Calder and Hebble Handspike

[Triumphtone]

Hi

 

We about to tackle the Calder and Hebble for the first time. I have acquired a length of 3x2 hardwood to make a handspike. I've just measured the cross-section and I have found that its an eighth of an inch oversized. Will this matter or do I need to reduce it down.

 

Thanks

 

Anth

[Guest]

Hi

 

We about to tackle the Calder and Hebble for the first time. I have acquired a length of 3x2 hardwood to make a handspike. I've just measured the cross-section and I have found that its an eighth of an inch oversized. Will this matter or do I need to reduce it down.

 

Thanks

 

Anth

 

Does this help?

 

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/calder/handspike.htm

[journeyperson]

Hi

 

We about to tackle the Calder and Hebble for the first time. I have acquired a length of 3x2 hardwood to make a handspike. I've just measured the cross-section and I have found that its an eighth of an inch oversized. Will this matter or do I need to reduce it down.

 

Thanks

 

Anth

 

Mine's on the boat at the moment and I'm at home so I can't check the actual dimensions, I had acquired a piece of 3x2 because that was the size I had seen quoted in various places but on my way along the Rochdale Canal I was talking to a chap who showed me his (handspike) and it was smaller in cross section. I ended up with something which from memory measures 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 and it fitted fairly snuggly. My piece of 3 x 2 would have been too big.

Edited September 7, 2011 by journeyperson

[Burgiesburnin]

Now I am afraid. I wouldnt know what to do with a "hand spike" if I had one. Whats its purpose and how do you use it?

[mrsmelly]

Hi

 

We about to tackle the Calder and Hebble for the first time. I have acquired a length of 3x2 hardwood to make a handspike. I've just measured the cross-section and I have found that its an eighth of an inch oversized. Will this matter or do I need to reduce it down.

 

Thanks

 

Anth

 

Hi

 

I used mine yesterday and have it in my hand it measures in English. 3 feet long including handle bit. The working end is like a cricket bat and measures 17 inches long ( not critical ) it is 3 inches wide by 2 inches thick and tapers down to 1 inch from the 2 inches at the bottom.

[journeyperson]

Now I am afraid. I wouldnt know what to do with a "hand spike" if I had one. Whats its purpose and how do you use it?

 

Have a look at MJG's link above for a demonstration. Some of the locks on the Calder & Hebble can only be filled using one, on ground paddles and/or top gate paddles.

[Triumphtone]

Sorry for the late reply, I lost internet connection for a few hours. Thanks for all the info. It seems that I need to form a handle at one end and reduce the other end down to about 3x1 or 2½x1¾. Is it possible to step the end of the spike so I could use both these sizes?

 

Thanks

 

Anth

[journeyperson]

Sorry for the late reply, I lost internet connection for a few hours. Thanks for all the info. It seems that I need to form a handle at one end and reduce the other end down to about 3x1 or 2½x1¾. Is it possible to step the end of the spike so I could use both these sizes?

 

Thanks

 

Anth

 

The mechanism it fits into is like a capstan on its side and the sockets are quite deep, I would say it is best to taper the last 8 inches of the shaft down from 3 x 2 to 2 1/2 x 1 3/4 for a tight fit. Shaping the rest of the shaft isn't necessary except for a comfortable grip. Something makeshift will do unless you are going to be on that waterway regularly.

[Triumphtone]

Thanks for that. Sounds like I need to get my woodworking gear out

 

 

Anth

[Mac of Cygnet]

Tapering to the given dimensions at the business end makes it easier to withdraw the spike to allow the paddle to drop freely (one of the few places on the system where this is not frowned upon). Some stickier ones don't drop even when given a push from above, and have to be wound down, which is a pain. I'm on my third handspike, having bent one (iron bar) and broken one (softwood), both on Cromwell lock, but was surprised to find it much easier a couple of days ago. Enjoy the C&H - I felt a real sense of homecoming on returning after a summer away darn sarf.

 

Mac

[mrsmelly]

Tapering to the given dimensions at the business end makes it easier to withdraw the spike to allow the paddle to drop freely (one of the few places on the system where this is not frowned upon). Some stickier ones don't drop even when given a push from above, and have to be wound down, which is a pain. I'm on my third handspike, having bent one (iron bar) and broken one (softwood), both on Cromwell lock, but was surprised to find it much easier a couple of days ago. Enjoy the C&H - I felt a real sense of homecoming on returning after a summer away darn sarf.

 

Mac

Hi

 

Have fun at Fall Ings lock.....you dont need ya hand spike on that one just good biceps and a strong back, its a real barsteward...