NEVER NEVER NEVER Leave the windlass attached to the lock mechanism - if the paddle slips, the handle will fly off at lethal speed, and either seriously hurt or kill someone.
Even if the paddle is down (not under strain) it is still bad practice, someone could walk into it and still sustain a nasty injury
ALWAYS ensure the Windlass is securely attached to the spindle.
DO NOT lay your windlass on the ground near the edges of the lock chamber. At best you could lose your windlass, at worst it could strike someone on a boat in the lock, if it is knocked into the chamber.
There are only TWO places for a Windlass in your HAND or in your BOAT.
Our lock paddles are heritage structures and the boards below water can measure 3ft x 2 ft on average in size, resulting in a reasonable amount of water pressure on the paddle boards when a lock is full of water. As a customer, when you arrive to use the Hillmorton flight and you find it difficult to wind a paddle up, please be reminded of the following points:
- Ensuring the safety catch is on - If the paddle is hard to wind, raise the paddle just enough so the safety catch engages approx. 3 teeth on the rack.
- The lock will begin to fill and as the level in the lock equalises the pressure on the paddle becomes less – hence easier to wind.
- As the lock fills the paddle can be progressively lifted with the catch in place at all times.
DO NOT jerk or snatch the windlass use a smooth progressive action
DO check your windlass before use for cracks, fractures or burrs