Can anyone explain to me how a tirfor winch works? Specifically, how does the mechanism "back down" a load? A diagram or a picture would be really helpful. I think I understand the theory behind it but I've never actually seen one.
I guess I was hoping that someone here might have a little more insight into the specifics of how does the mechanism works while lowering the load. My understanding is that it is a system involving two sets of cam-type grippers or cleats that alternately grip the wire rope with each cycle of the handle. For pulling a load, that seems simple enough.
I guess what I get hung up on is how the load could be pushed through one of these while still gripping with the other in the case of lowering or backing down a load. That makes me think that maybe my mental picture of two cam cleats is a little too simplistic, or that I'm mis-understanding how the thing is actually used.