Standard Specification for Warping Heads, Rope Handling (Gypsy Head, Capstan Head)

This specification covers warping heads used with windlass, winch, and capstan drive units to pull rope on board ships. Warping heads are primarily for use with fiber rope, natural, or synthetic. Warping heads with external ribs or whelps on the barrel, notched flanges, attached storage drums, unfinished drums, or non heat-treated fabrications, are considered special. The size of the warping head shall be identified by the nominal barrel diameter measured at the smallest point of the barrel. These warping heads are furnished in two types: Type I is with a cylindrical barrel which is generally used in but not restricted to horizontal shaft applications and Type II is with a conical barrel which is mounted with the large end of the barrel toward the drive machinery. It is generally used in but not restricted to vertical shaft applications. On the other hand, the warping heads are divided into four grades according to composition: Grade 1 is fabricated from any combination of structural steel plate, pipe, tubing, or steel castings and joined by electric welding; Grade 2 is made from mild to medium strength steel; Grade 3 is fabricated from any combination of steel plate or steel castings and joined by electric welding; and Grade 4 is cast from high strength steel castings. Principal dimensions, tolerances, and strength requirements are discussed.