A bit of topic but does any one know the size of the hole in a windlass / key that you use to open the paddles on a lock
I am doing narrow boating again this year and would like to make a ratchet windlass key
Thanks
Jacko

There are two different sizes, I cant remember the actual size, but they are also slightly tapered if I recall correctly.

Hope this helps.

If it's not a 13-17-19mm ring spanner, I'm never ever going boating on holiday.

Those three work everywhere else, don't see why boats should need some sort of weird victorian / industrial revolution, "quarter scrote" size or some other such olde worlde nonsense.

Am I wrong here ?

Bet I am

I once made some of these for a customer i think we used 40mmx3mm &30x3 square box and the inside measurements of this fitted the lock gates
p.s it was a long time ago dont blame me if you get to the lock and you cant open it .m.

quote:

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Originally posted by zilspeed
If it's not a 13-17-19mm ring spanner, I'm never ever going boating on holiday.

IIRC they are square, slightly tapered and damned if can remember how large... I am assuming the waterways are now going to be safer for the rest of us...

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keithice - 28/3/10 at 05:15 PM

p.s. I did a weeks holiday a while back and met an old boy with a touch of arthritis in his hands using a cheap battery powered drill/impact driver to wind the paddles up and down.... keith

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mangogrooveworkshop - 28/3/10 at 05:53 PM

call british waterways they will tell you...

http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/contact-us/kennet-and-avon
enquiries.scotland@britishwaterways.co.uk

[Edited on 28-3-10 by mangogrooveworkshop]

[Edited on 28-3-10 by mangogrooveworkshop]

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jacko - 28/3/10 at 06:03 PM

quote:

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Originally posted by MkII
I once made some of these for a customer i think we used 40mmx3mm &30x3 square box and the inside measurements of this fitted the lock gates
p.s it was a long time ago dont blame me if you get to the lock and you cant open it .m.

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Thank's the size you give me are about right to what i remember
Jacko

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jacko - 28/3/10 at 06:04 PM

quote:

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Originally posted by zilspeed
If it's not a 13-17-19mm ring spanner, I'm never ever going boating on holiday.

Those three work everywhere else, don't see why boats should need some sort of weird victorian / industrial revolution, "quarter scrote" size or some other such olde worlde nonsense.

Am I wrong here ?

Bet I am

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Zil what about 10mm

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zilspeed - 28/3/10 at 07:37 PM

quote:

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Originally posted by jacko

quote:

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Originally posted by zilspeed
If it's not a 13-17-19mm ring spanner, I'm never ever going boating on holiday.

Those three work everywhere else, don't see why boats should need some sort of weird victorian / industrial revolution, "quarter scrote" size or some other such olde worlde nonsense.

Am I wrong here ?

Bet I am

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Zil what about 10mm

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Aye, you got me there. the 10mm, AKA "the wee spanner".

P.S. My mate Skinny Doug used to work with the waterways, he'll know.
Want me to ask ?

[Edited on 28/3/10 by zilspeed]

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jacko - 28/3/10 at 08:17 PM

quote:

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Originally posted by zilspeed

quote:

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Originally posted by jacko

quote:

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Originally posted by zilspeed
If it's not a 13-17-19mm ring spanner, I'm never ever going boating on holiday.

Those three work everywhere else, don't see why boats should need some sort of weird victorian / industrial revolution, "quarter scrote" size or some other such olde worlde nonsense.

Am I wrong here ?

Bet I am

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Zil what about 10mm

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Aye, you got me there. the 10mm, AKA "the wee spanner".

P.S. My mate Skinny Doug used to work with the waterways, he'll know.
Want me to ask ?

[Edited on 28/3/10 by zilspeed]

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If you will that will be great thank's
Graham

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bmseven - 28/3/10 at 08:52 PM

2 sizes was out yesterday "messing about on the river "
Linky but no sizes

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