Starting handle

Starting Handle

A Starting handle or crank handle is a device used to manually start an internal combustion engine by rotating the crankshaft. It was a standard feature in many early automobiles and other forms of machinery, but has since been replaced by electric starters in most vehicles.

History

The starting handle was first used in the late 19th century, when automobiles were in their infancy. Early internal combustion engines did not have an electric starter, so a manual method was needed to start the engine. The starting handle was a simple and effective solution to this problem.

Design and Operation

The starting handle is a metal rod with a handle on one end and a gear or dog clutch on the other. The gear or clutch engages with a corresponding gear or clutch on the engine's crankshaft, allowing the operator to rotate the crankshaft by turning the handle.

To start the engine, the operator would insert the starting handle into a socket on the front of the vehicle, engage the gear or clutch, and then turn the handle. This would rotate the crankshaft, moving the pistons and starting the combustion process.

Safety Concerns

Despite their simplicity and effectiveness, starting handles could be dangerous if not used correctly. If the engine backfired during starting, the handle could spin rapidly and potentially injure the operator. This led to the development of safer starting methods, such as the electric starter.

Modern Usage

While starting handles are no longer standard equipment on most vehicles, they are still used in some applications. For example, they are often found on older or vintage cars, as well as some types of farm equipment and small engines.

See Also

• Crank mechanism
• Internal combustion engine
• Crankshaft
• Automobile