Hand winch is a device that moves loads in every direction — pulling horizontally, lifting or lowering vertically, and everything in between, including pulls at an incline. It works with a rope anchored to the drum or drum flange on one end and connected to the load on the other; as the drum turns, the rope spools on (or unspools in reverse), and the tension created or released moves the load. Most winches use wire rope, while some use synthetic rope. Whatever the load or angle, a winch turns pulling power into controlled movement.