Crank handles can be used for a wide variety of settings. In the office, hand-cranked pencil sharpeners allow us to rotate the blade around the pencil tip instead of rotating the pencil itself. In older car models, windows are raised or lowered using a revolving handle that’s typically made from plastic. Fishing rods have a reeling mechanism that pulls the fishing line when turned.

Heavy industries also use crank handles for a number of tasks that involve machining and equipment adjustments. The manufacturing sector uses crank handles to manually calibrate lathes and other heavy-duty machines. Holes are bored into the conrods so they fit into the machines. Typically, manufacturers use a blind bore or blank bore to mount the handle to a wheel.

The earliest crank handles were made from hardwood. Today, there’s a long list of materials that can be used for manufacturing crank handles. Plastics are more common in car interiors, but they can also be used in factories and manufacturing plants as well. However, they may not provide as much strength and longevity compared to sturdier materials.

While stainless steel and aluminum offer a wide range of benefits, cast iron handles offer better corrosion resistance and ductility. It can also withstand high amounts of pressure and heat.