What Is Twistlock?
Twistlock is a device used to fix containers. It is suitable for containers installed on decks and hatch covers.
The container twistlock ends are mushroom-shaped.
When using twistlock, try to insert the twist locks into the bottom holes of the four bottom corners of the container before pushing the handle Twist the mushroom head 90 degrees to lock the container.
- The twistlock was an important innovation in the field of container lashing equipment.
- It not only prevented horizontal shift but also lashed the containers vertically.
- This not only made a reduction in lashing wires, rods and chains possible but also permitted the coupling of two containers together vertically during the loading/unloading process (subject to weight limitations), thus saving considerable time.
- The twistlock consist of a steel body through which a central shaft passes which has cones at both ends.
- The shaft and cones can be rotated by approximately 90° by means of a lever which protrudes through the housing.
- The cones are placed in the longitudinal direction through the container corner fittings and then rotated to a transverse direction by means of the lever thus locking the containers vertically.
- Variations in the movement of the upper and lower cones are possible in different types of twistlocks but the general principle remains the same
- The twistlocks are generally made of cast steel and have a minimum breaking load >50 tonnes.
- The twistlocks provide vertical connection of container stacks.
- However transverse connection can also be achieved by the use of linkage plates which allow the twistlocks to work as double stackers thus transmitting horizontal forces between stacks
- The use of twistlocks permits a great reduction and possible elimination of all wires, rods, chains and tensioners.
This makes the lashing of containers easier and quicker resulting in large economics of cost and time.
The first lype of twistlocks were manual type, later semi-automatic type twistlocks were developed which were much easier to use.
Today automatic twistlocks have been developed and are in use.
The twistlock was an important innovation in the field of container lashing equipment.
It not only prevented horizontal shift but also lashed the containers vertically.
This not only made a reduction in lashing wires, rods and chains possible but also permitted the coupling of two containers together vertically during the loading/unloading process (subject to weight limitations), thus saving considerable time.
The twistlock consist of a steel body through which a central shaft passes which has cones at both
ends.
The shaft and cones can be rotated by approximately 90° by means of a lever which protrudes through the housing.
The cones are placed in the longitudinal direction through the container corner fittings and then rotated to a transverse direction by means of the lever thus locking the containers vertically.
Variations in the movement of the upper and lower cones are possible in different types of twistlocks but the general principle remains the same
The twistlocks are generally made of cast steel and have a minimum breaking load >50 tonnes.
The twistlocks provide vertical connection of container stacks.
However transverse connection can also be achieved by the use of linkage plates which allow the twistlocks to work as double stackers thus transmitting horizontal forces between stacks
The use of twistlocks permits a great reduction and possible elimination of all wires, rods, chains and tensioners.
This makes the lashing of containers easier and quicker resulting in large economics of cost and time.
The first lype of twistlocks were manual type, later semi-automatic type twistlocks were developed which were much easier to use.
Today automatic twistlocks have been developed and are in use:
Read More: Everything about Container Ships