Beware: The Deadly Wrecker Crank
By Randall C. Resch
I fancy myself a “closet historian,” searching for obscure industry news and events that might otherwise be lost to the annals of tow history. In my quest to uncover interesting stories, I recently came across a vintage news article that’s part of my own story—and perhaps yours, too.
If you’re a veteran tower familiar with mechanical wreckers, you’ll understand the dangers behind this article’s title: the boom and winch crank.
For old-generation tow dudes, this narrative may jog memories of an “operational pastime” from your early days in the industry. Described here as the catalyst for a freak accident, it’s an occurrence that rarely happens—but one that vintage wrecker enthusiasts should understand.
Freak Accidents Happen, Right?
We in the towing industry know that most accidents are preventable. But when something out of the ordinary occurs, the circumstances that cause an injury or death aren’t always fully understood.
A quick look at Wikipedia’s definition of a “freak accident” describes it as an event resulting in injury or death through an unusual and unpredictable chain of circumstances. Such incidents are rare and unexpected, often with consequences no one anticipates.
Crank It Up
Dating back to early manufacturers such as Manley and Weaver Cranes, Holmes, Weld-Build, Bonnin, Ashton, No-Mar, and Cobb, mechanical wreckers relied on equipment that today’s towers might find unfamiliar. For generations of operators who grew up with these machines, the hand crank was an essential part of the job.
Before hydraulic systems became commonplace, early wreckers relied on chain- and shaft-driven power take-offs (PTOs) to operate their winches. Heavy metal cranks were used in various mechanical processes, including raising booms, lowering stabilizers, lifting vehicles, and turning winch spools—much like cranking the landing gear on a semi-trailer.
Old-timers still refer to this implement as a “spindle crank.” On mechanical wreckers built by companies such as Manley and Weaver, operators used hand-cranked, gear-ratioed winches to lift and tow vehicles. Locking mechanisms, or “lock dogs,” engaged the winch gears to prevent them from reversing under load.
When additional wire rope or chain was needed, operators released the winch lock and pulled out the required length. Once the recovery was complete, the hand crank allowed them to rewind the rope or chain or raise the boom more quickly than operating the winch under power at idle. Under normal conditions, this process presented relatively little danger.
Operator Beware
Our grandfathers and early tow-industry mentors made sure young operators understood the purpose of the hand crank—and the danger of using it improperly. If you didn’t understand the risks, it often took just one “operator error” to learn the hard way. “Pain” is a powerful motivator!
Historical reports document several tragic examples.
In November 1933, Pennsylvania garageman Abraham Simon was lowering a lifted vehicle when its weight jerked the crank from his hands. The handle struck him in the head, causing a substantial laceration.
In 1947, 35-year-old New York garageman Colin Martyn was lowering a vehicle at a salvage yard when the wrecker’s crank handle struck him in the face. He died at a New York hospital an hour later.
An even more tragic incident occurred in May 1957 in Toronto, Canada. A wrecker operator was working at a collision scene with a vintage wrecker. Although the precise circumstances remain unclear, reports suggest he was either pulling cable or raising the boom.
With the hand crank inserted through a side panel, the operator was occupied with the recovery and apparently failed to notice 15-year-old Edgar Mercer pressing down on the handle as the mechanism released.
Under the force of the loaded boom, the now-unrestrained crank spun violently, striking Edgar in the head. He was rushed to Toronto General Hospital with severe injuries but subsequently died.
Still in Action?
With the growing popularity of collectible “old iron wreckers,” vintage machines are more sought after than ever. Tow enthusiasts and a new generation of collectors are snapping them up, even when they’re in poor condition or no longer running.
Part of the excitement of restoration is hunting for period-accurate parts and accessories. Collectors are willing to spend good money to find the right equipment, and when vintage wreckers appear in pageants and shows, judges often look for factory cranks among their period-correct tools.
But remember this: A hand crank, regardless of its age or condition, can hurt you—and potentially kill you.Always maintain control of the crank and understand the mechanism before operating it.
Cranks are rare and highly collectible. If you’re a discerning collector looking for period-correct accessories, one might be a welcome addition to your collection. Should you find a vintage crank at a swap meet or buried in the weeds of a tow yard, try to negotiate a reasonable price.
Just remember, when it comes to vintage wrecker parts, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”
Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired, veteran, California police officer, former tow business owner and industry advocate. As consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 57-years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. In 29-years, he has contributed more than 800-safety focused articles for American Towman Magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com and POLICE Magazine. He is a frequent seminar presenter and beauty pageant judge at tow shows. In 2014, he was inducted to the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame, was the 3rd recipient of the industry's "Dave Jones Leadership Award," and is a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee.
Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.
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