Definition

Noun: 1. A wheel operated by hand: A handwheel is a wheel-shaped control device designed to be turned by hand. Its rim functions as the handle to operate a machine or mechanism. 2. A wheel on a vehicle that is turned by hand: Specifically, it can refer to the steering wheel of an early automobile or other vehicle that is manually operated, not powered.

Usage Examples

• General Control:
  • Turn the handwheel clockwise to tighten the vise.
  • The pressure is adjusted using the large brass handwheel on the valve.
• Historical Vehicle Context:
  • The antique car was steered with a simple wooden handwheel.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In engineering and machining, a handwheel is a precise manual control for adjusting the position of a tool (e.g., on a lathe or milling machine) or regulating flow (e.g., on a valve).
  • The machinist made fine adjustments using the cross-feed handwheel.

Variants and Related Words

• Hand crank: A handle or lever turned by hand to operate a mechanism, often involving a reciprocating motion rather than a simple wheel rotation.
• Steering wheel: The modern term for the primary control wheel used to steer a vehicle. "Handwheel" can be a synonym in historical or specific technical contexts.
• Valve wheel: A specific type of handwheel attached to a valve for opening, closing, or regulating flow.

Synonyms

• Manual wheel
• Control wheel
• Operator wheel

Related Phrases

• To throw the handwheel: To quickly engage or disengage a mechanism by turning its handwheel.
  • In an emergency, throw the handwheel to shut off the main valve.

Noun

1. control consisting of a wheel whose rim serves as the handle by which a part is operated
2. a wheel worked by hand