SPRAGGING Meaning and
Definition
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Spragging is a term commonly used in the mining and railway industries, referring to a technique or action performed to stabilize or immobilize a moving object, especially a rail vehicle or a rotating piece of machinery. In essence, it involves the use of a sprag, which is a solid or adjustable piece of material, typically made of wood or metal, placed strategically to prevent unwanted movement.
In the mining sector, spragging is often used to secure coal mine carts or rail cars from rolling on inclined tracks during loading or unloading processes. This is achieved by positioning sprags between the wheels of the carts, creating a frictional force that prevents any further movement. Similarly, spragging is employed in railway operations when parking or maintaining rolling stock, ensuring the vehicles remain stationary and do not roll away unintentionally.
Furthermore, spragging can also refer to the practice of stopping or controlling the rotation of a mechanical component, such as a rotating shaft or flywheel. This is commonly accomplished by inserting sprags or blocks into gaps or teeth on the component, effectively blocking its movement. This prevents any uncontrolled rotation, which may pose safety risks or impede maintenance activities.
Overall, spragging represents a crucial technique in various industries, providing additional safety and stability measures to prevent unwanted movement and control the motion of different objects.
Common Misspellings for SPRAGGING
Etymology of SPRAGGING
The term "spragging" originates from the mining industry and has its roots in British dialect. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old Norse word "spreka" which means "to crack" or "to break open". In mining, spragging refers to the act of placing a wooden wedge or sprag in a wheel or rotating mechanism to prevent movement or engage the brake. This technique was commonly used in coal mines to secure the wheels of coal wagons and prevent them from rolling freely. Over time, the term "spragging" was adopted more broadly to refer to any act of blocking or jamming a wheel, pulley, or rotating mechanism to prevent accidental movement.
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