Worm Gear Winches
Doughty worm gear winches are manual hand winches for raising and lowering lighting bars, scenery, curtains and overhead loads in theatres, schools and entertainment venues. The self-locking worm gear mechanism holds the load securely in position when the handle is released, with no need for an additional brake. A reliable and straightforward solution for permanent rigging installations where controlled height adjustment is required.
Browse the full range below or visit our entertainment and stage rigging guide for specification guidance. For a complete rigging system browse our full rigging hardware range.
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Worm Gear Winches – Product list
Doughty Worm Gear Winches for Theatre and Entertainment Rigging
Doughty worm gear winches are manual lifting devices used in theatres, schools, houses of worship and community venues to raise and lower lighting bars, curtain battens, scenic cloths and other overhead loads. The worm gear mechanism provides mechanical advantage for lifting heavy loads with minimal effort, while the worm gear geometry prevents back-driving: the load cannot lower itself unless the handle is actively turned. This self-locking action makes Doughty worm gear winches a safe and reliable choice for permanent installations where motorised fly systems are not required.
How Doughty Worm Gear Winches Work
A worm gear winch uses a helical worm drive connected to a drum that coils wire rope as the handle is turned. The gear ratio provides a significant mechanical advantage, allowing a single operator to raise loads far heavier than would be possible by hand alone. The worm gear geometry means the load is held securely in any position when the handle is released, without requiring a separate locking device or brake.
Typical Applications
- Theatre and performing arts venues: raising and lowering lighting bars, curtain battens and scenic cloths in permanent installations.
- Schools and community halls: simple, safe manual rigging for venues without motorised fly systems.
- Houses of worship: permanent installation for adjusting overhead lighting and AV equipment.
- Studios and rehearsal spaces: flexible height adjustment for lighting bars and drapes.
What to Look For
- Load capacity: Doughty worm gear winches are available in multiple SWL ratings. Always verify the total load including the bar weight, fixtures, cables and all attached equipment before selecting a winch.
- Drum capacity: check that the wire rope length the drum accommodates matches your required drop distance.
- Compliance: all Doughty worm gear winches comply with EN17206, the European standard for stage and entertainment machinery, and meet relevant LOLER requirements for entertainment venue use in the UK.
Safety note: worm gear winches must be installed and inspected by a qualified rigger. LOLER regulations require regular thorough examination of all lifting equipment used in entertainment venues in the UK. Part of our entertainment and stage rigging range. Browse our full rigging hardware range for a complete solution.
