Spindle facts for kids
A spindle is a word with many different meanings! It usually refers to something long and thin that spins, or something that helps other things spin. You might find spindles in old tools for making thread, inside your computer, or even as part of a car or bicycle. Let's explore some of the most common types of spindles.
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What is a Spindle?
Spindles for Making Thread
A spindle is a simple tool used for spinning fibers like wool or cotton into thread. It's usually a stick with a weight on it. People have used spindles for thousands of years to make yarn for clothes. This is where the word "spindle" first came from!
Spindle as a Measurement
Sometimes, the word "spindle" can also mean a specific amount of spun cotton. One spindle of cotton is equal to 18 hanks. This was a way to measure how much thread had been made.
The Spindle Tree
A spindle can also be a type of plant. The spindle tree is a poisonous shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Euonymus group of plants. These trees often have bright pink or red berries.
Spindles for Holding Things
Stationery Spindle
A spindle can be a device used to hold paper documents. Imagine a tall, thin spike on a base. You can push papers onto it to keep them organized.
CD and DVD Spindle
You might have seen a spindle that holds many blank CDs or DVDs. This is a plastic container, sometimes called a cakebox. It has a central pole where the discs stack up.
Spindles in Machines
Computer Hard Disk Spindle
Inside a computer's hard disk, there is a spindle. This spindle is the axis that makes the round platters spin very fast. These platters store all your computer's information.
Woodworking Spindle
In woodworking, a spindle is a machine that spins on a vertical axis. It holds special cutting tools. These tools can cut different shapes, grooves, or designs into wood. It's used for making things like decorative moldings.
Car Suspension Spindle
A spindle is also a part of a car's suspension system. It holds the hub for the wheel. This spindle connects to other parts of the car's suspension, like the control arms. It helps the wheel move smoothly over bumps.
Bicycle Pedal Spindle
On a bicycle, the pedal has a spindle. This part carries the main body of the pedal. The spindle screws into the crank arm, which is the part that connects the pedal to the bicycle's gears.
