traditional machine for lifting weights, quite similar to those used in Leonardo’s time.

Suitable for lifting moderate loads, this winch could be anchored to the ground for work with mechanisms for maneuvering at heights, such as pulleys or devices for positioning loads, or for use together with capra-type cranes (tripod-based) or stella-type cranes (cable-stayed).The device consists of a solid supporting frame and an octagonal-section drum, around which the cord for lifting is wrapped. In order to rotate the drum, the worker would apply force to the bar inserted into the drum, gradually advancing the bar’s position as needed into successive holes made along its surface.