Handbook for Light ArtilleryDyer, A. B. (Alexander Brydie)
History
Handbook for Light Artillery
Dyer, A. B. (Alexander Brydie)
Artillery, Field and mountain
=A Watch-tackle= or =Tail-tackle= is a luff-tackle purchase, with a
hook in the end of the single block, and a tail to the upper end of the
double block.
=A Single Burton= is composed of two single blocks, with a hook in
the bight of the running part. Reeve the end of rope through the upper
block, and make it fast to the strap of the fly-block. Then make fast
your hook to the bight of the rope, and reeve the other end through the
fly-block for a fall. The hook is made fast by passing the bight of the
rope through the eye of the hook and over the whole. This is a very
quick-working tackle and a strong purchase. Used for hoisting entirely.
When a very heavy weight is to be raised, the standing part should be
attached to the slings by a fisherman's bend instead of to the block.
The _size_ of blocks is expressed by the _length_ of the _shell_ in
inches.
_Tackles_ are also designated by the number of sheaves employed, as
twofold (two single blocks), threefold (double and single block), etc.
The bight of a hook is the middle of the bend of the hook part.
Rope should always be stopped up, either with the end or with rope-yarn
stops, to prevent its getting into a snarl. When using ropes for
hauling, they should never be dragged upon the ground.
Before reeving a rope in a block the turn should be carefully taken
out, to prevent twisting when the weight is lifted. This is done
by stretching the rope out to its full length, and turning it in
the opposite direction to that in which it is laid up until all the
stiffness disappears.
Blocks should be overhauled very often to see that the sheaves are
working properly on the pins, and that they work smoothly. If they do
not, turn the pins end for end and rub a little black lead (graphite)
on them to lubricate them; also on the sides of the sheaves where they
rub against the shell.
When hoisting with tackles, they should never be allowed to twist. If
they show a tendency to do so, insert a bar in the block or sling, and
use it as a lever to hold it straight.
It frequently happens that the men cannot apply their full strength in
the direction in which it would be most effective. In such cases hook a
single block to some object about two feet above the ground and reeve
the end of the fall through it, so that the men can add their strength
to their weight, and more men can apply themselves.
Never trust the suspension of a weight to holding it by the unaided
strength of men. If it is possible to get a turn around any fixed
object, even in raising or hauling a weight, it is best to take a turn,
as all that is gained is then saved.
Always select such blocks that the fall will run freely through them,
and not ride upon the edges of the sheaves. If it does, it will be
certain to cut. The rope should not quite fill the groove on the
sheave. In this way excessive friction is avoided.
The power gained by using tackle is as follows:
Two single blocks, or gun-tackle: nearly doubled.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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