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This section provides an overview for crank handles as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 26 crank handle manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked crank handle companies as of December, 2024: 1.Carr Lane Manufacturing, 2.Northwestern Tools, 3.NBK America LLC.
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1985-2014: Worked for Alstom Corporation, ABB Corporation, and Gadelius Corporation, designing Jungstrom air preheaters and mechanical design of diamond soot blowers. (ABB Corporation: https://new.abb.com/jp)
2014-2021: Worked as an engineering and project manager at Alvos Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoichi-hiroki-92192394/
A crank handle is a mechanical input device that generates rotational output by manually rotating a handle. It typically consists of a lever (rod-shaped part) with a hole or shaft at one end, serving as the rotary output side, and a handle mounted in an L-shape for input.
A crank is a part of an axle or curved shaft, or an arm, keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft, converting reciprocating motion to circular motion or vice versa.
Figure 1. Example of crank handle use
Crank handles are used in various applications requiring rotary motion. Common examples include handles for car jacks, window and louver openers, and fishing rod reels. In industrial settings, they are used for manual operations of valves, electric motors, gears, and machine tool positioning like lathes.
Figure 1 illustrates crank handles used for the manual operation of lifting devices and worm reduction gears.
Crank handles function as mechanical input devices for manual rotary movements, consisting of a lever connecting a rotating shaft to an off-center shaft. They generate rotational output through manual rotation, offering leverage to reduce the required force.
The force needed to rotate a shaft, or torque, is calculated as follows:
Torque T(N-m) = Tangential force F(N) × Turning radius R(m)
The longer the lever, the more rotational force can be generated with less effort. However, longer levers make increasing rotational speed more difficult. Thus, lever length should be selected based on the required torque and rotational speed.
Figure 2. Types of crank handles (1)
Figure 3. Types of crank handles (2)
Figure 4. Types of crank handles (3)
When selecting crank handles, consider the operating environment and workspace. Factors include the shaft shape, required operation force, material strength, handle accessibility, environmental conditions, and workspace limitations.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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NBK America LLC, founded in 2015 and based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is an American manufacturer and a subsidiary of Japan's Nabeya Bi-tech Kaisha, specializing in mechanical components. Their product range includes couplings, like miniature shaft couplings for precision machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, special screws, such as vacuum application screws and other machine components. NBK offers finite automaton (FA) solutions, including wireless positioning units for production lines and setup operations. NBK provides machine component servicing, such as vibration resistance treatment and laser engraving. Services for couplings and special screws include coupling stainless steel screw alteration and screw length adjustment.
Northwestern Tools is a machine tooling manufacturer and supplier founded in 1942 in Dayton, Ohio. The company's diverse catalog includes clams, workholding, fasteners, linear motion devices, valves, and more. It includes multiple ready-to-ship items from brands like Elsea, Kipp and Jergens. The company produces specialized tooling, clamping and work-holding components, spring and ball plungers, fasteners, thread repair inserts, knobs and handles and hoist rings. Its products are used in the aerospace, medical, fastener, and lifting and material handling industries.
Mädler North America was founded in 2020 as the US-based subsidiary of Mädler which was founded in Berlin, Germany in 1882. Mädler specializes in manufacturing precision-made machine parts. Product lines include linear guides, bearings, bushes, bevel gears, worm wheels, castors and wheel systems, couplings, fastening elements, clutches, gear boxes, idlers, linear bearings, locking assemblies, machine mounts, elements for pneumatic machines various joints, rubber padding and dampers, splined shafts and hubs, sprockets, timing belts, spindles, adhesives, sealants, and other assorted accessories.
Lowell Corporation, based in West Boylston, Massachusetts, is a manufacturer of mechanical hand tools since 1869. The company specializes in providing a range of standard and custom-designed tools that incorporate their renowned ratchet technology. Their product lineup, including ratchet arms, ratchet clutches, socket wrenches, roller clutches, and related items, which are made in the USA. Lowell Corporation places a strong emphasis on the significance of utilizing appropriate tools and well-designed machinery to achieve maximum productivity and performance in work environments.
Jergens, Inc. established in Cleveland, OH in 1942 is a manufacturer of Workholding, Lifting and Specialty Fasteners products. Their product portfolio includes clamps, vises, fixtures, and chucks, used for precise and stable workpiece positioning in machining and assembly processes. The company serves industries Renewable Energy, Mining and Exploration, Marine and Offshore, Electronics and Semiconductors and Telecommunications. The company has ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100:2016 certification and have global delivery and customer support..
J.W. Winco was originally founded as Ganter in 1894 in Germany. Winco specializes in parts manufacturing. Parts offerings the operating parts segment including handles, adjusting, and positioning parts; clamping parts segment featuring tensioning, clamping, switching, and levers; and finally the machine parts segment with indexing, locking, mounting, connecting elements, guides, spindles, rollers, magnets, casters, and wheels. Winco’s complete catalog contains over 75,000 standard parts. Winco is also ISO 9001 certified. Winco offers free CAD downloads and technical documentation for many arts.
Howard J. Moore Company, formerly known as MROCO was founded in 1945 as a precision parts producer, is based in Plainview, New York, and is ISO 9001/2008 certified. Howard J. Moore serves a number of industries such as aerospace, electronics, avionics, tactical systems, machinery, microwave components, automotive, and radio communications. Howard J. Moore offers several production services such as die cutting, stamping, laser cutting, machining, printing, silk screening, plating, and 3D printing. Howard J. Moore performs these services with many output materials ranging from acrylic and aluminum to Zelux and Zytel.
E. W. Hannas, Inc. is a company established in 1987, located in New York, USA the manufacturer and supplier of industrial sensors and automation solutions. The company's main products include sensors such as proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, and ultrasonic sensors, catering to diverse applications in manufacturing and automation processes. E. W. Hannas, Inc. is a sensor technology, providing dependable and efficient solutions for industries like automotive, electronics, and robotics. With a pledge to modernization and quality, the company has become an important partner for industrial automation solutions globally.
OneMonroe was founded in the 1920s and is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. OneMonroe is an ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified global industrial manufacturing company serving several types of customers including manufacturers, distributors and catalog-houses across several vertical markets including aerospace/defense, automotive, medical, and transportation. Product lines include adjustable handles, bearings, casters, gaskets, hydraulic clamping, military spec hinges, molded rubber, piano hinges, pins, pull handles, quick release pins, seals, springs, toggle clamps, and various harnesses. Custom manufacturing is also available to meet specific customer needs.
Morton Machine Works was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Millersburg, Pennsylvania. The company is a manufacturer of tooling components supplying to industrial distributors, catalog houses, and OEMs throughout the world. The company offers custom manufacturing capabilities in an ISO 9001-certified facility for customers in industries such as metalworking, OEM, automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. The company’s product categories include various fasteners, plungers, leveling pads, locating components, and work holding components.
Metro Hydraulic Jack Co. is a third-generation family run business in operation since 1941. MHJ is based in Newark, NJ. MHJ distributes hydraulic jack-related equipment, tools, and parts including a broad range of cylinders, motors, valves, presses, couplings, tools, hydraulic fittings, hoses, jacks, pumps, lifts, lubrication equipment, pallet stackers, scissor lifts, and workholding devices. MHJ also offers system design services as well as engineering services and extensive repair including testing, retrofitting, and overhauling.
EHC is a New York-based company, designs, manufactures, and distributes knobs and related hardware solutions. The company is involved in the manufacturing of an extensive range of crafted knobs suitable for various applications and purposes. They have control knobs that are further classifieds into many types, sizes, and series such as plastic, metallic, pointed, or round. There are also Clamp knobs such as Fluted and Knurled knobs and Military and Transilluminated knobs are also part of the inventory. They further provide specific services to help businesses outsource such as designing and engineering parts, providing custom manufacturing, or facilitating the logistics.
H.A. Stiles Co., Inc., established in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1911 is a supplier of custom Wood Products. The company's product portfolio includes wood dowels, wood turnings, wooden handles, moldings, and flatwork. Their products find application in wooden cabinets and storage solutions that maximize functionality and aesthetics, Handcrafted wooden doors and windows, and wood countertops and surfaces in kitchens and workspaces. They serve markets including Residential and Commercial Construction, Interior Design and Architecture, Hospitality and Retail.
Ketterer Inc., established in 1832, is headquartered in Furtwangen, Germany, and stands as a manufacturer specializing in drive solutions. The company specializes in crafting a diverse range of drive systems, offering a product line encompassing precision gears, drive motors, and related components. Its adherence to rigorous quality standards is exemplified by its ISO 9001 certification. Its drive solutions find applications across various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and more.
Normelemente KG, established in 1958 and based in Markgroningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, is a German manufacturer and supplier that specializes in standard parts and machine components. Norelem offers an extensive catalog of more than 70,000 products, catering to the needs of engineers and designers in various projects. Their product range includes clamping technology, measuring and testing components, electromechanics, systems and components for machine and plant construction, and material handling and transport solutions. These products find applications in diverse engineering fields, such as automotive, aerospace, machinery, and robotics sectors.
ELESA (UK) LTD is a manufacturer that specializes in design, production, and distribution premium plastic and metal parts for industrial applications. The company is situated at United Kingdom and established in 2002. Their product portfolio include a broad selection of products, which includes handles, knobs, clamp solutions, level feet, hinges, and more, with a strong emphasis on innovation and client satisfaction. The company provide services to many different businesses and have a solid clientele. Environmental responsibility is of the great importance, and sustainable approaches are used.
Gamm SRL, established in 1933 and headquartered in Essex, United Kingdom, is a locking parts and various PVC parts manufacturer and supplier. The company's core products include locking handwheels, locking tools, and locking knobs. It also produces various electrical parts, hinges, and articulated feet for home appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. The company offers clients stock management through automated warehouses and the capacity to hold 500,000 individual items. It also serves various manufacturers in over 60 countries through its network of distributors.
Mädler GmbH, established in 1882 and headquartered in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a manufacturer of industrial machinery that specializes in drive-train components. The company offers a wide range of products, including clutches and safety couplings, ball bearings, bevel gears, and hinges. It also offers a wide range of services related to power transmission elements and standard parts. Its coupling has reduced wear of the elastomer components, which increases the lifespan of the coupling. The company's quality management is certified according to DIN 9001:2015. Its products are used in various industries such as automation, robotics, automotive, medical, and FnB.
WDS Components, founded in 1952, and located in Leeds, England, is a manufacturer and distributor of standard parts, machine accessories, and workholding components. WDS Components offers various products including gas struts, handles, hinges, locks, toggle latches, as well as handwheels, anti-vibration mounts, machine leveling feet, and tube inserts, all of which are used for various industrial applications such as machine build, maintenance, repair, traditional location and clamping elements. The company's products are accredited according to the standards of BS EN ISO 9001:2015, RoHS, WEEE, ISO 14001 cerfications.
GanterNorm, established in 1894 and located in Furtwangen, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of standard machine elements specializing in clamping, operating, and fixture components. With an extensive catalog comprising over 70,000 readily available parts, it serves a diverse clientele. Among its offerings are GN 115 stainless steel latches with lockable operating elements, GN 449.4 plastic snap latches with gripping tray, GN 938 zinc die casting hinges for panels, GN 515 latches with extended housing and operating elements, and GN 282.9 plastic swivel clamp connector joints.
Boteco Srl, founded in 1970 and based in Italy, is a manufacturer of manoeuvring handles and mechanical components. The company produces bridge handles, plastic and metal solid control handwheels, plastic and metal fixed and indexed clamping levers, and control handwheels. It has more than 15,000 distinct goods in more than 400 distinct categories. The company holds EC and ISO 9001:2015 certifications. It also has statements from RoHS, REACH, Proposition 65 (California), and Conflict Minerals. The company has worldwide distributors and offers its clients the use of its warehouse to stock products.
Rencol Components, a manufacturere renowned for knobs, handles, and hand wheels in the UK, leverages a century of design and manufacturing expertise in metal and plastic products. Building a global supply chain, they've expanded their competitively-priced Standard Components range. A key supplier, Rencol serves diverse industries with ergonomic products in various sizes and materials. Their engineers prioritize quality, adhering to strict controls at every stage. With substantial UK warehouse stocks and a rapid 6-week non-standard product manufacturing capability, Rencol Components stands in standard part provision.
Tank Truck Service & Sales, Inc. has been designing and building tank trucks since 1948 and is based in Warren, Michigan. The company is a manufacturer, assembler, and distributor of tank trucks and trailers. The company's product offerings include parts and components including tank truck equipment, bulk plant and storage tank equipment, dry break or dry disconnect fittings, valves, hose, hose reels, meters, swivel joints, gaskets, and pipe sealants. Tank truck offerings include refined fuel trucks and trailers, LGP trucks, and specialty tank trucks. Additionally, The company offers metalwork, equipment work, dot testing, paintwork, and sensor repairs.
Strybuc Industries was founded in 1982 and is a wholesale distributor of window and door replacement hardware.They are an American, family-run company with three main locations in Philadelphia, Miami, and Reno. Their product line includes sash locks, window repair parts, door rollers, handles, and other items that can be customized to meet the demands of the customer. Their inventory encompasses over 80,000 hardware parts, and they serve enterprises all around the world.
Tri-State Bearing Company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana. The company is an independently owned and operated distributor of a full line of bearings, mechanical power transmission, and motion control products to customers across North America in the agricultural, automotive, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries. The company has several product lines such as chains & sprockets, clutches & breaks, and couplings in addition to its namesake of bearings. The company also offers services such as custom-length modifications of certain components such as roller chains, electronic repair of drivers and controllers, and on-site gearbox assembly.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carr Lane Manufacturing |
15.2%
|
| 2 | Northwestern Tools |
9.1%
|
| 3 | NBK America LLC |
9.1%
|
| 4 | Jergens, Inc. |
6.1%
|
| 5 | OneMonroe (Monroe Engineering Products) |
6.1%
|
| 6 | E. W. Hannas, Inc. |
6.1%
|
| 7 | Maedler North America |
6.1%
|
| 8 | H.A. Stiles Co., Inc. |
6.1%
|
| 9 | Lowell Corporation |
6.1%
|
| 10 | J.W. Winco, Inc. |
6.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the crank handle page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
14 | 66.7% |
|
Germany
|
3 | 14.3% |
|
United Kingdom
|
3 | 14.3% |
|
Italy
|
1 | 4.8% |
9 products found
9 products
TOCHIGIYA CO.,LTD.
40+ people viewing
■Features A handle with few protrusions from the door surface. Comes with a detent mechanism. ■Applications Small switchboards, distribution board...
TOCHIGIYA CO.,LTD.
30+ people viewing
■Features It is an L-shaped handle that can be used for both left and right hands. ■Applications Switchboard/distribution board, etc. *We accept ...
TOCHIGIYA CO.,LTD.
30+ people viewing
(Company) Japan Power Distribution Control System Industry Association Emergency Switchboard Certification Committee Registered Product (Fireproof...
TOCHIGIYA CO.,LTD.
30+ people viewing
■Features When the handle is pulled up, the stopper retracts and opening and closing operations are possible by rotating the handle. Push down on t...
TOCHIGIYA CO.,LTD.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
■Features You can choose the size depending on the installation location. ■Applications Various handles *We accept inquiries regarding custom-mad...
TOCHIGIYA CO.,LTD.
20+ people viewing
■Features A stopper for the handle. ■Applications Various handles *We accept inquiries regarding custom-made products.
Toho Koki Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
