Weston Brake Operation1
Weston Brake Operation1
Applies to PB style brakes used on Thern Spur Gear and Worm Gear Hand Winches
The brake used on most Thern hand winches is referred to as a Weston-style brake. This
brake type will consists of a partially-threaded bolt, nut, two friction discs and a ratchet
wheel with pawl. The partially-threaded bolt and nut sandwich the ratchet wheel
between the two friction discs.
Handle force DOWN unlocks brake, friction discs loosen to allow rotation.
To lower the load (or pay wire rope off the drum) the handle is turned in the DOWN
direction. The pawl, which is secured to the brake housing, prevents the ratchet wheel
from rotating. With the ratchet wheel stationary, the rotational force applied to the handle
now unscrews the nut and bolt slightly, removing compression on the friction discs and
allowing the bolt and nut assembly to turn, thereby allowing the drum to turn.
For proper use and long life, the Weston-style brakes require the wire rope to be wound
onto the winch drum in only one direction. Improper wire rope installation will
prevent the brake from working properly and the load could fall. Also, with this type
of brake assembly, a free-spool option is typically not available.