Winch handles

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.