A rotating, spool-shaped drum attached to a winch or capstan, used to hoist or pull heavy loads. The operator wraps a rope around the spinning drum and applies tension to the free end, relying on friction to transfer the pulling force. It is commonly found on drilling rigs and heavy hoisting machinery where quick attachment and release of a line is required.
Heard on the job
Throw three wraps around the cathead and keep tension on the tail while we hoist this pipe.
Insider tip
The number of rope wraps controls the friction. Too few and the rope slips, too many and it can bind or overlap, creating a dangerous pinch point.
Also heard as
- capstan head
- winch head