Harken B8AL 8" Aluminum Locking Ball Bearing Winch Handle
- Brand:
- Harken
- Part no:
- B8AL
Where to buy
Specifications
- Length
- 8 in
- Locking
- Yes
The Harken B8AL is an 8 inch aluminum winch handle with a locking head and a ball bearing grip. The grip is built to pass power into the winch efficiently. Harken says the handle fits international standard winch sockets and is made for both racers and cruisers.
Our take
The ball bearing grip is the feature that counts here, because it is low friction and passes cranking effort into the winch efficiently. It also fits international standard winch sockets, so it should drop into common winch drives.
From our buying guide
Harken says its handles fit international standard winch sockets and other makers' winches, except old bronze Merriman-style ones. Length sets the leverage: Harken says an 8 in grinds faster but gives 20% less power than a 10 in.
Check before you buy:
- The real length is what you expect, since lengths are nominal. Barton's 8 inch handle measures 225 mm.
- Locking or plain suits you. Lewmar weighs the security of a lock-in against the flexibility of a traditional handle, and Harken says racers prefer plain.
- It floats, if that matters to you. Lewmar says its composite Titan handles float if dropped overboard.
Photo: Egor Myznik on Unsplash