The crankW is one of the oldest methods of converting human power to mechanical power. Since the invention of the electric generator, cranks are also used for small-scale electricity generation.

Cranks are normally hand-operated. It is important to note that operating a crank can rapidly become tiring. For many applications pedal power (which uses the larger leg muscles) may be a better option.

Hand-cranks are still often a good choice for small-scale mechanical grinders (e.g. coffee grinder), millers, rollers (e.g. pasta machine), shellers, and the like.

Some small-scale water pumps are also hand-cranked.

Hand cranked and (foot powered) electoronic machinery is making a small come back.

The word "crank" is also used for mechanical linkages that convert reciprocating linear motion into rotary motion or vice-versa.

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Keywords human power
Authors Writtenonsand
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Translations Korean
Related 1 subpages, 3 pages link here
Aliases Hand-crank, Crank, Hand-cranked
Impact 970 page views
Created February 21, 2008 by Writtenonsand
Modified October 23, 2023 by Maintenance script
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