Synthetic halyard ?
Dick Lane
Swoose N26c
Port Townsend
Ooooooohhhhh …
I don’t think that this little drill with all of 132 in. lbs. of torque will lift a sail up the mast, Dick. Folks are using Milwaukees (or, in my case, a Hilti) that put out 800 in. lbs. if not much more. Even the WinchRite purpose-built device (that I have criticized) puts out around 800 in. lbs.
I do have to be cautious because I’ve been taken to task (fairly, I must say) for “dumping” on some of us who try to spend less as opposed to more. In that case, I was referring to spending more on devices or components that are particularly essential or difficult to repair or get at.
Regardless, I don’t think that this $25.00 drill will do the job at all.
Ernie A. in Toronto
I’m a big fan of Harbor Freight Dick but I’m afraid I have to side with Ernie on this one.
…. now if you went to the 20V Hercules….. 
Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay, B.C.
Ernie
I think 400 inch pounds is the minimum spec for the winchbit. Just yesterday I used my Sears drill to raise the aluminum boom on my 30U. Certainly hand grinding on the winch would not have been fun in the 90 F degree heat. 
Mike
BIANKA
1986 30U
biankablog.blogspot.com
Ooooooohhhhh …
I don’t think that this little drill with all of 132 in. lbs. of torque will lift a sail up the mast, Dick. Folks are using Milwaukees (or, in my case, a Hilti) that put out 800 in. lbs. if not much more. Even the WinchRite purpose-built device (that I have criticized) puts out around 800 in. lbs.
I do have to be cautious because I’ve been taken to task (fairly, I must say) for “dumping” on some of us who try to spend less as opposed to more. In that case, I was referring to spending more on devices or components that are particularly essential or difficult to repair or get at.
Regardless, I don’t think that this $25.00 drill will do the job at all.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Mike -
That’s interesting that the folks who make the bit have advised that, generally, it takes a minimum amount of torque to make the bit useful. of course, the other big variable is whether the winch is a multi-speed affair (good) or, like mine, a Lewmar #18, a single speed jobbie (bad). Multi-speed lets you get away with way less power i.e. torque and just have the process take longer.
Ernie A. in Toronto
The main halyard needs a 2 speed. Bigger the better. Relying on electric is obvious going to make the task easier, but having a BIG 2 speed is still needed IMHO.
Concur with above, and because context is everything, here’s what worked yesterday with some specifics.
Raising Main on NS26U
2 speed winch (using the easy gear)
Winchbit in a 3/8" chuck Ryobi 18V 2 speed drill (in low gear) (lithium 6Ah battery)
The drill does the job quickly and the short arm of a standard (not right-angle) drill did not present a significant leverage disadvantage. The drill did not stall nor slip clutch, but you could smell it was working at it’s limit.
My sense was that if you like to use this sort of set-up, this drill battery combination would easily last an 8 hr sailing day before a recharge is mandatory. However, I’d not think you’d have acceptable performance on a 30,33,36 mainsail due to the weight.
So, in summary, yes, you can get away with a less expensive set up with a 3/8 or 1/2 drill you may already have if…
#1 you’re talking about a 26’ or 22’ NS
#2 your drill has a dedicated driver or low gear setting
#3 you have a double Ah battery from the norm…
Otherwise, bite the bullet and buy the big Milwaukee right angle drill to cover all situations.
Cheers,
Mike Read
NS26C #120 Nauti Girl
Bath, Ont
Mike
I’ve used a standard Sears drill (400 inch lb torque) with the Winchbit on my Nonsuch 30U for over 12 years and have not had any problem raising the sail. Another advantages is it was cheaper, easier to store and I also use it for various projects on board. I see no need to pay extra for a right angle drill to raise the sail.
I will add one additional note, the successful test Mike notes was done on a N26U with Tides Track.
This slide and bullet the shaped sail connectors allow for a smooth operation whether going up and even more dramatic coming down.
Ted Eedson
26U #232, Purrfection
I have been using a 1/2" cordless drill from Lowes, and so far it has done the job of raising my N22 sail without any struggle. I have a Lewmar single speed winch and Tides Strong Track.
Ron Weber
N22 Magic Time
Punta Gorda Fl
Ron -
While I bought a ($$$) Hilti drill that will never break on me, your little Kobalt guy seems to be a terrific alternative because it has gobs of torque (1200 in. lb.)
And, while it may conk out a bit sooner than the Hilti, I’ll bet it was 1/4 the price (or less, in fact).
Good idea.
Ernie A. in Toronto
I always thought Winchbit had 1/2” shaft. Didn’t know they made one with a 3/8”.
The right angle 28v Milwaukee is too big for a 22 footer. All that weight on one side will cause a list.
I used to ride bikes with a couple of guys. One guy had several high end bikes and riding gear to match the colour scheme of each bike. The other guy bought used riding gear and would look for bike parts during spring clean up. One loved spending and the other loved saving. They were both happy. The moral is buy the drill that works and makes you happy. I must say though the Hilti has more cachet than a drill from Lowe’s, especially if I am spending Ernie’s money.
Mark Powers
Winch Bit is definitely 1/2 inch. We just found that it just barely fit my Milwaukee M18 and Mike’s Ryobi drills. Your words use what’s suites you best are good advice. I’m not throwing our my Milwaukee Hole Hawg.
Ted Eedson
26U #232, Purrfection
If you plan to use any of these drills in a two speed winch, be aware that reverse places the entire load on a small screw that retains the chuck. You can save that screw by removing the chuck and putting Locktite on its threads before replacing it (
I would suggest red) or you can drill and tap your winch bit and Locktite it right onto the spindle.
The advantage of the latter is reduced weight and height above the winch.
The disadvantage is it can’t be used for a drill anymore.
To me this is not a drill it’s a power supply for my winches.
