handwheel

English

Etymology

From hand ‎ wheel.

Noun

handwheel (plural handwheels)

1. (mechanics) Any wheel worked by hand, whether used to allow leverage, as of a valve or a handbrake, or to allow fine adjustment, as of a set screw.
   • 1964 May, “Automation in the cab—latest SNCF developments”, in Modern Railways, page 336:

     When the large handwheel seen in the illustration of a 68000 class cab is moved from "stop" to "run", the traction circuit contactors are closed and the locomotive moves off with the diesel engine running at idling speed.

Alternative forms

• hand wheel