winders

Winders is a term with multiple meanings in architecture and mechanical engineering. In general usage, a winder refers to a component or device that winds a flexible medium such as rope, film, or wire onto a spool or drum. The word also designates a specific type of staircase feature used to turn a flight of stairs without a landing.

In architecture, winders are wedge-shaped steps that enable a staircase to change direction. They appear in spiral, curved, or dog-leg staircases, and their treads narrow toward the inner corner. Because the tread dimensions vary, winders require careful alignment with handrails and guardrails. Building codes often specify minimum tread width, rise, and headroom; some designs minimize or avoid winders to improve accessibility and safety.

In mechanical and industrial contexts, winders are devices that wind rope, wire, film, textiles, or other flexible media onto a spool, drum, or reel. They can be manual or motorized and typically include components such as guides, tensioners, and braking systems to prevent tangling or over-tensioning. Common applications include film winding in projectors and cameras, yarn winding in textile production, and rope or wire winding on winches and hoists.

Historically the term can also refer to a person who winds clocks or other mechanisms; this usage is now uncommon but appears in older literature. Overall, winders describe both a staircase element that assists in direction changes and a class of winding mechanisms used across various industries.